The study visit took place in the municipality of Tirana and Elbasan from 17–19 September 2025, and brought together Albanian and Greek stakeholders (35 participants in total) to exchange knowledge and strengthen collaboration on inclusive education and employment models.
This study visit was conducted within the framework of the Inclusive EduJobs project, which promotes the social and economic inclusion of Roma and Egyptian communities in Albania by enhancing local capacities in inclusive education and employment services.
Key Themes and Highlights
Meetings were held both at the municipal and national levels, with the active participation of high-level representatives. Among those present were the Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection of Albania, the Deputy Mayor of Elbasan, as well as directors from various departments at both the Ministry and municipal levels from Municipalities of Tirana, Shkodra and Elbasan, representatives of NGOs, as well as the experts working for the General Secretariat for Social Solidarity and Fight against Poverty of the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family in Greece, and and NGO Klimaka KLIMAKA – Roma Day Center. Their engagement reflected strong institutional commitment and support for advancing inclusive policies and practices.
Participants engaged with a range of core topics, including:
- Strengthening Local and National Governance – Showcasing how institutional cooperation can support inclusive policymaking and service delivery for Roma and Egyptian communities.
- Blended Education for Inclusion – Advancing innovative approaches to improve access and participation of Roma and Egyptian communities.
- Employment and Social Enterprise Development – Exploring opportunities for vulnerable groups, particularly through farming and other livelihood initiatives.
- Capacity Building and Practical Learning – Co-designing inclusive employment and education schemes through collaborative approaches.
- Regional Cooperation and Exchange – Fostering cross-border collaboration between Albania and Greece while reinforcing commitments to equity, innovation, and sustainable development.
Day 1 – Institutional Engagement
Participants met with the Municipality of Tirana, the Ministry, and the Municipality of Elbasan. Discussions centered on inclusive policy-making, municipal-level initiatives, and strategies to improve access to education and employment for Roma and Egyptian communities. These exchanges provided valuable insights into how governance structures can support local communities more effectively.
Day 2 – Blended Education and Employment Initiatives
The second day highlighted pioneering efforts in blended education for Roma and Egyptian communities in Albania. Greek experts shared their perspectives and comparative practices, sparking dialogue on the challenges and opportunities of implementing inclusive education models.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to employment and farming initiatives, including pathways to self-employment and the role of social enterprises. Discussions with AKPA underlined both the potential and the legal challenges faced by social enterprises in Albania.
Day 3 – Capacity Building Workshop
The final day featured practical training sessions on collaboratively designing and managing inclusive employment and education schemes. Through group exercises, case studies, and peer exchange, participants built skills to develop innovative and community-driven solutions.
Conclusion
The visit reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation, community empowerment, and innovation in creating meaningful opportunities for marginalized communities. It concluded with an evaluation session that captured lessons learned and outlined recommendations for future joint activities.
In closing discussions, participants emphasized the need to continue inclusive activities for marginalized groups and highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between institutions, NGOs, and community members to ensure effective, community-centered outcomes.
Participants emphasized the importance of creating more opportunities to share experiences and learn from one another, noting the value of continued dialogue and exchange. They highlighted that the meetings provided useful insights and good practices in both employment and inclusive education for Roma and Egyptian communities, which can be adapted and applied in their own contexts.
“It was inspiring to see how both countries, Albania and Greece approach inclusive education, and there were great ideas shared.”
“Sharing our challenges openly helped me realize we are not alone, and together we can find solutions for employment opportunities.”
About Inclusive EduJobs
Inclusive EduJobs promotes equitable access to education and employment for Roma and Egyptian communities in Albania. The project focuses on empowering municipalities to deliver inclusive services and improve social outcomes, particularly for women, men, girls, and boys from underserved backgrounds.
To learn more about future activities or how to get involved, visit: https://inclusive-edujobs.al/