The joint EU/CoE Regional Programme “ROMACTED: Promoting Good Governance and Roma Empowerment at Local Level” organised local launching events in the municipalities of Permet, Korca and Pogradec during 23-25 April.

These launching activities, in these three beneficiary municipalities, put emphasis at an inclusive society and integration of Roma and Egyptian minorities through art and culture.

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. This drama brings the attention to the current social dynamics and the generational gap in a post-modern society.

The events were addressed by Claus Neukirch, Head of the Council of Europe in Tirana, Bekim Murati, General Director of the Agency for the Support of Local Self-Government, Niko Shupuli, Mayor of Municipality of Permet, Sotiraq Filo, Mayor of Municipality of Korca, Avdulla Cano, Deputy Mayor of Municipality of Pogradec, Orsiola Kurti – ROMACTED Project Officer and Bledar Taho – ROMACTED Focal Point. Invited guest speakers, recalled on the expected contribution of the ROMACTED Programme in these three municipalities and the necessity of similar activities, in order to promote social inclusion without discrimination at local level.