To overcome the economic crisis, in order to have a social competence and economic empowerment of young people, SOS Children’s villages Albania work in the field of employability. Youth employment is a permanent challenge in Albania. The economic crisis has deepened the effects of employment challenge. On the other hand, the pandemic situation had a positive impact on the growth of children’s/young people’s digital skills. Regardless of the difficulties in the labor market, the desire and commitment of young people has increased mainly for seasonal and part-time work due to the age and commitments that young people have at school. We also promote the employability of young people in our target group by engaging with public authority decision-makers and partners. We make sure that those in our programme can benefit from a range of support measures such as career coaching or internships.

A new project “Youth Empowerment Enabling Prospects”[1] financed by the Ministry of Economic Cooperation and development of the Federal Republic of Germany (BMZ) and Herman -Gmeiner Germany eV will offer new opportunity for young people and CSO and state authorities and communities. This project covers new locations such as: Lezha, Elbasani, Korça, etc.

The project will improve the living conditions of young people by improving employment prospects and active participation in the labor market. It will empower local actors professionally and financially in their work for the socio-economic integration of youth. In addition, this project makes the decision-making authorities at the local level aware of the situation of young people from vulnerable groups and possible strategies for their empowerment.

– Young people will be provided with soft, life and practical skills to reach more employment opportunities and to improve their socio-economic integration.

– New methodology of working with young people in terms of life and employability skills and entrepreneurship will be effectively implemented by Frontline Professionals

– Additionally, professionals will increase their capacities on “Systemic Approaches for Integrated Social Services and Youth Social Integration” though trainings which equipped the CSO’s representatives with the sufficient knowledge in working and dealing with marginalized youth and to provide quality support to young people.

– Furthermore, local decision-makers will raise their awareness of the situation of vulnerable young people, and they will be aware of possible strategies to improve the situation of the target group.