Charting a path to end child poverty across Europe’

On 11 April in Brussels, the latest policy paper Investing in Childhood: Charting a path to end child poverty across europe | Save the Children’s Resource Centre: was launched by Save the Children Europe @savechildreneu in cooperation with 13 Save the Children Members and Offices, including Save the Children in Albania.

In conversations with @europeanparliament members, Blerina Celoaliaj, Director of Program and Quality Development, highlighted:'In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for a comprehensive and cross-sectoral approach to tackling child poverty. This approach recognizes that poverty is not just a result of economic factors, but is also influenced by a range of social, cultural, and environmental factors. Therefore, it is essential that strategies are developed as such to address the complex and intersectionality nature of child poverty'.

Here is her full speech held during the launching event: 

Ladies and gentlemen,

This week, and today in particular, is significant for all of us at Save the Children. We've gathered to speak up, share realities, and call for better actions to tackle a harsh issue in our society: child poverty.

In Albania, 28% of children face the risk of poverty, especially those without parental care, living with disabilities, or from Roma communities. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for a comprehensive and cross-sectoral approach to tackling child poverty. This approach recognizes that poverty is not just a result of economic factors, but is also influenced by a range of social, cultural, and environmental factors. Therefore, it is essential that strategies are developed as such to address the complex and intersectionality nature of child poverty.

As a Save the Children in Albania member, I am pleased to announce that Albanian government has recently approved the new strategy on social protection for the years 2024-2030. This strategy represents a significant step forward in our country efforts to combat child poverty and ensure the well-being of our children. Central to this strategy is the implementation of a child-centered approach, which places the needs and rights of children at the forefront of the efforts.

In line with European standards and best practices, the strategy commits to develop a plan of Child guarantee – aiming the reduction poverty for those in need, through support with financial schemes, considering gender issues. More specifically, under the specific objective A1, a concrete measure reads: Strengthening cross sectorial cooperation focusing children on the cash benefit scheme and for the development of the Action Pla of Child Guarantee.  This is quite a promising narrative.

The European Child Guarantee comes as a light of hope, promising to safeguard the rights of all children and to provide them with access to essential services. It is a committment to break the vicious cycle of poverty and to pave the way for a brighter future for our young ones. We hope this child-centered approach will focus on identifying and provide tailored support to every child in need, ensuring that they have access to the resources and support for them to thrive. Fighting child poverty isn't just about money—it's also about making sure children can go to school, see a doctor when they're sick, and get other important help.

Implementing these measures will not be easy. It will require better cross-sectorial policies and coordination to ensure that our efforts are effective and sustainable. Save the Children in Albania, building on experience and expertise from other colleagues in the member states, remain committed to offer the necessary support so these actions do not remain in paper only. This means working together across government departments, as well as with civil society organizations, the private sector, and international partners, to develop and implement comprehensive solutions to child poverty.

Reflecting on my journey with my colleagues at Save the Children in Brussels, two years ago, I couldn't have foreseen being here today, presenting Albania's progress on understanding and planning for the Child Guarantee. But here we are, a testament to the power of collective efforts and the significant impact that EU institutions and CSOs can achieve when working together. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of Albania's children, ensuring that they have the opportunity to grow up healthy, happy, and safe in Albania. For us, the Child Guarantee is more than just a policy; it is a promise to our children that they will have the support they need to grow, learn, and lead fulfilling lives.