Tuesday, July 04, 2017

The Academy of Political Studies (ASP) in collaboration with the Open Society Foundation for Albania (OSFA), are implementing the second phase of research and advocacy activities focus on improve policies at the local level. This program aims to further develop the civic and professional engagement of our alumni – over 300 participants from ten generations - representatives of political parties, public service, civil society, academia and media, who act as drivers of change and promoters of the implementation of important reforms in the country. Following an open application process in May 2017, six outstanding proposals were selected which will benefit relevant training on research and advocacy techniques and be support financially in their activities.

More specifically, the policy papers are focused on the following issues:
•    “Targeted support of children of returned migrants and asylum seekers” - Case study in Gjirokaster;
•    “The National Referral Mechanism in Domestic Violence and the role of local structures” – Case study Korca and Berat;
•    “Participation of women in influencing the decision-making processes in local government” - Case study Shkodra;
•    “Transferring the competences of managing the primary health care service towards the local government – Case study Shkoder and Belsh;
•    “Direct Democracy as an incentive for civic participation and ownership in the decision-making of Tirana municipality”;
•    “Online communication strategies of local governments” – Case study Vlora and Diber.

The first training on academic writing was held on 4 July under the guidance of the mentor of the program Mrs. Gentiola Madhi. A second training on advocacy techniques is planned to be organise in September. The documents are expected to be finalised and presented in public events during October-December 2017, aiming advocacy and collaboration with other stakeholders in order to improve these important local issues.