Care for families.
Dignity through work.
SHKIZH is a non-profit association protecting families in need, orphaned children and survivors of abuse — and keeping the centuries-old Kukës loom tradition alive through the social enterprise Artizanal, aka ArtZan.
From our programs in Tirana
Three areas, one goal
Protection for families
Support for families in poverty, orphaned or out-of-school children, and women survivors of abuse — through health, psycho-social and legal services.
Empowerment through work
Training and employment for women and girls in need — 80% hands-on work, 20% theory — through the Artizanal, aka ArtZan social enterprise.
Heritage preservation
Kukës loom rugs (sixhade) — a craft on the edge of disappearing — passed on from veteran weavers to the next generation of young women.
From research to the loom
Cultural Heritage of Generations
Backed by the Ministry of Culture and the Centre for Competitiveness Promotion — reviving Kukës sixhade rugs as a living, sellable heritage product.
Albanian Craft Abroad
With AKF-Tirana at the Malmö Festival (Sweden), plus showcases in Italy and Turkey, opening new markets for the Kukës weavers' work.
Qualification & Employment
Training and employment for female heads of household, work invalids and rural Kukës communities, in partnership with MADA and local allies.
New projects join us every year — and every new idea is welcome
If you represent an organisation, funder or group interested in partnering with SHKIZH, we'd love to hear from you.
Proud to be part of GoodMarket
SHKIZH is listed on GoodMarket, the global platform connecting social, green and ethical enterprises with buyers and supporters worldwide — an extra layer of trust behind our work with the women of Kukës.
Choose your way
Shop Artizanal (ArtZan)
Every rug bought directly funds fair wages and jobs for the women of Kukës.
Visit the Shop ↗Donate via WhyDonate
Our "Empower Women, Change Lives" campaign supports women in need in Kukës directly.
Donate Now ↗Volunteer / Partner
Time, expertise or an institutional partnership — every form of support matters to us.
Get in TouchWhat's been happening
Exhibition at the Tirana Castle
With the Ministry of Culture and Tirana Municipality: "Promoting and Preserving Cultural Heritage through the Loom."
Malmö Festival, Sweden
SHKIZH and AKF-Tirana showcased Albanian craft at the Malmö Municipality stand, opening new trade contacts.
"Creative Europe beyond the EU"
Pitching a project to document and revive Kukës craftsmanship through film and international exhibitions.
Every hand helps keep a tradition alive
Join SHKIZH — as a donor, a buyer, or a partner.