Preparing Youth for the 21st Century

March marked the beginning of a series of trainings on Graphic Design, Digital Marketing, Web design, Python Programming, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management. These trainings are being implemented by Albania Sustainable Development Organization (ASDO) with in cooperation with the Albania STEM Center, and with the financial support of the National Youth Agency (AKR), and the Minister of State for Youth and Children (MSHRF).

The project: “Development of competences among young people and entrepreneurs of the 21st century in Albania” aims to raise the capacities of young people in Albania on technological, and sustainable development education as well as engage these young people in internships.

After the initial call for the expression of interest was launched, we received more than 300 applications, way beyond our initial plan and expectations. Thus, we decided to amplify the pool of trainees and have selected almost half of them to be part of our trainings. The selection was made based on age (16-29), equal gender participation and motivation to be part of the trainings, either to further develop their skills in the field, or to acquire new skills for new job opportunities.

We started this project with trainings that were held both online and in person, in Tirana, Korça, Gjirokastra, Saranda and soon in Shkodra as well. Initial training sessions focused on providing general knowledge in basic design and programming knowledge as well as an overview of the work that will be done during these three months of training.

In the Graphic Design course, the trainees were introduced to Adobe Photoshop and have managed to create simple templates and designs, while Web Design trainees have focused on basic HTML commands as well as the basis of structuring a page. In Python Programming, the lessons have focused on creating simple codes for simple functionalities. These modules are being taught by experts at the Albanian STEM Hub, that have been working for years in the field of youth tech education.

The GIS module raised a lot of interest since it’s the first time such a training is ever being conducted in Albania, and there is an identified need of GIS experts from both state institutions and private organizations. The GIS training is being conducted by Albana Zotaj, a GIS expert that has been working with local authorities as well as international development agencies in Albania for years, and is providing her valuable insight into this line of work. The trainees have been presented with basic theoretical concepts as well as importing information and data into GIS software.

After the training, that will last until June, these trainees will be offered different internships and will be familiarized with online freelance platforms such as Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer and LinkedIn, and will also be provided with internships in different businesses, startups and organizations where they can put their newly acquired skills to good use.

Given the amount of interest that this project has raised, we are very keen on bringing it again in the coming months and years, and thus fulfilling our promise in providing education and skills to young people in order to build a more sustainable future.