The joint European Union/Council of Europe regional programme “ROMACTED: Promoting Good Governance and Roma Empowerment at Local Level” organised the local launching event in the municipality of Elbasan on 07 May 2018. This was the seventh activity marking the finalization of the successful tournament of local events in the partner municipalities of Vlora, Roskovec, Fier, Permet, Korca, Pogradec and Elbasan.

These activities held during April-May 2018 aimed at promoting the importance of the empowerment of the Roma communities with a view to mainstreaming Roma inclusion within each of the participating municipalities; commemorating 8^th of April, International Roma Day, and 6^th of May (Erdelezi); and celebrating Romani culture and promoting the artistic skills of Roma youth.

The event was addressed by Claus Neukirch, Head of the Council of Europe in Tirana, Klevis Xhoxhi – Deputy Mayor of Municipality of Elbasan, Orsiola Kurti – ROMACTED Project Officer and Bledar Taho – ROMACTED Focal Point.

The artistic team of young Roma talents of Institute of Romani Culture in Albania (IRCA), the support organisation of the programme, demonstrated their art skills through the performance of the “Wooden Dish” drama authored by Edmund Morris, and directed by Marjus Veizi. Certificates were awarded to each of the young talented performers in recognition of their successful artistic performance of the “Wooden Dish” drama in the seven municipalities.