“If social enterprises deal with education, help build self-confidence and job skills, while ensuring sustainable self-financing, this immediately becomes part of a long-term market.” – Dritan Nelaj, Director of the Inclusive EduJobs project
As part of the Constructive Engagement Platform, a workshop was recently held on the theme “Social Enterprises and the Inclusion of Roma and Egyptian National Minorities”. The event was organized by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, in cooperation with the Open Society Foundation for Albania and the Inclusive EduJobs project.
The workshop highlighted the role of social enterprises in advancing both social inclusion and economic sustainability. A key example is the Joscelyn Foundation, which, with the support of Inclusive EduJobs, has gained official status as a social enterprise. Today, it provides employment opportunities to eight women from Roma and Egyptian communities, demonstrating how such initiatives can create meaningful change in people’s lives.
By fostering education, confidence, and professional skills, while also maintaining financial independence, social enterprises open new doors for vulnerable groups. Beyond individual empowerment, they contribute to broader goals of social cohesion, equality, and sustainable development.
This workshop served as a platform for dialogue, exchange of best practices, and the promotion of inclusive approaches that enable minorities to fully participate in society and the labor market.