National Conference Report with Annexes

Transcription

Technical Assistance for
Civil Society Organisations
Macedonian Office
This project is funded
by the European Union.
Technical Assistance to the Civil Society organizations 2 (TACSO 2) from
the IPA Beneficiaries Europe Aid/133642/C/SER/Multi
TACSO SB P2P Report
National Conference
“The Role of Civil Society Organizations
in Developing Social Entrepreneurship in Albania”,
Tirana International Hotel, Tirana, 11-12 March 2014
CONTENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
Introduction
Report from the National Conference “The role of Civil Society organizations in
Developing Social Entrepreneurship in Albania”
Report from the 1st day of the Conference
Report from the 2nd day of the Conference
Evaluation results
Media coverage
Annex A: Conference Agenda
Annex B: Participants List
Annex C: Presentations
Annex C: Evaluation report
Annex D: Conclusions
1. Introduction
In the framework of P2P Program, TACSO Albania Office in collaboration with DG ELARGEMENT, EU
Delegation to Albania and the Albanian Forum of Social Enterprises organized during March 11-12,
2014 the Single Beneficiary Event with the subject: The Role of Civil Society Organizations in
Developing Social Entrepreneurship in Albania.
Being aware of potentials of Social Enterprises (SE) as an innovative approach to providing services
of social value, the aim of the conference was to give participants the concepts and understanding
of social enterprises (SE) and also explain the benefits of SE for CSOs, public authorities and
government agencies and to community/development processes.
TACSO Albania Office, Qendra e Biznesit Kotoni, Rr. Donika Kastrioti, Tel: 0035542259597; E-mail: [email protected]
SIPU International AB Sweden • Ecorys International Netherland • Intrac United Kingdom • Foundation Partners for Local Development Romania
Euclid Network United Kingdom • SMART Croatia
The conference also provided participants with the opportunity to be acquainted with EU policies
on Social Business and strategies for creating a favorable climate for social enterprises and social
economy. The event served as a forum for discussion and introduction of different models of
operations of SE in Western Europe and relevant initiatives from WB countries.
This conference was organized as a follow up of the conference “Social entrepreneurship –Have
your Say”, held in January 2014 in Strasbourg, with the aim to contribute with further
recommendations for a practical conceptualisation of social enterprise concepts and models within
the national context. It was also a further step ahead of the support of TACSO Albania Office which
has considered the development of social enterprises (SE) as an alternative and independent
economic instrument aimed at boosting the financial autonomy of CSOs. An example to this is the
facilitation and support provided to the activities of Albanian Forum of Social Enterprises as the
main forum of information, advice and training for Social Enterprises in Albania. Last year, TACSO
Albania Office in collaboration with the Forum of Social Enterprises organized a national conference
“Another Albania, Ideas and Experiences of Social Enterprises” where CSOs representatives, experts
from EU and neighboring countries, parliamentarians, representatives of local and public
government discussed the situation of social enterprises in Albania by sharing best practices and
pushing forward the agenda of social entrepreneurship.
The conference got together 142 participants selected through an open application process from
the third sector, government institutions and business sector. Such composition generated a
dynamic process with high interest for absorbing new concepts and engaging in a lively debate
regarding the status and potential of social economy in Albania and relevant policies and
instruments needed to stimulate such development. Moreover, the conference succeeded to
stimulate a policy dialogue between CSOs engaged in social entrepreneurship activities and the
relevant government institutions holding a stake on this matter. This was achieved thanks
participation in the conference of high profile officials including the Minister of Social Welfares and
Youth, the Head of Parliamentary Commission for Economic Development, Social Welfare and
Trade, the deputy ministers of Economic Development, Trade and Entrepreneurship and that of
European Integration.
At the opening session, the event was greeted by the Minister of Social Welfare and Youth, Mr.
Veliaj, who introduced to participants the plans of this ministry in boasting employment
opportunities and catering for marginalized groups and vulnerable strata of the population. Mr.
Veliaj emphasised also the important role social enterprises are playing in addressing social,
economic and environmental changes, in fostering inclusive growth and in increasing social
inclusion. “Being aware about the potentials social enterprises offer to Albanian reality we will soon
pass to the Albanian Parliament the draft law on social entrepreneurship which has been prepared
in close consultation with CSO representatives and experts on this fields” – concluded his speech
minister Veliaj.
2. Report of the 1st day EU policies and Support to Social Economy, Trends and Development of
Social Enterprises in Western Europe and Albania.
At the first session, the President of Italian Association for the Promotion of the Culture of
Cooperation and of Non-profit Organization within Bologna University, Franco Marzocchi, explained
the fundamental principles and the identity of the social economy as a set of private entities
situated in between the state and the market, and oriented towards the production of goods and
services for social purpose. Division of labour, development and accumulation of their resources
freedom of enterprises, innovation and creativity were highlighted as the main guiding principles of
the social economy worldwide. “The main challenge that the social economy faces today it’s the
strengthening of its identity. This relates to the wide and diverse range of actors currently looking
for solutions to emerging social development problems, such as increased inequalities, the
challenge to ensure common goods, and the widening division between market and democracy” pointed out in his speech, Prof. Marzocchi.
Ms. Laura Cattana, expert in European policies on Social Entrepreneurship, introduced to
participants advantages of social enterprises within the EU in terms of GDP growth, employment
opportunities, and their active role towards a more inclusive, innovative and environmentallyfriendly society. She highlighted the EU support to Social Enterprises through the Social Business
Initiative and the Programme for Employment and Social Innovation 2014-2020.
Ms. Diana Dovgan from the European Confederation of Industrial and Service Cooperatives
explained the concept of cooperatives as autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to
meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned
and democratically controlled enterprise and also the difference between type A and B of social
cooperatives. She also introduced the conditions for social cooperative development in Western
Europe, including drafting and implementation of favorable policies at regional, national & EU level,
Access to finances, operation of support structures (cooperative unions, federations), collaboration
with public authorities, promotion among public, youth, etc.
The first session of the first day was concluded with the notice that social enterprises come in
different forms and organizations depending on the development of the welfare system, civil
society the social finance markets and dedicated public policies in different countries. The concept
of social economy overlaps with traditional social economy organizations and cuts across different
legal forms, such association cooperative, charity organizations, etc. However the strong vocation
of these enterprises means that the profit gained is mainly reinvested in the organization and used
to support its mission.
During the 2nd session of the first day, participants were introduced to Characteristics of social
enterprise in different national contexts of Western Europe and Turkey. Speakers from UK, Italy,
Slovenia and Turkey brought to the auditor their own experiences regarding on social enterprise
by focusing on their fields of activity, sources of capital, legal environment and fiscal regulations
governing the activity of SEs, as well as innovative tendencies in the context of social economy in
their countries. Their presentations were attended with great interest by participants who were
able to articulate a lot of questions and discussion regarding the insights provided by panel
speakers.
On the last session of the first day, presentations from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albanian
models of social enterprises were made by completing the SE panorama with experiences from
Balkan countries.
Thus, the introduction made by the executive director of Youth Albania Professional Service (YAPS)
social business, was a good example of setting up of a social enterprise providing employment to
young people from Roma community and marginalized groups. YAPS introduced its successful
experience in market competition with other businesses by reaching within 8 month the breakeven point for some types of its business, like office cleaning services, mail delivery, monitoring of
advertising campaigns on behalf of their clients. Due to is philosophy, YAPS has expended its
activity beyond Tirana and has offering its services in other cities like Durres, Shkoder, Gjirokastra,
Elbasan.
Mrs. Marjana Meshi, the Executive Director of “Different and Equals” Association introduced the
experience of New York – Tirana Bagels social business which has started its activity in October
2011 with the objective to contribute to reintegration of victims of trafficking through employment.
This type of business start up was initiated with the assistance of an American company who took
care of designing the premises of this SE and at the same time contributed for the staff training,
especially the management part of the business.
The last panelist for this session was the executive director of “Tjeter Vision” Association, who
presented the experience of Tjetër Vizion in supporting the target groups in risk, including children,
vulnerable women and youth and poor families. Tjetër Vizion demonstrated its success in providing
assistance to marginalized groups by offering training to qualify and integrate them in the labor
market. Of special interest was the introduction of social business activities Tjetër Vizion has been
able to develop in agriculture farming in the outskirts Elbasani region.
After listening all the presentations, the participants and panelists were involved in a lively
discussion, by underlining that Social Enterprises are in their earliest stage of development in
Albania, with only a handful of organisations actively applying business practice in the pursuit of
social aims. The concept remains virtually unknown outside of a select number of civil society
organisations that have in almost all cases been long-term partners of foreign development NGOs
working in Albania from which they have received considerable financial support and capacitybuilding assistance over an extended period for their non-profit activities.
Report from the 2nd day of conference “Legal and Government strategy for developing Social
Enterprises in Albania and presentation of findings of research report “Social Economy in Albania
– A survey on Social Enterprises”.
During the first session of the 2nd day, the legal framework and government strategy for social
enterprises development were introduced by senior officials from main line ministries directly
involved in developing social entrepreneurship in Albania.
At the beginning of the first session Ms. Aida Gugu, the legal expert of Albanian Forum of Social
Enterprises presented to auditor the necessary changes needed to be taken within the Albanian
legislative framework to accommodate specific needs for the development of social enterprises.
She stated that like in many other countries of the region, the existing Albanian legislation does not
recognize and does not regulate the concept of social enterprises. Therefore, in order to transpose
the best European standards, Albania needs to adopt a separate law with the aim to regulate the
internal organization, the activities and other aspect of social enterprise operation, an in particular
their juridical status, guiding principles, fiscal regime and registration. ‘Such necessity has been
recognized by the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth, which is working on drafting the law on
social enterprises”’- concluded Ms. Gugu her presentation.
Mrs. Silvana Banushi, the General Director for Employment, Education and Vocational Training at
the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth, introduced to participants the priorities the new
Government of Albania is giving to employment policies, as one of most effective away for poverty
reduction and fostering inclusive growth. In her speech, she presented the plans of the Ministry of
Social Welfare and Youth for developing and practicing two forms of social business: both profit
and non-for-profit companies. She also introduced two forms of SE that will be developed
according to the Albanian legislation. Those two forms include operation of SE to be established in
the form of commercial companies, (with limited responsibilities, share-holder companies,
cooperatives and non-for-profits (associations or foundations). For all these forms, the draft law
under preparation does not allow the profit distribution among members or governing structures
with exception of remuneration of employees and administrator, which should not exceed more
20% of organization’s turnover. Another important characteristic of the legislation we are going to
complete is the democratic form of the governance - stated Ms. Banushi. Apart from juridical form
of social enterprises, the legislation envisages participatory representation between all members of
social enterprises in the decision making process, including the beneficiaries of such entities.
“The legislation on social enterprises we are drafting stipulates also the provision on fiscal regime
as well supporting forms for their activities. As long as the main objective of social enterprise is to
favorite the main collective interest and social integration, the law will exclude social enterprises
from tax on profit and will decrease the VAT on products and services offered by social
enterprises” - concluded Mrs. Banushi her speech.
Mr. Bashkim Sykja, General Director of Market and Entrepreneurship Department introduced the
work done during the last two years by the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and
Entrepreneurship in two main directions:

Improving the relevant legal environment. By recognizing the important role SE play in
combating the poverty and promoting development, this ministry in cooperation with Ministry
of Social Welfare and Youth is working in developing the draft law for social enterprises in
Albania. It is important that this law be consulted with as many stakeholders as possible in
order to offer a wider representation.

Supporting the SE with grant instruments and other type of financial support provided by
international development agencies like UNDP and other national financial instruments as the
Innovation Fund, which are trying to increase the competition among SE, which are still at an
embryonic stage in Albania.
By the end of this session, participants addressed various questions to speaker panellist from the
government in order to get more insights from government plans regarding SE development and
presented recommendations that could contribute to this process. Q&A session provided space for
debate and analysis of the examples presented.
During the last session of the second day participants were introduced the Research Report “Social
economy in Albania – Survey on Social Enterprises, prepared by Albanian Forum of Social
Enterprises and commissioned by TACSO Albania Office. The report finding were presented by the
Resident Advisor of TACSO Albania Office aiming to introduce the development of SE in Albania,
their geographical location, their economic and social impact, their operational model and future
perspectives. Beneficiaries of such entities, together with their employees and cooperation with
other similar organizations and public authorities were also introduced to participants.
Ms. Mirela Dautaj, from the Albanian Forum of Social Enterprises presented the implication of
policy changes for the future of SE in Albania. She emphasized that the choice of SE as a policy
instrument in Albania will naturally also depend on how different actors, public and private,
understand and interpret their role in responding to the policy changes. “Whether this debate takes
place among policy-makers at the national level and/or among civil society organizations seeking to
offer innovative solutions to tackle traditional problems the fact remains - stated Ms. Dautaj – that
is the problem to drive policy response and the commitment of the policy instruments.
The aim of this conference attended by more than 142 representatives from the National Assembly,
Albanian Government, EU Delegation to Albania, civil society organizations and social business was
to provide participants with the concepts and understanding of social enterprises and also explain
the benefits of social enterprises for CSOs, public authorities and government agencies and to
community/development processes. It gave also participants the opportunity to get acquainting
with EU policies on Social Business Initiatives and strategies for creating a favourable climate for
social enterprises, social economy and innovation. The event was a forum for discussion and
introduction of different model of operations of social enterprises in Western Europe and relevant
initiatives from the Balkan countries. At the end of second day, the main conclusions of the
conference were made by President of A.I.C.C.O.N. and RA of TACSO Albania Office as following:
 Being aware of difficulties and socio-economic problems the country and the region are
dealing with, the Albanian Government and Civil Society Organizations in Albania, do
consider extremely important the support and encouragement of social enterprises, as part
of actions undertaken within the Single Market Act and in alignment with the Strategy
Europe 2020.
 Although social entrepreneurship and social enterprises are at their earliest phase of
development in Albania, they still play an important role in addressing poverty reduction,
reducing of unemployment and in increasing social inclusion and marginalized groups.
Social enterprises do have a lot of potentials for development.
 In most cases CSOs are at a very early stage in adopting a business approach, and some
remain purely at the planning stage. The challenges they face in introducing social
enterprise are considerable owing to a combination of factors related to their own
development within the tradition of civil society, the weakness of the Albanian private
sector and the continuing, slow institutional reform that is taking place in Albania for years.
A notable difficulty for CSOs moving towards social enterprise in Albania is that few, if any
senior managers and board members have practical experience of working in the private
sector. Being non-profit based and hitherto reliant on grant aid tied to the direct
implementation of activities, they have no surplus income and very limited realisable capital
assets. All prospective social enterprise CSOs, therefore, faces the practical problem of
maintaining the scale and structure of their activities (essentially a cash flow problem)
during an initial phase of developing a business-oriented approach.
A number of those organizations are attempting to develop new profit-making services, in
fields such as catering, handicrafts, house cleaning, mail delivery, and tourism with which to
eventually fund their core services to the community. In the absence of any policy measures
recognising social enterprise, the non-profit status of these CSOs is perceived to put them at
a disadvantage in their efforts to generate income. In reality, CSOs are able to engage in
economic activities and they are subject to the same tax on profits as any other commercial
enterprise. The major problem remains charging of VAT for their services, thus employing a
big financial burden to their scarce generated income. For detail, see the Annex D:
Conclusions of the Conference
At the closure of the event participants highly appreciated its organizational level, the quality and
usefulness of the speakers, the participatory approach and the high level profile of speakers from
government. At the end of the conference an evaluation form was distributed to participants to
express their views and considerations regarding different topic of the conference. Results of the
evaluation session are presented in the section below:
3. Evaluation of the event
Prior to closing the event, participants were asked to evaluate the quality and content of the event.
For this purpose an evaluation form was drafted and distributed to all present in the end of
conference. Tabulation of the results is included in the table below1.
Evaluation Form
Excellent (%)
Very Good (%)
Good (%)
How would you rate content of
the plenary sessions overall?
63.41% (52)
30.49% (25)
6.09% (5)
64.63% ( 53)
26.83% (22)
8.54%(7)
Please rate each of the plenary
presentations
69.51% (57)
28.04 (23)
2.44% (2)
How would you rate the overall
content of the interactive
session?
50% (41)
41.46% (34)
8.54% (7)
How would you rate facilitation
of the interactive sessions?
58.54% (48)
32.93% (27)
8.54% (7)
Please rate the interactive
sessions
57.34% (47)
37.80 (31)
4.88 (4)
What is your overall impression
of the event?
74.39% (61)
20.73% (17)
4.88 (4)
How would you rate conference
logistics (communication, travel
75.61% (62)
21.95% (18)
2.44% (2)
How would you rate the
moderation of the plenary
sessions?
1
Fair (%)
Poor (%)
During the evaluation process, 82 participants completed the evaluation form.
organization, transfers)?
How would you rate quality of
73.17% (60)
information received prior to the
conference?
20.73 (17)
6.10% (5)
How would you rate
accommodation and food?
79.27% (65)
12.20% (10)
7.32% (6)
How would you rate TACSO
information and promotion
materials?
69.51% (57)
25.61% (21)
4.88% (4)
1.22%
(1)
Mostly all the participants were very satisfied with the event in general, and particularly with the
knowledge, wide range of models and examples on the concept of social enterprise presented
during the two days of the conference. They appreciated the way this conference was organised
and suggested similar future events on this issue.
4. Media coverage
The event on social enterprises held during 11 -12 March 2014 in Tirana was covered by main
national local Medias such are Top channel, Agon Channel, SCAN TV, ATSH, TVSH which prepared
and transmitted a documentary on the importance of the event and its main purpose.
The journalists were present during the event and got acquainted with information regarding
details on main purpose of the event.
It was published as well in the Newspaper “Shendeti” and ATSH (Albanian News Agency) at the
following links as below:
Organizatat e shoqërisë civile, rol cilësor në zhvillimin e sipërmarrësisë sociale në Shqipëri
http://www.ata.gov.al/be-seminar-ne-tirane-mbi-rolin-e-shoqerise-civile-ne-sipermarrjen-dhe-zhvillimin-social68415.html
A video of about 8 minutes of this event, presenting the main objectives of the P2P event on Social
Enterprises in Albania and the most important messages given in this conference by the Head of
Operations in the EU Delegation to Albania, Minister of Social Welfare and Youth, Deputy Minister
of Integration, other high officials of Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Finance and CSO
representatives is uploaded on you tube at the following link. It is transmitted also in TVSH
(Albanian National TV) with English translation provided.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x281ZSNNRHY&list=UUv7b8-DOwOIaVB_Do3i5KAA
THE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS
IN DEVELOPING SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
IN ALBANIA
Tirana International Hotel, Consorcium Room
11-12 March 2014
About this event
The national conference “The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Developing Social Enterpreneurship in
Albania” is organized within the framework of People to People (P2P) component of the TACSO project, in
collaboration with the Albanian Forum of Social Enterprises. P2P is one of the three strands of the Civil
Society Facility and it provides an opportunity for CSOs in the countries of Western Balkans and Turkey to
expand their knowledge about the EU and the accession process through visits to the European Institutions,
meetings with European CSOs and the opportunity to network internationally and regionally.
TACSO Albania Office has always considered the development of social enterprises (SE) as an alternative
and independent instrument aimed at boosting the financial autonomy of CSOs. An example to this is the
facilitation and support provided to the activities of Albanian Forum of Social Enterprises as the main forum
of information, advice and training for Social Enterprises in Albania. Last year, TACSO Albania Office in
collaboration with the Forum of Social Enterprises organized a national conference “Another Albania, Ideas
and Experiences of Social Enterprises” where CSOs representatives, experts from EU and neighboring
countries, parliamentarians, representatives of local and public government discussed the situation of
social enterprises in Albania by sharing best practices and pushing forward the agenda of social
entrepreneurship.
This conference is organized as a follow up of Strasbourg Conference on Social Entrepreneurship with the
aim to give participants the concepts and understanding of social enterprises (SE) and also explain the
benefits of SE for CSOs, public authorities and government agencies and to community/development
processes. The seminar will also help the participants to familiarize themselves with EU policies on Social
Business and strategies for creating a favorable climate for social enterprises and social economy. The
event will also be a forum for discussion and introduction of different models of operations of SE in
Western Europe and relevant initiatives from WB countries.
Contact information
For more information on this event, please contact:
SIPU International AB Sweden • Ecorys International Netherlands • Intrac United Kingdom • Foundation Partners for Local Development Romania
• Euclid Network United Kingdom • SMART Croatia
IN ALBANIA
11-12 March 2014
Agenda
IN ALBANIA
11-12 March 2014
Suat Ozcagdas, Social Innovation Center
IN ALBANIA
11-12 March 2014
Regional Office
Annex B: Participants List
Project name: TACSO
Identification number: EuropeAid/133642/C/SER/Multi
Date: 11-12 March 2014
Place: Tirana, Albania
Role of Civil Society Organizations in Developing Social Entrepreneurship in Albania
Invitees
No Name
Position and Organisation/ Institution
1.
H.E. Ambassador Ettore Sequi
Head of EU Delegation to Albania
2.
Mr. Erion Veliaj
Minister of Welfare and Youth
3.
Ms. Albana Vokshi
Head of Parliamentarian Commission for
Economy and Social Affairs
4.
Mr. Gentian Zeneli
Deputy Minister of Integration
5.
Ms. Brunilda Paskali
Deputy Minister of Economic Development,
Trade and Entrepreneurship
1
Contact details
Regional Office
Speakers
No Name
Position and Organisation/ Institution
1.
Ms. Laura Catana
Expert in European Policies on Social
Entrepreneurship
2.
Ms. Diana Dovgan
Policy Officer/CECOP, European Confederation of
Industrial and Service Cooperatives
3.
Mr. Daniele Ferrocino
Consorzio Emmanuel, Italy
4.
Mr. Franco Marzocchi
Bologna University
5.
Mr. Robert Cannell
SUMA Coop
6.
Mr. Tadej Slapnik
Executive Director of Slovenian Forum of Social
Enterprises
7.
Mr. Zoran Puljic
Executive Director of Mozaik Foundation
2
Contact details
Address:
Tel: +
Cell: + 32 (0) 495851781
E-mail: [email protected]
Address: The European confederation of industrial and
service cooperatives, 105 Avenue Milcamps ,
BE - 1030 Brussels
Tel: + 32 2 543 10 35
Cell:
Address: Str. Prov.le Lecce-Novoli n° 23, 73100 Lecce
Tel: + 39 0832 358 300
Cell: +393294710236
Address: A.I.C.CO.N. - P.le della Vittoria, 15 - 47121 Forlì, Italy
Tel: (0216) 428 96 66
Cell: +39335306453
Address: Lacy Way, Lowfields Business Park, Elland HX5 9DB
Tel: 01422 - 313840
Cell:
Address: Razlagova 22, 2000 Maribor
Tel: + 32 2 543 10 35
Cell: +386 31 348 930
Address: Fondacija za razvoj zajednica, Soukbunar 42, 71 000
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tel: + 387 33 266 480
Cell:
Regional Office
8.
Mr. Arben Shamia
Executive Director of YAPS Foundation, Albania
9.
Mr. Arian Çala
Executive Director of Tjetër Vizion , Elbasan, Albania
10.
Ms. Aida Gugu
Legal expert, Albanian Forum of Social Enterprises,
Tirana, Albania
11.
Mrs. Silvana Banushi
General Director for Employment, Education and
Vocational Training, Ministry of Social Welfare and
Youth, Albania
12.
Mrs. Mirela Dautaj
Albanian Social Enterprise Forum, Tirana, Albania
13.
Mr. Suat Özçağdaş
Social Innovation Center, Turkey
3
Address: Don Bosco Street, Qendra Sociale Don
Bosco Tirana, Albania
Tel: +35542405840/42405867
Cell: +355692051699
Address: Lagja “Kongresi i Elbasanit” , Rruga
Kozma Naska, pall 53/3, hyrja B, Elbasan
Tel: +355 542 7751
Cell:
Address: Tirana, Albania
Tel: +
Cell: +355676060501
Address: Tirana, Albania
Tel: +
Cell: + 355672048434
Address: Rr. “Foto Janku”, Pall.1, Ap.5, Tirana, Albania
Tel: + 355 4233908
Cell: +355672065269
Address: Acıbadem Cad. Çeçen Sokak No:7/7 Naiboğlu Apt.
Üsküdar İstanbul
Tel: (0216) 428 96 66
Cell: (0532) 441 05 03
Regional Office
CSOs Representatives
Nr
4
Name Surname
Organisation
City
1
Mirela Gjoni
Forumi i Gruas Elbasan
Elbasan
2
Valmira Pajenga
Forumi i Gruas Elbasan
Elbasan
3
Enkeleida Roze
Gjirokastra Foundation
Gjirokaster
4
Lubjana Boaja
Gjirokaster
5
Besjana Haka
Observatori per te Drejtat e Femijeve
Tirana
6
Fred Tahan
CFT
Tirana
7
Sebjola Bregu
SHKEJ
Tirana
8
Jonida Tatazi
First Step
Tirana
9
Elona Mandro
First Step
Tirana
10
Julia Janecko
Lincoln
Tirana
11
Aida Repishti
Lincoln
Tirana
12
Mirsada Teta
ACLI -IPSIA
Shkoder
13
Atrida Pishta
ACLI -IPSIA
Shkoder
14
Afroviti Gusho
Une Gruaja
Pogradec
15
Erand Ibrahimi
Ministry of Integration
Tirana
Regional Office
5
16
Blerina Caslli
Tirana
18
Jetona Myteveli
GIZ -EDEP
Tirana
19
Rezarta Shehaj
Ne familje per familje
Tirana
20
Bukurie Imeri
Gruaja drejt Integrimit
Puke
21
Greta Imeri
Gruaja drejt Integrimit
Puke
22
Simo Ribaj
SEEP
Vlore
23
Anila Ribaj
SEEP
Vlore
24
Nexhmije Meco
Une Gruaja
Pogradec
25
Arnada Cakrani
Gansi Nova
Tirana
26
Mirela Koci
AULEDA
Vlora
27
Matilda Belloni
CARITAS ITALIANA
Tirana
28
Alma Balliu
Open Vision Albania
Tirana
29
Luljeta Gusho
Femija e Nena ne Focus
Vlora
30
Dorina Pappas
Qendra e Trajnimit “K.M.Koliqi”
Tirana
31
Daklea Shtylla
Shtepia e Zoterinjve
Tirana
Regional Office
6
32
Greta Iljazi
SHSSH Skaut
Tirana
33
Arta Ngucaj
Coop. Soc.Xenia
Shkodra
34
Massimo Covatoria
SSHS Skaut
Tirana
35
Mimoza Bezhani
Diakonia Agapes
Tirana
36
Bledar Taho
Institute of Romani Culture in Albania
Tirana
37
Vjollca Lleshi
Ministry of Integration
Tirana
38
Ermal Azisllari
SHKEJ
Tirana
39
Zamira Muca
SHKEJ
Tirana
40
Bujar Shpendi
Romet e Veriut
Lezha
41
Ilia Dishnica
Dorcas Albania
Korca
42
Llazi Kerxhalli
Forumi OJF Pogradec
Pogradec
43
Kastriot Faci
The Door
Shkoder
44
Bujar Berisha
Romet e Veriut
Lezha
45
Zana Kondi
Observatori
Tirana
46
Elena Tershana
Observatori
Tirana
47
Mauro Plate
ACLI
Shkoder
48
Arben Kosturi
Disutni Albania
Korca
Regional Office
7
49
Irena Laska
Kujdesi Shendetesor Familjar
Korca
50
Amarildo Fecanji
Ambasada Pink
Tirana
51
Donika Selimi
Human Dimension
Shkoder
52
Zenepe Dibra
Gruaja Intelektuale Shkodrane
Shkoder
53
Majlinda Hoxha
Agritra Vizion
Peshkopi
54
Gerla Koleci
Kujdesi Shendetesor Familjar
Korce
55
Arjan Karoli
Pink Embassy
Tirana
56
Denisa Klogjeri
Shoqata Kombetare e Beach Voley
Pogradec
57
Ozvelta Laze
Shoqata Sportive Ringjallja
Pogradec
58
Xhevahire Fazllija
Disutni Albania
Korce
59
Danjel Hyseni
Disutni Albania
Korce
60
Rezarta Gjalpi
Shtepia e te Drejtave te Njeriut
Tirana
61
Arjana Bubeqi
AULEDA
Vlore
62
Blerina Balla
ADRA Albania
Tirana
63
Lucjana Lukani
ACLI - IPSIA
Shkoder
64
Marjan Lukani
ACLI - IPSIA
Shkoder
Regional Office
8
65
Ylldise Brahimi
RDA Vlore
Tirana
66
Teit Tabaku
Tjeter Vizion
Elbasan
67
Taulant Mitrushi
Tjeter Vizion
Elbasan
68
Flogerta Yrypi
I can Change the world
Tirana
69
Fatbardha Aluta
K.OJF
Tirana
70
Isilda Dale
AS@N
Tirana
71
Stela Tanellari
Te ndryshem e te Barabarte
Tirana
72
Jona Spahiu
Instituti SEDA
Tirana
73
Masila Lulaj
Instituti SEDA
Tirana
74
Fellenxa Shehu
Argritra Vizion
Peshkopi
75
Fabiola Thana
Gruaja tek Gruaja
Shkoder
76
Mira Pirdeni
FSHG
Tirana
77
Genta Bademi
FSHG
Tirana
78
Erion Prendi
SHKEJ
Tirana
79
Bujar Taho
UNDP/SSIREC
Tirana
80
Ines Leskaj
AWEN
Tirana
Regional Office
9
81
Myftar Doci
ANTTARC
Tirana
82
Eltjana Shkreli
GO2
Shkoder
83
Sokol Kurti
Akademi e Shkencave
Tirana
84
Daniela begu
NBS
Tirana
85
Edvin LAmce
Gjirokastra
86
Lidra Elezi
IPLS
Tirana
87
Teuta Shahu
AWEN
Tirana
88
Tefta Mala
Shoqata NSOK
Tirana
90
Elona Celanji
Aksion Plus
Tirana
91
Mirsa Titka
EHDC
Tirana
92
Rezarta Prence
ADRA Albania
Tirana
93
Mirela Arqimandriti
GADC
Tirana
94
Ana Bera
Instituti SEDA
Tirana
95
Nevila Shimko
SH.M.D.G
Berat
96
Kristi Qendro
ADRA Albania
Tirana
97
Kristi Kela
Gruaja tek Gruaja
Shkoder
98
Genci Anastasi
OZHE
Tirana
Regional Office
Blerina Babaliu
Rrjeti i Grave”Barazi ne Vendimarrje’
Tirane
100
Jonina Dobi
RASP
Tirana
101
Blerina Metaj
CRCA
Tirana
102
Stefania Fanta
Cooperacione Italiana
Tirana
103
Ilir Rembeci
RDA Tirana
Tirana
104
Delina Nano
IPSED
Tirana
105
Cristina Casado
Qendra Sociale Murialdo
Fier
106
Sabah Djaloshi
AgroPuka
Puke
107
Petrit Dobi
RASP
Tirana
108
Raquel Hernandez
EDM
Tirana
109
Jorgo Papadhopulli
First Step
Tirana
110
Mehdi Gurra
Shoqata Alsar
Tirana
111
Kastriot Sulka
Ministry of Economy
Tirana
112
Julia Bardhushi
AGON Channel
Tirana
113
Aferdita Seiti
Ndihmoni Jeten
Tirana
114
Roberto D’Arato
ENGIM NGO
Tirana
99
10
Regional Office
115
Sead Kazanxhiu
Instituti i Kultures Rome
Tirana
116
Armonda Hoxhaj
YWCA
Tirana
117
Andi Tepelena
ART Kontakt
Tirana
118
Eris Dhamo
Psikologet Shqiptare
Tirane
119
Blendi Kaso
Diakonia Agapes
Tirane
120
Ergys Sefa
MMSR
Tirane
121
Edlira Kaja
ASAG
Tirane
122
Sadi Petrela
Gjirokaster
123
Kostandina Keruti
Partners Albania
Tirane
124
Shkelzen Marku
Yunus Social Business
Tirane
125
Fiorela Shalsi
UN Women
Tirane
126
Elira Caku
Gruaja tek Gruaja
Shkoder
127
Arta Dyrmishi
SH.M.D.G
Berat
128
Irene Margariti
Forumi NS
Tirane
129
Denis Zavalani
ALSAR
Tirane
130
Gordan Shkrank
Lincoln
Tirane
131
Fiona Todhri
Psikologet Shqiptare
Tirane
11
Regional Office
132
Nebi Mucaj
Qendra e emergjencave civile
Tirane
133
Cristiana Paladini
IPSIA
Shkoder
134
Alketa Goxha
IOM
Tirane
135
Brunilda Paskali
Ministry of Economy
Tirane
136
Violeta Shqalsi
TV Scan
Tirane
137
Geron Komseri
Quodev
Tirane
138
Ardita Bonnati
NBS
Tirane
139
Silvana Mjeda
Swiss Cooperation
Tirane
140
Fatjona Kulla
Keshilli Bashkiak Rinor
Tirane
136
Roberta Profka
SHIS
Tirane
137
Bianca Brizetto
AVSI
Tirane
138
Viola Bogdani
Dorcas Albania
Korce
139
Mona Xhexhaj
EMA
Tirana
140
Genci Pasko
TACSO Albania Office
Tirane
141
Ornela Xhera
TACSO Albania Office
Tirane
142
Ina Murthi
EU Delegation to Tirana
Tirane
12
Annex C: Presentations
During the two days of the Conference on The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Developing Social
Entrepreneurship in Albania held during 11-12 March 2014, different models of social enterprises from
Albania and other countries of the region like Italy, Turkey, Bosnja and Herzegovina, England, Slovenia
were presented by very high level of speakers from the region. The speakers were focused on specific
themes in their presentations as follows:
All the full presentations are uploaded in the TACSO Dropbox and in the Overview of Past P2P events
page together with Report and its annexes.

Mr. Franco Marzocchi, A.I.C.C.O.N/Bologna University
Fundamental Principles of Social Economy. The identity of Social Economy.

Ms. Laura Catana. Expert in European policies on Social Entrepreneurship
The EU policy on Social Business and Social Enterprises

Ms. Diana Dovgan, Policy Officer, CECOP - European Confederation of Industrial and Service Cooperatives
New trends and development of Social Enterprises in Western Europe

Mr. Robert Cannell, SUMA Coop
Models of Social Enterprises in UK

Mr. Daniele Ferrocino, Consorzio Emmanuel, Italy
Models of Social Enterprises in Italy

Mr. Tanja Golja, RDA of Northern Primorska Ltd, Nova Gorica
Slovenian Experience of Social Enterprises

Mr. Zoran Puljic, Executive Director of Mozaik Foundation
The experience of Mozaik Foundation for Community Development - a Successful Social Enterprise in
Bosnia and Herzegovina

Suat Ozcagdas, Social Innovation Center
Turkish Experience of Social Innovation Centre

Mr. Arben Shamia, Executive Director of YAPS Foundation
The experience of YAPS, a Successful Social Business Initiative in Tirana

Mrs. Marijana Meshi, Executive Director of Different and Equals
New York Tirana Bagels–Experience of Different and Equals Association

Arian Çala, Executive Director of Tjetër Vizion
The experience of “Tjetër Vizion” Association
Annex D: Evaluation report
Prior to closing the event, participants were asked to evaluate the quality and content of the event. For
this purpose an evaluation form was drafted and distributed to all present by the end of conference.
Tabulation of the results is included in the table below1.
Evaluation Form
Excellent (%)
Very Good (%)
Good (%)
How would you rate content of the
plenary sessions overall?
63.41% (52)
30.49% (25)
6.09% (5)
64.63% ( 53)
26.83% (22)
8.54%(7)
Please rate each of the plenary
presentations
69.51% (57)
28.04 (23)
2.44% (2)
How would you rate the overall
content of the interactive session?
50% (41)
41.46% (34)
8.54% (7)
How would you rate facilitation of
the interactive sessions?
58.54% (48)
32.93% (27)
8.54% (7)
Please rate the interactive sessions
57.34% (47)
37.80 (31)
4.88 (4)
What is your overall impression of
the event?
74.39% (61)
20.73% (17)
4.88 (4)
How would you rate conference
logistics (communication, travel
organization, transfers)?
75.61% (62)
21.95% (18)
2.44% (2)
How would you rate quality of
information received prior to the
conference?
73.17% (60)
20.73 (17)
6.10% (5)
How would you rate
accommodation and food?
79.27% (65)
12.20% (10)
7.32% (6)
How would you rate TACSO
information and promotion
materials?
69.51% (57)
25.61% (21)
4.88% (4)
How would you rate the
moderation of the plenary
sessions?
Fair (%)
Poor (%)
1.22%
(1)
Mostly all the participants were very satisfied with the event in general, and particularly with the
knowledge, wide range of models and examples on the concept of social enterprise presented during
1
During the evaluation process, 82 participants completed the evaluation form.
the two days of the conference. They appreciated the way this conference was organised and suggested
similar future events on this issue.
Comments from Participants for various rubric of the evaluation form:
















A very good panorama on Social enterprises in Balkan countries, their structure, criteria and
functioning was presented.
It was very interesting to meet and discuss with representatives of Social enterprises from
Albania and other countries.
TACSOs activities are always useful for helping the organizations working in a better way.
Participating in this conference was very useful as I gained important knowledge on SE.
I would be interested in a deeper analysis of key success factors/limitations faced by the SEs
presented. Also hearing from representatives of private companies collaborating with SEs would
be a plus for example YAPS – how did they convinced their business partners and how this may
become a method to be used also by others. It may be useful to have more trainings on social
economy, open lessons regarding this topic and study tours.
Actually we have only a draft of the law on developing social entrepreneurship but after the
approval of this legal frame it needs the other activities on function of the law and how to better
implement the law.
In my opinion, we need in the future more successful models in order to obey Albanian people
that creating SE is something we can achieve in the future. Please invite students and
universities in order to be the volunteers present and to see what they must proceed in the
future.
Legal framework of social entrepreneurship and the priority of Ministries to send this law in
parliament and approval of this law, was an important message of this Conference.
The topic of SE was explained in a very detailed way through examples here and abroad.
It was very interesting to meet and discuss with representatives of Social enterprises from
Albania and other countries.
It provided me the opportunity to meet interesting people working in the sector and interested in
SEs both at Albanian and International level.
In general this conference was a success. I find helpful the information and I would like to thank
the organizers for the excellent job.
I got a better understanding of social economy concepts and a better understanding of the
position of Albania in this system.
I am very satisfied about the organization of the Conference. Accommodation was perfect. The
materials and information was excellent.
The event was organized in a very professionally manner with professional people.
Thank you! It was really a fruitful Conference. Everything was very good! Congratulations to the
organizers and lecturers!
Annex D: Conclusions of the Conference
Within the framework of People to People (P2P) component of
the regional EU funded project Technical Assistance for Civil
Society Organizations (TACSO), during March 11-12, in Tirana, the
National Conference “The role of civil society organizations in
developing social entrepreneurship in Albania” was organized.
The aim of this conference attended by more than 142
representatives from the National Assembly, Albanian Government, EU Delegation to Albania, civil
society organizations and social business was to provide participants with the concepts and
understanding of social enterprises and also explain the benefits of social enterprises for CSOs, public
authorities and government agencies and to community/development processes. It gave also
participants the opportunity to get acquainting with EU policies on Social Business Initiatives and
strategies for creating a favourable climate for social enterprises, social economy and innovation. The
event was a forum for discussion and introduction of different model of operations of social enterprises
in Western Europe and relevant initiatives from the Balkan countries.
By the end of the conference as result of discussions and the experience brought by foreign speakers
participants concluded with following conclusions:
1. Being aware of difficulties and socio-economic problems the country and the region are dealing with,
the Albanian Government and Civil Society Organizations in Albania, do consider extremely important
the support and encouragement of social enterprises, as part of actions undertaken within the Single
Market Act and in alignment with the Strategy Europe 2020.
2. Although social entrepreneurship and social enterprises are at their earliest phase of development in
Albania, they still play an important role in addressing poverty reduction, reducing of unemployment
and in increasing social inclusion and marginalized groups. Social enterprises do have a lot of potentials
for development.
3. Differently from Western Europe countries, the concept of SE in Albania remains virtually unknown
with only a handful of organisations actively applying business practice in the pursuit of social aims.
These organizations that function as NGOs have in almost all cases been long-term partners of foreign
development NGOs working in Albania from which they have received considerable financial support
and capacity-building assistance over an extended period for their non-profit activities. The latest NGOs
(mainly Italian) have promoted social enterprise among their partners by means of significant practical
and theoretical capacity assistance, with the aim of ensuring the sustainability of their Albanian
partners, so that in turn they may facilitate their successful exit from the country.
4. For interested Albanian CSOs, it appears that the principal motivation for adopting a social enterprise
approach is to ensure their sustainability at a time when resources are dwindling rapidly and alternative
means of financial support from within the country – whether in the form of government grants and
subsidies or individual and corporate philanthropy – are insufficient to meet current civil society
demand and are growing very slowly.
5. In most cases CSOs are at a very early stage in adopting a business approach, and some remain purely
at the planning stage. The challenges they face in introducing social enterprise are considerable owing
to a combination of factors related to their own development within the tradition of civil society, the
weakness of the Albanian private sector and the continuing, slow institutional reform that is taking place
in Albania for years. A notable difficulty for CSOs moving towards social enterprise in Albania is that few,
if any senior managers and board members have practical experience of working in the private sector.
Being non-profit based and hitherto reliant on grant aid tied to the direct implementation of activities,
they have no surplus income and very limited realisable capital assets. All prospective social enterprise
CSOs, therefore, faces the practical problem of maintaining the scale and structure of their activities
(essentially a cash flow problem) during an initial phase of developing a business-oriented approach.
A number of those organizations are attempting to develop new profit-making services, in fields such as
catering, handicrafts, house cleaning, mail delivery, and tourism with which to eventually fund their core
services to the community. In the absence of any policy measures recognising social enterprise, the nonprofit status of these CSOs is perceived to put them at a disadvantage in their efforts to generate
income. In reality, CSOs are able to engage in economic activities and they are subject to the same tax
on profits as any other commercial enterprise. The major problem remains charging of VAT for their
services, thus employing a big financial burden to their scarce generated income.
6. Based on the above and in pursue of the declarations approved by the European Institutions in
support of social entrepreneurship it is important that line ministries responsible for the activity of social
enterprises, especially the Ministry of Social Affairs and Youth, adopt a partnership with CSOs and other
interested stakeholders, in order to stimulate prospective actions of such enterprises with an enabling
legal environment and policy support. Within this frame, the revision and submission for approval to the
parliament of the draft law on Social Enterprises, facilitated by the Albanian Forum of Social Enterprises
would give a boost to development of social economy in Albania.
7. The financial support from relevant instruments, as well as know-how assistance from public
responsible institutions is of paramount importance. This assistance should be provided through running
of dedicated financial instruments, access toward public procurement, etc. A particular care should be
taken towards drafting and implementation of anti-discriminatory market rules to guarantee a normal
operation of social enterprises vis-a-vis the other traditional types of business.
8. Like in many other areas, to stimulate the development of social entrepreneurship it is important the
encouragement and development of partnership between the public institutions at central and local
level, civil society organizations, business organization, universities and other interested stakeholders
with the aim to increase capacities, identify and develop the innovative practices that enable
development and strengthening of social enterprises in Albania.

National Conference Report with Annexes

Transcription

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