The first edition of the Roma Political School in Albania was successfully completed by 21 Roma and non-Roma young people.

The comprehensive and intensive programme included training modules varying from the rule of law and political systems to advocacy and activism as well as political campaigning and elections. 

The objective is to foster political and public participation and representation to bring Roma citizens closer to local and national decision-making bodies, improve the active participation and interaction with public administration and ensure presence in the public sphere. 

The young Roma graduates will gain a stronger political voice for the implementation of the Local Action Plans for the Integration of Roma and Egyptian Minorities and Roma responsive budgeting at local level in Albania. They will be better equipped to run for the local elections and bring Roma voice and issues of interest to the local councils and decision-making processes in Albania, translating local democracy into practice.

The school is financed by the Council of Europe and runs in partnership with the association Roma Versitas. There are also Roma political schools in Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Ukraine.