
On 22 October 2016, ‘Shpresa Programme’ association in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Albania in London, organised an event with the Albanian community of Brighton. The event named as ‘Albanian Festival in Brighton’ aimed at building confidence and cooperation between the policing staff and the community members.
The Mayor of Brighton, Mr. Pete West, attended the event and delivered a speech by which he promised more profound cooperation and integration of the Albanian community in Brighton. Inter alia, he said: “Brighton is a city which promotes the harmonious co-existence of various nationalities and is renowned for its advocacy that their rights be respected in order for all communities to live in harmony with one another.”
The Albanian Ambassador, Mr. Qirjako Qirko, expressed that he felt proud of the extent of integration of the Albanian community in Brighton. He emphasised that the younger generation comprises of fabulous students who are exceling in British universities, as a result of the hard work and sacrifices of their parents who ensure that their children are integrated and educated in dignity. In an interview for BBC One, Ambassador Qirko, stressed out the necessity for the British media to highlight as well the positive aspects and achievements of the Albanian community in Britain, which have largely been overshadowed by negative news.