As part of the implementation of the project “Youth Activism for Good Governance in Berat and Has Municipalities. Instilling Watchdog and Activism Culture” AIS organization has worked with 44 young participants to strengthen their capacities in monitoring, analysis, advocacy, and participation in fair municipal budgeting.
In December, the month when Local Government Units finalize their budgets, youth consultation meetings were held in the municipalities of Has and Berat with local government leaders and municipal council representatives. Throughout the discussions, youth representatives raised questions regarding budget allocations for various projects and presented their proposals for funding initiatives that serve their interests and priorities.
The objective of these meetings was to facilitate dialogue between young people and local government officials, fostering a mutual understanding of youth needs and priorities while promoting structured budget planning.
During these discussions, young participants proposed concrete programs and projects, advocating for specific budget allocations. In response, municipal officials outlined the available funding opportunities and pledged to consider the youth’s requests.
The following senior officials took part in the youth hearings held in the municipalities of Berat and Has:
- Etleva Dhima – Deputy Mayor of Berat Municipality
- Fitore Sulejemani – Advisor to the Cabinet, Berat Municipality
- Nezir Lushi – General Secretary of Has Municipal Council, Representative of the Local Government Unit
- Arta Baraku – Secretary of the Secretariat of Has Municipal Council, Representative of the Local Government Unit
- Erdeta Laçi – Specialist, Has Municipality, Representative of the Local Government Unit
- Elkjer Qema – Specialist, Treasury Department of Has, Representative of the Local Government Unit
- Lordion Jupa – Director of Social Services for People with Disabilities, Representative of the Local Government Unit
- Xhevat Bytyçi – Specialist in Economic Assistance, Representative of the Local Government Unit
- Fatmira Qema – Sector Manager of Economic Assistance, Representative of the Local Government Unit
You can find the meeting agendas below:
Youth Proposals and Concerns
During the meetings, young participants presented their proposals and concerns regarding municipal budget planning in line with their needs and interests.
In Has, high school students from suburban areas requested increased investments in street lighting for safer and unrestricted mobility, subsidized transportation for students in rural areas, improved heating systems in urban schools, and the implementation of employment programs.
The youth of Berat requested improvements to the heating system in schools, the establishment of a vocational center for skill development, more employment opportunities in public institutions, the creation of a recycling center for better waste management, and the construction of a shelter for stray animals to address environmental and public safety concerns.