A group of women in Berat has established a social enterprise offering care and cleaning services. Following training in soft skills, financial management, and business development, their new start-up is officially registered and has already secured local contracts with hotels and guesthouses in Berat.

Led by Roma/Egyptian women, the "Crystal Team" employs 10 returnees who are contributing to a better future in their hometown. This aligns with the goals of a program focused on the sustainable reintegration of returnees facing economic and social exclusion.

The establishment of the social enterprise has received support from the EU-funded regional program "Strengthening national and local systems to support the effective reintegration of returnees in the Western Balkans," implemented by UNDP.

Earlier this week, in collaboration with UNDP and Berat Municipality representatives, we visited their workspace to observe their efforts and express our full support for their initiative.

"I would like to congratulate the group of women for taking the initiative to start a social business. The development of startups and social enterprises in Albania is crucial, especially considering the challenges of employment and social protection for those unable to compete in the labor market. The EU will continue to support you," remarked Valerie Covic, Programme Manager at the Delegation of the European Union to Albania.

About the project

"Strengthening national and local systems to support the effective socio-economic integration of returnees in the Western Balkans" is part of a larger EU funded program managed by UNDP, the World Bank, and the Council of Europe. This program aims to help the Roma community and other vulnerable individuals who have returned to their home countries in the Western Balkans – specifically in Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

The project is happening because many people returned to the Western Balkans from the European Union when these countries were considered "safe countries of origin." It focuses on assisting these returnees in integrating into society and the economy. The project collaborates closely with local institutions, civil society groups, and businesses at the community level to provide services that support the reintegration of these individuals.