The Center for Gender Justice, in partnership with the Municipality of Vlorë, established the Daily Care Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities in Vlorë in 2025, which offers a comprehensive package of services for children and young people with disabilities.
This initiative has a strong gender component, recognizing the critical role of women, particularly mothers and female caregivers, in the care of children and young people with disabilities. In many families, women are the primary caregivers, and they often have to make significant personal and professional sacrifices. It is common for mothers to leave their jobs and dedicate themselves entirely to caring for their children with disabilities. In response to these challenges, this initiative provides a sustainable solution for female caregivers by creating opportunities for them to work while their children are being cared for at the Daily Care Center.
The Center is open and operational from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, during which beneficiaries receive not only daily care but also specialized services.
The categories of beneficiaries and the services offered are:
- Children with disabilities, school age (6-17 years), who receive full-day or half-day services (after the school day) at the Daily Care Center. Services include:
- Developmental therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Speech therapy
- Psychological counseling and assistance
- Occupational activities and art therapy
Parents have the option to bring their children to the Center at 7:30 AM or after school, where they can stay until 4:30 PM and receive services according to identified needs.
- Youth with disabilities, aged 18-21, who receive specialized hourly services tailored to their needs, including:
- Developmental therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Speech therapy
- Psychological counseling and assistance
- Occupational activities and art therapy
Other beneficiaries of the services are parents of children with disabilities, who receive the following services:
- Psychological support
- Informational sessions on positive parenting
- Group psychotherapy
Children with disabilities and their parents in the city of Vlorë have a safe alternative where comprehensive care is offered.
The inauguration of the Center took place in July 2025 with the participation of the Minister of Health and Social Protection, the Mayor of Vlora, the UNICEF representative in Albania, the representative of the European Union Delegation in Albania and the representative of World Vision Albania.
The establishment of the Daily Care Center was made possible thanks to the cooperation between the Center for Gender Justice and the Municipality of Vlorë within the framework of the “EU for Social Care” program, funded by the European Union in Albania, implemented by UNICEF Albania and World Vision Albania, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.
