Conference on child care reforms/ Gonzato: We have a brain drain in the region

2025-04-09 11:00:00, Politikë CNA

A Regional Conference “Accelerating Childcare Reforms Towards European Union Membership” was held in Tirana. Present at the conference were the EU Ambassador, Silvio Gonzato, Prime Minister Edi Rama, and the Minister of Health, Albana Koçiu.

In his speech, Ambassador Gonzato stated that the EU offers 6 billion euros in grants for support through youth programs. Gonzato also said that the EU's objective is to reduce the number of children at risk to 5 million. Ambassador Gonzato stated that there is a brain drain in the region.

“I think the risks that need to be avoided are to look at youth from the outside. To tell them you have something to say and then leave it aside. Young people should have equal rights and equal opportunities. Are we doing enough and enough for young people? We have a brain drain in the region. We have implemented policies to address inequalities. In the action plan we have the objective for a social Europe. Our objective is to reduce to 5 million the number of children at risk of poverty and social exclusion, so that they have access to education, housing, food and proper nutrition. If we prioritize the well-being of children so that they have the right education and emotional development, we will have a better society. We need to make the transition from school to work in the right way because Albania has fantastic youth. According to the basic chapters, Albania has passed the transition of community services. The situation of young people for employment with dignity must be improved. Albania has taken some steps in compiling the care scheme "The EU offers 6 billion euros in grants and support through programs," Gonzato said.

Prime Minister Edi Rama during his speech said that the European Child Guarantee is an answer to those who ask why the EU is needed. Rama said that the poverty gap among children is large, caused by the pandemic. The Prime Minister stated that the social protection fund has been tripled, reaching 260 million euros.

" The European Child Guarantee is enough to answer those who ask why we need the EU. Through this program, the paths and opportunities are multiplied for every child to be given a chance and opportunity. The goal is to give every child an equal chance and opportunity regardless of their start. The European Union has defined special funding to help countries implement concrete measures. The poverty gap among children is large due to the blow that the pandemic has dealt to the social fabric. We have made progress by aiming to actively benefit from European Union funding. We have tripled the social protection fund to 260 million euros. 1 billion euros is the fund for the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, a record fund ," said Rama.

Minister of Health and Social Protection, Albana Koçiu, said that a social fund mechanism has been created, covering 61 municipalities, for people with disabilities and those in need. Koçiu stated that the baby check will last until the age of 18. Further, the minister said that the aim is for Albania to become a regional center for the exchange of ideas.

" We have the initiative to provide free books from the first to the ninth grade. We have screening for oral problems and scoliosis in schools, as well as the national vaccination program. We have created the social fund mechanism that covers 61 municipalities, for people with disabilities and in need. There are 44 thousand beneficiaries who receive services from 700 professionals. 27 services are for children. We have done the needs assessment through a digital map. We will extend the social shield even further. We have started the baby check, but we will extend it up to the age of 18. We want to raise cooperation at the regional level and return to a regional center for the exchange of ideas ," Koçiu said./ CNA