A tradition nearly lost, an organisation that refused to let it disappear
SHKIZH (National Association for Integration, Development and Assistance for People in Need) is a non-profit humanitarian association rooted in Kukës, active since 2002 and registered under its current name in 2010.
People, before anything else
Mission: To create social change by building communities' self-sufficiency for sustainable development and social equality — with real impact on people's lives as the primary goal.
Vision: Promoting cultural heritage through the loom, passing the craft on to young women and girls — 80% through hands-on work, 20% through theory.
From a SHKIZH-supported cultural exhibition, Tirana Castle.
From Bicaj's first looms to Artizanal, aka ArtZan
In Bicaj, Kukës, the first craft workshop opens — founded by two women working with crochet, spinning and wool dyeing.
"Artizanati" (NPN) is born, one of the country's best-known enterprises — at its peak employing 1,200 women in Kukës and 200 in Bicaj, exporting rugs to Germany, Italy, Greece and the Netherlands.
The shift to a market economy brings privatisation. Thousands of women lose their jobs, along with the profession and their family income.
The association "Kukësi for Development and Integration" is founded by decision of the Kukës District Court, no. 19.
By decision of the Tirana Judicial District Court no. 19/1 (26.10.2010), the association is renamed SH.K.I.ZH and expands its work protecting families in need nationwide.
Projects with the World Food Programme, MADA, Handicap International and Health Center No. 7 Laprakë: training, employment and health awareness for families in extreme poverty.
The Ministry of Health and Social Protection grants the association "Social Enterprise" status (Order no. 709, 22.08.2019) — Artizanal, aka ArtZan is officially born.
International fairs in Sweden, Italy and Turkey; the "Cultural Heritage of Generations" exhibition with the Ministry of Culture; partnership with Kukës Municipality employing 15+ women in rug production.
SHKIZH keeps welcoming new projects, always looking for ways to extend its work beyond Kukës.
Trust built over years
"SHKIZH has successfully implemented projects with a high impact on regional development, especially in Kukës and Has, always on schedule and to a high standard. We confirm them as a very reliable partner."
Alida Kondi — Executive Director, Centre for Competitiveness Promotion (CCP)
"SHKIZH has shown exceptional commitment and professionalism managing projects, helping build strategies that address the real needs of local communities in the Kukës region."
Bukurosh Onuzi — Executive Director, Ekologët për Rajonin Kukës
Kukës loom products showcased at international fairs.
Institutional transparency
Name: National Association for Integration, Development and Assistance for People in Need (SHKIZH) — Artizanal, aka ArtZan Social Enterprise
Status: Legal entity, non-profit humanitarian association
Tax ID: L11416453F · Registered: 26.10.2010
Legal representative: Ms. Fize Kerxhaliu
Address: "Muzaket" Street (Don Bosko), Kulla 1, Tirana, Albania
We want to take this work further still
See our current projects, or write to us with a new idea.