Roma Versitas Albania organized on June 06th 2023, in Tirana, the final event of the project #WinforVET, funded by Austrian Development Agency and implemented by Roma Education Fund in partnership with Roma Versitas Albania and Roma Versitas Kosovo*.
Organized on four panels, the event kicked off with opening remarks from Redjepali Chupi, co-director of Roma Education Fund, Etleva Kikina, Interim Head of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) Office in Tirana and Irena Mitro, from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.
”We hope that the Ministry of Economy and Finance, along with its agencies, will adopt the positive practices of this project. For example, mentoring has yielded abundant results in the region, with many students successfully completing the school year. However, challenges related to discrimination and segregation based on ethnic background still remain a significant concern. In conclusion, we express our wishes and hopes for further collaboration with the national and local institutions of Albania.” – Redjepali Chupi.
In her speech, Mrs. Etleva Kikina, Interim Head of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) Office in Tirana, highlighted three main areas of focus that ADA supports: good governance, integral water management, and Vocational Education and Skills. The Austrian Development Cooperation has recently concluded a new regional strategy that aligns with regional strategies for EU integration in the Western Balkans.
“Regarding the WinForVET project, I believe that it not only achieved the expected outcomes but exceeded them, despite the challenges posed by the post-COVID-19 period. It is significant that REF serves as a strategic donor for Roma Versitas Albania, providing continuous support and sustainability for the organization’s educational work and transition to employment. Additionally, I am glad to announce that we are working on the project’s second phase. Lastly, partnerships are crucial, and we must learn from past experiences and apply those lessons moving forward.” – Etleva Kikina.
Mrs. Irena Mitro, the representative of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, emphasized that this project is a crucial component of our collective institutional efforts to integrate the Roma and Egyptian communities:
“The National Agency for Employment and Skills should establish a follow-up tracking system for Roma individuals who have completed vocational education and skills training and have entered the workforce. Over the years, we have been gathering data through a system known as Romalb, which has been good practice thus far. However, maintaining data tracking and effective indicators remains a challenge. Some municipalities lack the necessary tools or approaches to promote opportunities or distribute information. The national action plan should integrate and address all the needs and services as we are dealing with multiple interconnected issues that perpetuate one another. Therefore, we must consider and work holistically. Furthermore, Roma students have shown great potential, readiness, and preparedness. Advocacy plays a particularly important role in this regard. Roma Versitas Albania has also made significant contributions in establishing strong foundations and is driven by achieving tangible results.” – Irena Mitro.
In the second panel of discussion, VET School Principals that worked alongside our team, has also underline the impact and the importance of this type of projects for the Roma and Egyptian pupils. Ferik Koçi, Principal of “Kristo Isak” VET school in Berat took the floor together with Alket Merdanaj, Principal of “Rakip Kryeziu” VET school in Fier, Blerina Dervishi, Principal of Shkolla e Mesme Teknologjike “Hysen Çela”, Devis Pllaha, Principal of “Shkolla e Ndërtimit” VET in Korça;Mr and Behexhet Kafexhiu, Coordinator of the Development Unit at “Ali Myftiu” VET school in Elbasan.
During the second part of the event, panels three and four, our mentors, tutors and pupils had the opportunity to share with the audience their experience and good practices.
3rd PANEL, SHARING OF GOOD EXPERIENCE – Mentors, Tutors and Internships:
- Mr. Piro Xheblati, Director of the Social Services in Berat Municipality;
- Mr. Denis Kosturi, Mentor in Korça;
- Mrs. Briselda Reme, Mentor in Tirana;
- Mr. Ismail Jakupi, Mentor in Durres and Executive Director of USHTEN;
- Mrs. Luiza Hysa, VET Hospital in Fier; (TBC).
4th PANEL, STAKEHOLDERS SHARING EXPERIENCE – Our pupils:
- Desara Sula, attends Hoteleri – Turizëm VET School in Tirane;
- Elhami Salihi, attends Agro -Tourism VET school in Kamza;
- Erisa Dulla, attends Kristo Isak VET school in Berat;
- Zarif Hazizi, completed skills in Mechanics;
- Nurjada Roli, attends Kristo Isak VET school in Berat.
Important results of the project from May 2020 to May 2023
Outreach and recruitment fairs/meetings
WinForVET has carried out 78 info sessions and recruiting activities from the office and in the field, with the local staff and mentors, with institutions at the central and local levels, schools and community centres, and civil society organizations.
Selection and distribution of financial assistance
WinForVET received 357 applications from Roma and Egyptian students from vocational high schools and young people interested in courses, from which we supported 219, including 153 for VET schools and 66 with vocational courses.
Training and meeting with indirect target groups
WinForVET has conducted 93 meetings with indirect target groups such as vocational education training schools and potential employers and monitoring meetings in professional course facilities.
Provision of tutoring and mentoring sessions
Through local mentors and mentors for VET schools, WinForVET has provided approximately 1,466 hours of mentoring. Meanwhile, 3 tutors have conducted 213 additional lessons in Albanian language and grammar, literature, mathematics, and English.
Outreach to employers and internships
WinForVET has contacted various employers through email, phone calls, face-to-face meetings, and through local mentors to offer young people opportunities for transition to employment through professional internships. In total, about 27 employers have been directly contacted and, in some cases, virtually: (4 in Durres), (6 in Elbasan), (3 in Gjirokaster), (5 in Tirana), (3 in Korça), (6 in Berat), and (3 in Fier). Meanwhile, 22 young Roma and Egyptian individuals have been supported through 1-3 month-long professional internship.
More about the project
Project “Education, Employment, Partnerships and Gender Equality: A Winning Formula for Roma in Vocational Education and Training” is implemented by Roma Education Fund (REF), Roma Versitas Kosovo (RVK) and Roma Versitas Albania (RVA) and funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation.
Austrian Development Cooperation supports countries in Africa, Asia, South Eastern and Eastern Europe in their sustainable development. The Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and International Affairs plans the strategies. The Austrian Development Cooperation implements programs and projects together with public institutions, civil society organizations as well as enterprises.
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
