Implementing Organization: Gruaja tek Gruaja
Municipalities: Shkodër, Malësi e Madhe, Vau Dejës
Duration: November 2024 – November 2025
The GRACE project is part of the United Nations’ Strategic Joint Programme for Sustainable Empowerment and Protection in Albania (LEAP), funded by the UN Joint SDG Fund and implemented through a partnership of key ministries and UN agencies, including UNDP (lead), UNICEF, ILO, and UN Women. This project aims to address gaps in social services and employment opportunities for vulnerable populations in Albania.
Key Objectives:
- Long-Term Care Services (LTC): Provide high-quality, personalized care for 100 beneficiaries, primarily elderly and persons with disabilities.
- Women’s Employment: Train and employ 30 economically disadvantaged women as professional caregivers in the LTC sector.
The project will pilot three innovative LTC service models in the municipalities of Shkodër, Malësi e Madhe, and Vau Dejës over a 12-month period.
Key Activities:
- Design and implementation of community-based long-term care models.
- Recruitment of 100 beneficiaries and 30 women for training through a transparent process.
- Accredited three-month professional training for women, including geriatric care and emotional support.
- Establishment of resource centers and a digital platform for efficient management of LTC services.
- Awareness campaigns to promote LTC services and reduce stigma surrounding disabilities.
Close collaboration with municipalities, employment offices, and private care providers is essential to building a sustainable LTC infrastructure, empowering women, and improving the lives of Albania’s most vulnerable populations.