By Judith Broeker | AiP Program Director
Those of you following the progress of skills training in Gjirokastra know that your generous support over the past few years has made a great impact on this World Heritage Site. Your donations have supported the preservation and continuing use of the city's iconic historic buildings, which in turn has spurred community development.
Our efforts are gaining momentum and others around the world are taking notice and adding their support. Two of AiP's international volunteers have received grants that will cover their cost to join work at the Skenduli house in September. AND includes some additional funds to help cover the cost of materials. Funding is being provided by the International Specialist Skills Institute that supports Australian professionals in gaining additional skills overseas, and The Zibby Garnett Travelling Fellowship that encourages those studying and working in building conservation to gain practical experience abroad, when not available in the UK.
Thanks to these two funding organizations, AiP is now able to use a greater percentage of your donations to cover expenses for Gjirokastrans wanting to work and learn at the Skenduli house. A group from the Gjirokastra regional office of the Directorate of National Culture will be attending; they'll use their new skills to help others in the region save, restore and use their historic buildings. This work is very important because preserving their cultural heritage is the region's only viable path to a sustainable economy, one based on heritage tourism.
We need your continued generosity in order for the September project to be a success. The impact of your donations will not only be felt at the Skenduli house, but will be spread to outlying areas of the region as members of the Directorate share their new expertise. As a result, you will have a direct effect on efforts to raise the standard of living for many people in the region.
We invite you to join this effort and see the results!
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