Partners Albania organized on November 24th the gala ceremony where were announced the winners of Philanthropy Awards 2016.

Since 2011 PA organizes this nationwide public competition, to express appreciation and gratitude to individuals, families and businesses who contribute to improving the quality of life in our society.

This festive ceremony that coincided with celebrations of Partners Albania 15th anniversary, was attended by a large number of guests from the Albanian government and members of Albanian Parliament, representatives of diplomatic corps accredited in Albania, international institutions and donor agencies, representatives of the business sector, nonprofit organizations and media.

The Philanthropy Award 2016 winners:

• The Award for Contribution at National Level was granted to Balfin Group, with motivation:
  For the wide contribution to the improvement of the quality of life of individuals and communities, the support to the innovative ideas of young entrepreneurs, the special attention towards institutions and organizations that provide services for children with Down syndrome, people with autistic spectrum disorders, the elderly and persons with terminal illnesses, as well as the awareness about environmental protection.      The award was presented by Mrs. Valentina Leskaj, Vice Chair of Albanian Parliament.

• The Award for Contribution at Local Level was granted to the Foundation “Santa Maria Marianisti”, with motivation:
  For the contribution given to the education of children and youth from poor families and Roma and Egyptian community, as well as for the provision of vocational training and increase of employment opportunities for women and girls in Lezha.     The award was presented by Mr. Bledar Çuci, Minister of State for Local Government Issues.

• The Award for Individual Contribution was granted to Ms. Violeta Volumi, with motivation:
  For the establishment and development of the first ever infrastructure for audio books in Albanian, for the education of all Albanian-speaking community at home and abroad, and especially for visually impaired people.      The award was presented by H.E. Mr. Christoph Graf, Ambassador of Switzerland in Tirana.

• Special Award “Pioneer of Philanthropy” was granted to the Baholli family, with motivation:
  For outstanding and wide contribution given during 1925 – 1935 in support of the economic development of Elbasan city, and promotion of education of young women and men through the construction of the city library “Qemal Baholli”.      The award was presented by Mrs. Englantina Gjermeni, Minister of Urban Development.

• Certificate of Appreciation was granted to Mrs. Sevim Arbana, with motivation:
  For the continuous contribution to the protection of human rights, alleviation of poverty and promotion of a fair and equitable society for all.

• Certificate of Appreciation was granted to “Fundjavë Ndryshe”, with motivation:
  For the volunteer activism that promotes solidarity and humanism for poverty alleviation and help to families and individuals in need.
  The Certificates of Appreciation were presented by Mr. Andi Dobrushi, Executive Director, Open Society Foundation for Albania.

Visit here a photo gallery from this event.