The first VSO volunteers in Albania in 1992 worked in the special needs sector, developing carers and families knowledge of and expertise with children with learning difficulties and helping to set up day-care centres. Volunteers are currently working in Tirana, Elbasan and Librazhd, and new placements will concentrate in these regions and areas south of Tirana. The need for assistance in developing social welfare systems is greater than ever and two of the six volunteers currently in Albania are working with NGOs to develop services and promote social inclusion. Where possible, they also work with the local authority social welfare departments. They help to develop and raise standards of community-based and NGO social services.
Volunteers provide both social work management skills and therapeutic skills.
For example, one volunteer is working as an Adviser with the Albanian Disability Rights Foundation. VSO is planning more targeted NGO placements in Albania, for example with umbrella NGOs, who themselves are providing support to smaller NGOs working with disadvantaged groups. In the business sector, VSO aims to complement the government s privatisation programme, helping to boost the economy and create employment opportunities. Recent placements have included a citizen s advice bureau manager working for the Albanian Consumer Association and a business adviser at a Regional Development Agency, helping to expand their business support and regional development services. It is difficult for local NGOs and government departments to include the costs of supporting a VSO volunteer for a year.