Location: Municipality of Mallakastra
Implementation period: May 2023 – February 2025
Funding: European Union
Total Budget: €222,222 (€200,000 funded by EU)
Implementing partners: Municipality of Mallakastra, Murialdo Social Center
Funded by the European Union and implemented by Mallakastra Municipality, Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe, and Murialdo Social Center, project “Sustainable Model for Integrated Employment and Social Care Services in the Municipality” strengthened local capacities to deliver inclusive and integrated services in Mallakastra. The project focused on social protection, inclusion, employment, and vocational education, to improve both economic opportunities and access to social support for vulnerable groups.
A key milestone of the project was the establishment of the municipality’s first Multifunctional Community Center (MFCC) in Ballsh, providing a central hub where municipal and local staff can deliver integrated social care and employment services, supported by community engagement.
Through tailored programs, unemployed individuals enhanced professional skills for the labor market, women were empowered to start and manage a social business, and self-employed individuals received support to strengthen their small businesses or farms. Vulnerable citizens benefited from a comprehensive package of social care services including case management and referrals, youth development programs, family support programs and mobile community-based social care services.
Target Groups
The project primarily supported:
- Vulnerable individuals and families in Mallakastra, providing access to social care services to improve quality of life.
- Unemployed youth and women, helping them gain professional skills, vocational training, and structured work experience to prepare for employment.
- Students through career counselling and youth development programs.
- MFCC and Municipal Social Services staff, who received training and ongoing support to implement the MFCC model and provide high-quality, multi-disciplinary services for at-risk groups.
Key Achievements
- 1 fully operational MFCC established in Ballsh.
- 1 Community Advisory Group created to oversee MFCC activities.
- 11 staff members (9 municipal, 2 MFCC) trained and coached in delivering integrated services.
- 82 individuals received job search support.
- 117 students benefited from career counselling in schools.
- 22 unemployed individuals completed vocational training programs.
- 12 individuals participated in on-the-job training schemes.
- 3 women received entrepreneurship skills training.
- 1 women-led social business established.
- 18 youth trained in entrepreneurship skills.
- 8 small businesses and farms supported with equipment grants to stimulate growth.
- 153 at-risk individuals participated in MFCC social care services.
