? The closing event of the project #WinforVET in Albania comprised four discussion panels. Here is a summary of the key speakers of the 1st panel.

✍️ Mr. Redjepali Chupi, Co-Director of the Roma Education Fund (REF), introduced the REF’s work and impact over the years, including supporting 8’000 Roma students across Europe and providing 406 scholarships?‍? in Albania ??. REF has shifted its focus to building resilient communities through education. Challenges related to discrimination and segregation based on ethnicity still persist.

??  Mrs. Etleva Kikina, Interim Head of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) Office in Tirana, highlighted ADA’s support for good governance, integral water management, and Vocational Education and Skills. The WinForVET project exceeded expectations despite post-COVID-19 challenges. REF is a strategic donor for Roma Versitas Albania, ensuring continuous support for their educational work and transition to employment. ?

? Mrs. Irena Mitro, a Ministry of Health and Social Protection representative, stressed the importance of integrating the Roma and Egyptian communities. A follow-up tracking system should be established for those who have completed vocational education and entered the workforce. ?Maintaining effective data tracking and addressing interconnected issues are challenges. Roma students show potential, and advocacy is vital. Roma Versitas Albania has made significant contributions.

? In conclusion, collaboration with national and local institutions in Albania is encouraged, partnerships are crucial, and a holistic approach is necessary to address the needs of Roma communities.

? The 2nd panel brought together vocational education training staff representatives. This panel was moderated by Mrs. Marsela Taho, REF focal point in Albania.

?Mr. Alket Merdanaj, Director of the Shkolla e mesme profesionale “Rakip Kryeziu” Fier, highlighted their positive and equal treatment of pupils. Many Roma students from their school have gone on to attend university and secure good jobs. While institutions provide support through policies like free textbooks and VET scholarships, WinForVET’s additional assistance is valuable. The main challenge is raising community awareness about education.

? Mr. Ergys Laho, from Shkolla e Mesme Teknologjike “Hysen Çela” Durrës, emphasized their school’s equal approach to all pupils. Roma students excel, especially in Food Technology, and might have fair enrollment opportunities at the Agriculture University of Tirana. ?Efforts are needed to attract more Roma students, particularly from the Shkozet District, and identify their needs. Teachers should also receive training on Roma-related topics.?‍?

? Mr. Behexhet Kafexhiu, from the Development Unit of Shkolla e Mesme Profesionale “Ali Myftiu”, shared statistics on their 132 pupils from both national minorities. He believes these students will become highly skilled professionals. One alumnus from the community is even studying in Estonia. ??Albania’s future looks promising when investing in the young generation. Greater sustainability is ensured by combining existing resources and policies with project support and strong career orientation.?

? ?Many thanks to these VET schools and to many of those that could not attend personally for the support they offered during the implementation of our project.

? In the third panel of the closing event of WinForVET, a few other distinguished partners shared their inputs and insights about the project.

? Mrs. Aida Kureta from the National Agency for Employment and Skills highlighted their role in vocational education, training, and employment, emphasizing the considerable participation rate among Roma. The issue of education criteria for skills centres was addressed. She expressed enthusiasm for upcoming projects but stressed the need for support from civil society organizations.

✒️Mr. Piro Xheblati, General Director of Social Services in Berat, noted the significant impact of the WinForVET project on Berati Municipality. Local and central institutions worked together, and the Municipality approved the Local Development Plan for the Community. 56% of scholarships in VET are allocated to Roma and Egyptians. There is increasing interest in vocational education and skills, and the Municipality fully subsidizes preschool education.

?Ms. Briselda Reme, a local mentor in Tirane, called for extensive short-term courses and emphasized the project’s aim to inspire young Roma pupils to invest in their communities.

?Mrs. Luiza Hykaj, an Animal Vet Hospital administrator in Fier, discussed our cooperation and the progress of a Roma girl intern at the clinic. We supported the internship of one of our beneficiaries there.

?In the final panel, young participants shared their experiences with the project. ?

? Sara, who attends the cuisine and tourism branch, praised the project’s support. She suggested increasing the scholarship provision. She would have to choose between school or a full-time job if it was not for such support.

? Erisa, who interned at the Social Service Department in Berat with the project internship support scheme, praised the project’s components and recommended the same scholarship increase.

? Nurjada expressed great satisfaction with the project’s support for VET school students.

? Zarif, a young Roma adult, was supported with a short-term course. Later, he went abroad but returned, was offered an internship by the project, and now works two jobs, including one in a car workshop.

? Elhami, one of the project’s top pupils, values the support and suggests organizing more social activities to foster social cohesion among young Roma pupils.