Albanian Heritage Club in Hampton celebrate success

The local school club was started in May 2023 and allows children of Albanian origin to come together to learn and explore the language, traditions and heritage.

After being set up by a local group of residents, qualified Albanian teachers and volunteers from the Albanian Heritage Group, they decided to name the project Gjurmë Iliriane.

The success and quality of the sessions has seen the project gain recognition from the Charity Commission. 

The Commission awarded them a formal statue of Charity Incoporated Organisation a few weeks ago. On top of that, a further investment of £5K was awarded as a grant from the Civic Pride Fund to cover rent and resources for the sessions.

This will allow the school to continue to develop and provide cultural education lessons and activities for 84 children. 

Last week, the school organised a community event to celebrate the Independence Day and the Flag Day of Albania with a range of performances by children to showcase the rich culture of Albania.

Gjurmë Iliriane school sends their gratitude to the local authority, YMCA White House, Richmond CVS, local and international media and local Albanian businesses who have invested their trust and resources to support the future development of ethnic diversity for the children to live and thrive. 

More information can be found on the Gjurmë Iliriane website.