Award Winners at Barking and Dagenham Women’s Empowerment Month
This year’s Barking and Dagenham Women’s Empowerment Month shone a well-deserved spotlight on two incredible women from the Shpresa Programme, whose dedication, leadership, and passion have created lasting change in the lives of many.
Anne Estlea Lifetime Achievement Award Winner – Flutura Shega
The Anne Estlea Lifetime Achievement Award recognises women who have dedicated their lives to serving the community, more than well-deserved by Flutura.
A visionary leader , co-founder of Shpresa Programme and founder of the first Albanian-language supplementary school in the UK, Flutura has created life-changing opportunities for children and young people. Under her guidance, the school earned the prestigious Exceptional Award from the National Resource Centre for Supplementary Education, highlighting her commitment to educational excellence and inclusion.
Flutura’s passion extends far beyond the classroom. She has led “Breaking The Chains,” a specialist project supporting unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people, earning numerous accolades including the London Youth Quality Mark (Gold Award) and the Marsh Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Fight Against Modern Slavery.
Through her leadership within the Shpresa Programme, Flutura has championed civil rights and led transformative campaigns such as the Free Bus Campaign and Educate Not Hate. Her mentorship has inspired young people to become leaders themselves, serving as Immigration and Mental Health Champions within their communities.
Her work is a testament to what it means to dedicate a lifetime to community service, advocacy, and empowerment.
Educator of the Year – Saime Dushku
The Educator of the Year Award recognises women who go above and beyond in educating, inspiring,
and motivating their communities — and Saime Dushku is a shining example of this spirit.
For over 15 years, Saime has been at the heart of education for Albanian-speaking children and young people in Barking and Dagenham. Through her work with the Shpresa Programme, she has provided supplementary education at Gascoigne School and Barking Library, supporting over 60 children each year in developing language skills, creativity, and confidence through drama, poetry, and performance.
Saime’s teaching approach is deeply personal and rooted in care. She creates a safe and informal learning space that bridges the gap between mainstream education and the needs of migrant families navigating life in the UK.
Her classes go beyond lessons – fostering leadership, self-esteem, and campaigning skills that empower young people to challenge racism, celebrate their Albanian-British heritage, and break down barriers in their communities.
Her outstanding contribution has earned recognition from the Jack Petchey Foundation, and more importantly, the admiration and respect of the many children and families whose lives she has touched.
We are incredibly proud of Flutura Shega and Saime Dushku for their well-deserved recognition.
Their achievements not only reflect the mission and values of the Shpresa Programme but also inspire all of us to believe in the power of education, advocacy, and community action.
