CONSULTANCY CONTRACT – BLUE_BOOST

UET Centre experts are impelementin a consultancy contract issued from the Albanian Developement Fund in the framework of the project “BOOSTing the innovation potential for the triple helix of Adriatic-Ionian traditional and emerging BLUE growth sectors clusters throught an open source/knowledge sharing and community based approach BLUE_BOOST” fiannced by the ADRION programme, which is a European transnational programme that invests in regional innovation systems, cultural and natural heritage, environmental resilience, sustainable transport and mobility as well as capacity building. In the framework of this contract our experts are implementing several trainings with several SME-s throught the Adriatic-Ionian coast in Albania. For more information please visit: https://www.albaniandf.org/projekte/projekte-ne-zbatim/blue-boost/

Project Coordinator 
Kebjana Haka
[email protected]

IMPLEMENTATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: RENEWABLE ENERGY

European Insitute Pashko has started working on the project “Implementation of Environmental Education: Renewable Energy” This project aims to demonstrate effective teaching methods for introducing different concepts of renewable energy and practical skills for secondary school students. Through active work, the student will not only have a better understanding of the fundamental concepts of different types of renewable energy, but will also be able to implement concepts in designing equipment and systems. During the implementation of this project: Students will be able to recognize the importance of alternative energy sources; Students will learn to measure the DC voltage output of a solar panel; Students will individually implement solar panel connections to power a 1.5 & 2V motor; Students will demonstrate how a solar panel reacts to direct and indirect solar radiation to produce electricity; Students will understand why solar panels should be oriented in the right angle of light source for maximum electric output; Students should be able to understand the transformation of radiant energy into thermal energy. The project is impemented by UNDP on behalf of the three GEF Imprementing Agencies – UNDP, UNEP and the World Bank and exectuted by UNOPS.

Project Coordinator 
Kebjana Haka
[email protected]

YOUTH SOCIAL EMPOWEREMENT

European Institute Pashko is now implementing the “Youth Social Empowerment – Winter School” project focusing on the improvement of social inclusion of young people in Albania. This project will take place mainly in the city of Durrës and in Tirana but it will be represented with participants from all over the country. The overall objective of this project is the improvement of social inclusion of young people economically disadvantaged, youth at risk, minority groups (Roma or Egyptian) and marginalized young migration returnees by increasing their life skills and motivating to change their social cohesion. To improve the unemployment and emigration of the target groups by motivating and supporting them in acquiring qualifications on the job training and life skills; To create a connection between trained young people and employment opportunities. The project is financed by ARSIS Organizatë Shoqërore e Përkrahjes së të Rinjve

Project Coordinator 
Megi Ruka
[email protected]

FROM M.E. TO E.U

FROM Migrants’ Engagement TO Europe Upgrade, the project aim is to provide spaces and opportunities for European citizens and migrants’ communities to work together in order to build up and share a new idea of a multicultural Europe. The concept of the project is that, beside formal citizenship, there are different ways and methods to involve people in the growing up of a society. Refugee communities are, as a matter of fact, a part of our population and will contribute, together with us, to the shaping of our future. For this reason, every migrant should be considered a citizen and every citizen could bring ideas, innovative approaches, participation methods to the community in which he lives. Our project FROM M.E. To E.U. will consist in a path of inclusion between citizens and refugees and migrants, fostering a mutual assistance through a peer-to-peer approach. The project will be implemented from January 2019 to June 2020. This project is financed by the Europe for Citizens Program of the European Union.

Project Coordinator
Kebjana Haka
[email protected]

INNOVATIONS PLATFORM AND TOOLS FOR INCREASING INNOVATION CAPACITY OF SMES IN THE BALKAN MEDITERRANEAN AREA

INNOPLATFORM aims at improving the competitiveness of the Balkan Mediterranean region by advancing existing knowledge on business model innovations and developing a set of tools (InnoTools) and services (InnoScorecard and InnoRegion) for improving SMEs opportunities, capacities, and knowledge in introducing product and process innovations. According to SME Performance Review (EC DG E&I), the Balkan MED region lags EU average when it comes to innovations in SMEs. The reasons are many, mainly related to the lack of knowledge and limited SME’s access to tailored support, tools and better use of information and communication technology (ITC). Developed by 6 partners from 5 countries, and 2 observers, INNOPLATFORM aims to address these challenges by facilitating innovation and supporting the commercialization of innovation in SMEs. INNOPLATFORM started August 1st, 2017 and is expected to end July 2019. This project is financed by the BalkanMed Program of the European Union.

Project Coordinator
Kebjana Haka
[email protected]

THE “FEMININE SIDE” OF QUALITY

The overall objective of this project is to promote cross border cooperation on enhancement of employability through the empowerment of women as wage earners and job creators thanks to the support for valorization, promotion and preservation of local cultural potentials and identity with a focus on gender equality. This will be reached by using the agriculture potential in the municipalities and this implies usage of existing potentials for agricultural production and the tradition of organic production combined with contemporary methods and standards. The rationale of the foreseen activities is based on the presence in the area of reachable and favorable natural resources and climate as well as common cultural and historical potential residing in both parts of the programming area.

The project is funded by the IPA CBC Montenegro – Albania IPA Programme 2014-2020 and it is going to be implemented during 2018-2019 in the targeted area (Ulcinj, Montenegro and Lezha, Albania). This project is leading by the Municipality of Ulcinj and the project partners are: UET Centre, Monitoring Group Ulcinj MogUL and the Municipality of Mirditë in Albania.

Project Coordinator
Kebjana Haka
[email protected]

IMPROVING BUDGET TRANSPARENCY AT LOCAL LEVEL THROUGH SOCIAL AUDITING

Foundation for Economic Freedom (FLE) in collaboration with UET Centre will organize and deliver the workshops foreseen during the implementation of the project.
The project’s overall goal is to promote transparency and compliance of local budgeting in the reformed municipalities after the June 21, 2015 local elections. The main objective of the project is to focus particularly on one key element; to increase transparency in the budgeting process at the local level through social auditing. Increasing the reliability and accountability of local government in cooperation with local civil society, to provide a clear analysis of the situation and performance of local institutions. This approach will encourage more open financial processes at the local level as well as more active citizenship. Specifically the project activities will focus on creating a hub in four municipalities (Malësi e Madhe, Belsh, Shijak and Roskovec) where citizens can monitor the promised and actual services and investments delivered at the local level.

This project is financed by U.S. Embassy Tirana.

Project Coordinator
Kebjana Haka
[email protected]

KNOWLEDGE-BASED REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN ALBANIA AND KOSOVO

The UET Centre in cooperation with Riinvest Institute in Kosovo and the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, supported by the Centre for Social Innovation (ZSI) in Austria, are working on a joint research project and workshop on the knowledge-based approach to regional development in Albania and Kosovo. This research project investigates to what extent and in what ways, if at all, strategies, and policy interventions and programmes for the development of a knowledge-based society in Kosovo and Albania could contribute to sustainable regional development. The implementation of the research project along with the dissemination strategy initiates a critical mass of researchers who are aware of and committed to the emerging topic of knowledge-based regional development.
The project applied a combined approach of quantitative and qualitative research methods such as secondary data analysis and desk research, as well as fieldwork such as focus groups with representatives of government institutions, business entities and research organizations. The authors identified major weaknesses preventing Albania and Kosovo to follow knowledge-based development path.

Project Coordinator for UET Centre
Blerjana Bino
[email protected]

“KANXURA” RADIO- UET CENTRE SUPPORTS ROMA YOUTH TO ESTABLISH THEIR OWN MEDIA

UET Center organized the conference, “Empowerment of Roma youth through capacity development and education for alternative media”, as the final activity of a one-year project in collaboration with the Institute of Roma Culture in Albania supported by ABC Foundation. The conference presented the main achievements of the project for Roma youth empowerment through alternative media. The participants were all the Roma and non-Roma youth, who were part of the previously conducted trainings within this project as well as other interested actors. The key speakers of the Conference were: Blerjana Bino, the Executive Director of UET Centre; Sabina Juka, Project Manager, ABC Foundation; Xhesika Korra, Project Manager, IRCA; Mito Kudaka, Peace Corpus; Bledar Taho, the Executive Director of IRCA and Xhekson Çela, Founder of Kanxura Radio.

The conference was concluded with the presentation of the online radio established by Roma youth at IRCA, “Kanxura” Radio.  It represents an alternative communication and participatory space towards social inclusion. “Kanxura” Radio will enable the strengthening of the Roma community identity and building an open and inclusive society.

Project Coordinator for UET Centre 
Blerjana Bino
[email protected]

“SHAPING THE COLLECTIVE MEMORY” BY FABIAN KATI

UET Centre in cooperation with the European University of Tirana launched the book of the researcher, Fabian Kati, “Shaping the collective memory: Events in Dukagjin, Malësi e Madhe and Postribë, 1945-1946”. This book presents the findings of a research project funded by UET and implemented by UET Centre. The Minister of Social Welfare and Youth, Erion Veliaj, was present in the ceremony and congratulated Mr. Kati and UET Centre for this initiative.
The aim of this pilot project is to create a methodologically organized audio visual database on oral accounts/ testimonies related to the historical events leading up to and following the Malësi e Madhe uprisings. The period covered is the one between 1944 and 1950 at the beginning of the communist rule. This pilot project, which is the first of its kind to be conducted in Albanian studies, will help create an original framework which can be followed as a model for further studies dealing with individual/collective memory throughout the half century of communist rule in Albania (1944-1991).

Project Coordinator for UET Centre
Blerjana Bino
[email protected]

ROMA YOUTH EMPOWERMENT THROUGH CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT AND ALTERNATIVE MEDIA EDUCATION.

UET Center in collaboration with the Institute of Roma Culture in Albania and financial support of ABC Foundation, organized a series of trainings about Roma youth empowerment through strengthening media competences within the project “Roma Youth empowerment through capacity development and alternative media education”.
The training was organized in three sessions. The first on 2nd-3d April, the second on 9th-10th April and the third one on 14th April.The first session of the training was focused in the development of “Media Competence”, trainer Dr. Belina Budini, Head of Communications and Public Relations Department at the European University of Tirana. The second session was focused on “Media projects management for Roma Community” trainer Ketrina Çabiri, Program Manager at UET Center. The third training was conducted under the direction of Bledar Taho, Executive Director of the Institute of Roma Culture in Albania and topics he addressed were regarding the “Advocacy and activism of youth through alternative media”. The training was attended not only by Roma youth who are committed to promote Roma values and culture, but also, non-Roma youth who are involved in initiatives that promote social inclusion.

Project Coordinator for UET Centre
Blerjana Bino
[email protected]

OSCE TO CAMPUS: OPEN LECTURES

The OSCE Presence in Albania, the European University of Tirana and UET Centre are cooperating in the organization of a set of open lecturers about the work and mandate of the OSCE Presence in Albania. The open lectures offer an open platform to students, academics and other interested actors to discuss the role and work and future challenges of the OSCE as an international organization with a particular focus in Albania.
The first three open lecturers have proven a success with a wide participation and high interest shown by students, who appreciate the opportunity to link theoretical knowledge with practical information on international organizations and political processes.
One of the open lectures was held by Good Governance Department representatives, Mrs. Juliana Rexha and Mrs. Ermelinda Xhaja. The main issues mainly discus during the lecture were addressed to “Combating human trafficking” and “The fight against corruption”. Participating students showed high interest and discussed about the achievements and challenges of the department of Good Governance in these areas. The OSCE Presence in Albania, the European University of Tirana and UET Centre are cooperating in the organization of a set of open lecturers about the work and mandate of the OSCE Presence in Albania.

Project Coordinator for UET Centre
Blerjana Bino
[email protected]

‘OUR AMBASSADORS: CONNECTING DIPLOMACY AND CREATIVITY’ – UET CENTRE, UET PRESS AND MINISTRY OF CULTURE WITH A NEW PROJECT ON ART AND CULTURE

UET Centre in collaboration with the university publishing house of the European University of Tirana, UET Press, has initiated a new project on art and culture supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of Albania. The project ‘Ambassadors as writers – writers as ambassadors: The creativity of Albanian ambassadors from 1912 to 2014’ aims at promoting the artistic creativity of Albanian ambassadors through the publication of an anthology and educational activities with youth on cultural diplomacy.
The anthology ‘Our Ambassadors: Connecting diplomacy and creativity’ will be published by the UET Press and prepared by Valbona Nathanaili, the UET Press Director, and Prof. Dr. Ylljet Aliçkaj, Lecturer at the Department of Education at the European University of Tirana. This publication will contribute to fill in the gap in Albanian scholarship regarding the connections between diplomacy and creativity.

Project Coordinator for UET Centre
Blerjana Bino
[email protected]

SUMMARY OF IN-DEPTH STUDIES ON ÇAMËRIA: ‘EPIRI I JUGUT – ÇAMËRIA’

The Agency for the Support of Civil Society (AMSHC), in cooperation with the UET Centre and the UET Press published a book on Çamëria, bringing together a summary of in-depth studies on this topic and making it available to the scientific community and the public at large. The book, edited by Prof. Dr. Romeo Gurakuqi and Ketrina Çabiri, represents a summary of various in-depth studies and research concerning the Çamëria cause, as a fundamental human rights cause and an important part of the political discourse in Albania.
The contemporary Albanian society has gone through some essential social, cultural, political and economic transformations. The increased interest of the Albanian government and international actors on issues concerning marginalised communities is also reflected in the research agenda in academia in an attempt to seek for historical facts and bring into the light evidences. This summary explores the dynamics of the inter-state relations (Albania – Greece) in light of the national minorities with a particular interest on the çam population.

Project Coordinator for UET Centre
Ketrina Cabiri
[email protected]

ROMA YOUTH EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP

The UET Centre organised on the 03rd July the final conference on minority rights, thus concluding the project “Minority Rights in Albania: Roma youth empowerment through education and leadership”, supported by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Rule of Law Program in South East Europe and in partnership with the European University of Tirana and the Institute of Romani Culture in Albania. The conference brought together relevant stakeholders on Roma issues, academics, representatives from the Albanian government institutions, Roma and non-Roma youth organizations, community leaders, civil society activists and representatives of the private sector in order to present, share and discuss the challenges against Roma discrimination through education and leadership.
The project sought to empower Roma youth in Albania to fight discrimination, marginalization and exclusion through the development of their knowledge on minority rights, particularly so on youth rights, and leadership competences.

Project Coordinator for UET Centre
Blerjana Bino
[email protected]