We were saddened to hear of the death last week of Luljeta Nuzi, founder and former CEO of the Shpresa Programme based in Plaistow. 

Luljeta founded Shpresa Programme in 2002 (Shpresa means “hope” in Albanian) and some of us knew Luljeta since the start of Shpresa, which was based for a time in Aston-Mansfield’s Froud Centre. The community Involvement team at AM at the time provided support during Shpresa’s early years.

We want to offer our sincere condolences to her friends and family at this difficult time.

The Shpresa Programme said that “Luljeta dedicated her life to championing the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of the Albanian-speaking community in the UK.”

They commended her “commitment to justice, empowerment, and collective action” that “shaped the lives of countless individuals.”

You can read their full statement here: In Loving Memory of Luljeta Nuzi. 

Compost London, in their recent newsletter described Luljeta as “an amazing, ‘can-do’ woman, strong, capable and determined.”

They highlighted Luljeta’s amazing achievements “challenging injustice, protecting vulnerable people and improving the lives of many in the UK Albanian community.”

And that she did everything “with a smile and a laugh not far behind.”