CALL FOR PROJECT PROPOSALS FOR THE YEAR 2025 OPENS “Diversity unites us: We preserve traditions and customs, we build the future”

Erion Xhaibra is a well-known expert in the field of human rights and social integration, focusing on the Roma community, with extensive institutional, governmental, and NGO experience, both domestically and internationally. Mr. Xhaibra has built a solid career for more than 15 years, starting with volunteer work in the community and advancing to leadership positions in national and international projects. He has collaborated with organizations such as the Open Society Foundation for Albania (Soros), Terre des Hommes, ERGO, Ternype, UNDP, among others, where he has contributed as a lecturer, coordinator, advisor, and project manager. He graduated in Political Science from the European University of Tirana, completed a Professional Master’s in Social and Community Services and a Scientific Master’s in Continuing Education at “Aleksandër Moisiu” University in Durrës. Additionally, he has undertaken theological studies online at the International School of Theology and Leadership, where he earned a “Bachelor in Theology in Church Ministries,” deepening his engagement with social and ethical awareness issues.

Margit Jica is a lawyer who graduated from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with a Master’s in Legal Sciences. He has over 10 years of experience as a management specialist at Hygea Hospital in Tirana, as well as experience as a lawyer at Tirana Municipality and in the private sector.

He is fluent in English, Greek, Italian, and Romanian. He is a member of the National Chamber of Advocacy and active in the Aromanian community, with extensive experience in the field of human rights and minority rights. Since June 2023, he has served as a representative of the Aromanian community in the Committee for National Minorities under the Prime Minister’s Office of Albania.

Llazo Kucuqi was born and raised in the village of Livinë, Finiq Municipality. He completed primary education in his village and secondary education at the 'Panteli Sotiri' Pedagogical High School in Gjirokastër. He pursued university studies at the Department of Greek Philology at the University of Gjirokastër, gaining a strong foundation in Greek language and culture. From 2002 to 2015, he worked at the Greek Embassy, providing translation and interpretation services between Greek and Albanian, contributing to strengthening Greek-Albanian cooperation. From 2019 to 2022, he worked in the Finiq Municipality, supporting the functioning of local governance.

As an active member of the Greek National Minority in Albania, Llazo Kucuqi consistently participated in social and educational efforts to protect the community’s rights. He strongly believed in preserving the Greek language, education, and cultural heritage, and contributed through his work to continuously promote and strengthen the Greek presence in the region. He is fluent in Greek (native language), Albanian, and English.

Arjan Lile has extensive experience with civil society since 1992, advocating for the Egyptian minority in Albania at national and international levels. He has worked with interest groups and staff to foster cooperation and strengthen interethnic and intercultural dialogue. Mr. Lile has served as an assistant at the Ombudsman’s Office, where he volunteered as an advisor to the former Ombudsman. He has long experience in teaching at public vocational education and training institutions in Tirana.

In 2023, he was awarded the title “Ambassador of Peace” by the 'Peace Embassy' in Tirana for his long-standing contribution. Mr. Lile graduated from the Faculty of Social Sciences with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and a Scientific Master’s in Community Organization. He holds continuous certifications in socio-political issues, international relations, and diplomacy. He is proficient in four foreign languages: English, Italian, German, and Turkish. Mr. Lile was also a candidate for parliament in 2006. His academic background and professional formation have contributed to improved performance in policymaking design and implementation.

Marjana Felah is the representative of the Macedonian national minority at the Committee for National Minorities, a role she has held since 2022. With extensive experience in public administration, diplomacy, and the financial sector, she served for over seven years as Assistant to the Ambassador of North Macedonia in Albania. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Finance and Accounting from the Agricultural University of Tirana. Ms. Felah possesses advanced skills in administrative management, reporting, and intercultural communication. She is fluent in Albanian and Macedonian and has a strong command of English. She has been actively involved in volunteer activities focused on preserving and promoting minority cultures, including translating and reading news in Macedonian on RTSH. Her work is characterized by a strong commitment to human rights, the promotion of tolerance, and the inclusion of minorities in public life.

Marinko Çullafiq is one of the most active and prominent representatives of the Montenegrin National Minority living in the Republic of Albania. He completed his higher education at the Faculty of History and Geography at “Luigj Gurakuqi” University in Shkodra. After returning from emigration in 2010, he began advocating for the rights of the Montenegrin community as a member of the Assembly of the “Alba-Montenegro” Association, based in Shkodra. In 2018, together with a group of intellectuals of Montenegrin origin, he founded the “Montenegrin Community in Albania” association in Tirana, where he was elected chairman. In 2020, the association was accepted as a permanent member with voting rights in FUEN (Federal Union of European Nationalities), the largest European organization dedicated to the protection of minority rights. In July 2025, the Ministry for the Diaspora of Montenegro honored him with its highest award, “For the Preservation of Montenegrin National Identity,” in recognition of his outstanding contribution to preserving the culture, language, and history of this minority.

Hasimin Keçi has extensive experience in public administration, higher education, civil society, and the private sector. He graduated in Economic Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Tirana with high distinction. He pursued a Scientific Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, specializing in Project Management and Evaluation, at the European University of Tirana, where he graduated with excellent results. Upon completing his Master’s studies in November 2021, he began working as a university lecturer. Mr. Keçi possesses advanced skills in administrative management, project management, reporting, and intercultural communication. He is fluent in Albanian and Bosnian and has a strong command of English and Spanish. He also has working knowledge of Italian and Turkish. Since 2021, he has been active as an expert in EU-funded projects focused on capacity building in the field of higher education. Since 2016, he has been engaged in volunteer activities aimed at preserving and promoting the culture and rights of the Bosniak minority, including translating and reading news in the Bosnian language on RTSH, as well as working as a volunteer Bosnian language teacher for children in the community. His work is characterized by a strong commitment to human rights, the promotion of tolerance, and the inclusion of minorities in public life.

Ms. Eni Jakoja is the representative of the Serbian national minority at the Committee for National Minorities. She has been actively engaged for years in the protection and promotion of the rights of the Serbian minority in Albania, with a particular focus on preserving the language, culture, and identity of this community.

Ms. Eni Jakoja holds a degree in Finance and Banking from the European University of Tirana and has pursued further studies in the Serbian language at the Faculty of Philology in Belgrade, giving her a broad professional background in finance and translation. She has solid experience in public administration, the private sector, and civil society organizations. Since 2015, she has served as a certified official translator of the Serbo-Croatian language, licensed by the Ministry of Justice.

Through her work, Ms. Eni Jakoja represents the interests of the Serbian minority with dignity and dedication, contributing to the promotion of cultural diversity and the respect for human rights in Albania.

Milena Selimi, born in Tirana, Albania, has a long career in journalism, translation, and media management. Active in journalism, dramaturgy, and translation workshops and panels, she has participated in programs such as the Writer-in-Residence Program, European Theatre Prize, TIFF, KULT Awards, POETEKA Festival, Balkan Media Magazine, TRADUKI, and CEATL. In 2024, she won the “Best Translation” award at the Tirana Book Fair for the work Time Shelter by author Georgi Gospodinov.

Since 2021, she has been the Artistic Director of the International Youth Literary Festival “Tirana Gate” in Tirana. In 2023, she joined the staff of the Committee for National Minorities as a member, representing the Bulgarian minority. Since 2024, she has contributed to teaching the Bulgarian language at the “Hristo Botev” Sunday School in Tirana. She holds a degree in Albanian Language and Literature from the University of Tirana, Faculty of History and Philology, and completed a specialization in Television Journalism at the “Kliment Ohridski” University in Sofia.