QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
EDITION 61
DECEMBER 2016
TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY In this issue:
PARTNERS ALBANIA CELEBRATES ITS 15TH ANNIVERSARY
-Partners Albania celebrates its 15th anniversary page 1 - Winners of Philanthropy Awards 2016 announced page 2 - Financially viable civil society = Active civil society -Strengthening CSOs for effective inclusiveness and participation in policy-making and decisionmaking page 3 -Monitoring matrix on enabling environment for civil society development -Graduation of the second group of NPO Academy cohorts, NPO Academy 2017 soon to be launched page 4 -Implementing the Law on “Whistleblowing and whistleblowers’ protection" - Building integrity in local government page 5 -Participatory budgeting at central and local governance - Regional scientific conference: “Researching social enterprise developments in the Balkans” -Social entrepreneurship as means of financial sustainability of NGOs, regional meeting of NGO experts page 6 -Partners Network Annual Meeting page 7
The year 2016 marks the 15th anniversary of Partners Albania for Change and Development. For 15 years, Partners Albania has been privileged to work with and support efforts of hundreds of civil society organizations, state institutions, and private sector businesses to advance Albania’s democratic system and values, and strengthen accountability and the rule of law. Through its work and diverse programs, Partners Albania has positively impacted the personal development and growth of so many civil society practitioners and public administration officials in their efforts to building strong institutions, manage open and transparent processes, and overcome corruption. It has been so rewarding to see how institutions have strengthened and become more accountable, how policies have changed and become more responsive, and how processes have become more inclusive and participatory. In these 15 years, PA has not gone for the easy and safe path, which has made our journey sometimes more difficult. Often our key phrase has been “challenge the status quo”, but we have always stayed loyal to our organizational values – ethical, cooperative, inclusive, and professional. Despite the stumbling blocks we have come a long way and shown commitment, creativity and resilience. We have looked for and found inspiration in our partner organizations in and outside the country, strength and support in numerous formal and informal networks that have been vital for “untraditional” advocacy work at the local and regional level, resources in loyal and generous donors who showed trust in our vision. Partners Albania was born as part of a network, Partners Network, and continues to base its work on institutional and strategic partnerships. After fifteen years of work, the project is not yet done. Partners Albania will continue to honor its responsibility to support the strengthening of democracy and economic development in the country. It has the capacity and the knowhow to continue to provide support to the state and nonstate actors in the project of democracy building over the many years to come.
-Celebrating Solidarity -Youth Bank Hub for Western Balkan and Turkey -ICT Youth Camp applications open page 8 –Making the labour market work for young people in Albania page 9
The Manual on “Financial Management of NPOs and Regulatory Framework, second edition” (2016) aims to helps NPOs in the efficient management of financial resources. It presents the basic concepts of financial management, a comprehensive view of accounting systems and reporting, internal controls, budgeting process, financial analysis and taxes applied to NPOs by the state. The updated manual reflects the changes occurred in the legal and fiscal framework that regulates the activity of NPOs and responds to the new dynamics of the sector’s development.
Note from PA Director Juliana Hoxha, in the report Partners Albania—15 years of growing a stronger democracy
#15YearsPartnersAlbania Celebrate with us
Read here our most recent publications showing Partners Albania 15 year ride: www.partnersalbania.org
Contact PA office to receive a copy of the manual.
Warm wishes from Partners Albania team for a great and prosperous new year 2017 !