Our History

Nisma për Ndryshim Shoqëror ARSIS, known as Nisma ARSIS, formally established itself as a non-profit organisation in February 2016. It emerged from the roots of ARSIS – Social Organization for the Support of the Youth, inaugurated in Tirana in January 2006 as an offshoot of ARSIS Greece. Ever since Nisma ARSIS has transformed itself into an influential non-governmental actor in the civil society sector in Albania and beyond.

Nisma ARSIS remains faithful to its broadly declared mission, vision, and core program priorities. As a result, in the past eight years, the organisation has stayed focused on the following programmatic priorities:

  • Strengthening the National Child Protection system, including capacity building of the statutory workforce.
  • Combating all forms of violence and abuse against children and women, trafficking in human beings, and providing support to children in conflict/contact with the law. 
  • Providing emergency shelter, mitigation measures, response and protection of vulnerable groups, such as children and women at risk of violence, unaccompanied minors, and Afghani families evacuated to Albania.
  • Supporting transformation of residentical care institutions to community based services and family care through children’s removal from residential care institutions and their re-unification with (extended) families or placement in family-type care, child and family support hubs and gatekeeping.
  • Providing protection and care for children and families migrating through or returning to Albania and refugees.
  • Enhancing education (including ECD) opportunities for the most vulnerable groups at the community level.
  • Securing core services for Roma & Egyptian minorities and providing them with economic and livelihood opportunities.
  • Engaging young people in learning, participation, democracy, active citizenship and preventing radicalisation.
  • Providing support for the economic empowerment of individuals, jobseekers and in socio-economic vulnerable situations. 
October 2016, Tirana the capital. Children from the ROMA community in art class assisted by educators. The House of colours centre closely cooperates with all relevant state authorities, including the police, State Social Services, Child Protection Units, health facilities and schools. The House of Colours is the only centre in Albania offering this range of services. It provides emergency assistance around the clock.

Our vision

“To create a society where the rights of every child and individual are respected, and vulnerable groups are empowered to lead fulfilling lives.”

Our mission

“At Nisma ARSIS, we are committed to advancing the rights of children, youth and their caregivers facing vulnerability, providing comprehensive services, and facilitating their dignified integration into society.”

Our values

Community – For Nisma ARSIS, the community is a shared sense of belonging, collaboration, and interconnectedness among individuals united by shared values, goals, and interests. It involves fostering relationships, promoting inclusivity, and actively engaging with diverse members.

Diversity – Nisma ARSIS recognizes that working with children, youth, and their caregivers, regardless of their background, lies at the core of its strength. To fulfill its mission, Nisma ARSIS respects the diversity of the people it supports. It is committed to equal opportunity for all and respect for difference.

Teamwork – Nisma ARSIS believes in the collaborative effort of individuals working together towards a common goal. This involves the sharing of ideas, skills, and resources, as well as mutual support and encouragement.

Professionalism – Nisma ARSIS encompasses the adherence to the highest ethical standards, competence, and respectful behavior in all interactions. It involves a commitment to quality, responsibility, and continuous improvement.

Integrity – Consistent adherence to moral and ethical principles that involve honesty, transparency, and a commitment to doing what is right, even in challenging situations, is paramount. For Nisma ARSIS, integrity is fundamental in building credibility with donors, partners, and the community served. It ensures that the organization operates ethically and with the utmost trustworthiness.