WB-Edu4Migration

Mitigating Migration Challenges in the Western Balkans: Bridging the Skills Gap for Social Care Providers via Curricula Enhancement and Micro Credential Development

ERASMUS+ CBHE (2024) Project No. 101179745

Project Summary

The project proposal is driven by the recognition of a critical gap in the competencies of social workers in Kosovo and Albania, particularly concerning their ability to effectively support migrant populations. Despite the growing importance of addressing migration issues within these countries, educational institutions offering social work programs have yet to fully incorporate comprehensive coursework on migration studies and related subjects. This educational gap hinders social workers' ability to understand and address the unique challenges faced by migrant populations, necessitating targeted interventions to bridge this gap. The primary aim of the project is to enhance the competencies of students and social workers in Kosovo and Albania to better support migrant populations. This will be achieved through a multi-phased approach that includes educational reform, the development of digital micro credential courses, and ongoing capacity-building initiatives. By addressing both foundational and ongoing training needs, the project seeks to empower future and current social workers with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to effectively serve migrant communities and advocate for their needs within the social work profession. The project's success will lead to significant benefits: enhanced higher education curricula will better prepare future social workers to support migrant populations, while digital micro credential courses will offer practicing social workers flexible professional development opportunities. Empowered social workers will provide comprehensive support to migrants, promoting inclusive practices and positive outcomes for both migrants and host communities in Kosovo and Albania.

Project Partners

1.      AAB College, Kosovo, Coordinator. https://aab-edu.net/en/ 

2.      International Business College Mitrovica, Kosovo, Partner. https://www.ibcmitrovica.eu/ 

3.      “FEHMI AGANI” University of Gjakova, Kosovo, Partner. https://uni-gjk.org/en 

4.      Institute for Research, Education and Social Development, Kosovo, Partner. https://ireds-ks.org/ 

5.      University of Tirana, Albania, Partner. https://unitir.edu.al/eng/partneret/ 

6.      University “Marin Barleti,” Albania, Partner. https://umb.edu.al/en/rreth-uniba.html 

7.      Logos University College, Albania, Partner. https://www.kulogos.edu.al/en/ 

8.      Institute of Roman Culture in Albania, Partner. https://irca.al/ 

9.      UCL Erhvervsakademi & Professionshojskole SI, Denmark, Partner. https://www.ucl.dk/international 

10.  Fachhochschule Salzburg GMBH, Austria, Partner. https://www.fh-salzburg.ac.at/  

11.  Libera Universita di Lingue e Comunicazione IULM, Italy, Partner. https://www.iulm.it/en/home/home 

Project Duration: 36 months.

Edu4Migration Project – “Training of Trainers (ToT)” Activity, 27–31 October 2025

As part of the Edu4Migration project, we are pleased to share that the Training of Trainers (ToT) activity, held from 27 to 31 October 2025 at UCL University College, Vejle (Denmark), was successfully implemented.

The event brought together a significant number of colleagues and academic staff members from partner institutions, fostering the exchange of experiences and innovative approaches in the field of education on migration and social work.

During the same period, the Project Managers’ Meeting was also successfully conducted, resulting in a highly productive discussion. The meeting focused on the achievements reached so far and outlined new initiatives to be undertaken in the next phase of the project.

Overall, both activities marked an important milestone in strengthening cooperation among partners and enhancing the project’s impact in building the capacities of educators and professionals across the Western Balkans and the European Union.

Edu4Migration Project – IULM University Leads Regional Training on the Development of Micro-Credential Courses in the Western Balkans

IULM University (Italy) successfully led the E4.1 Training of Trainers (ToT) for higher-education partner institutions across the Western Balkans, as part of the WB-Edu4Migration project. The training sessions were held on 17–18 November at AAB College in Prishtina and continued on 20–21 November at Barleti University in Tirana, bringing together project teams and regional partners for an integrated capacity-building programme.

The training highlighted IULM University’s expertise in contemporary higher-education methodologies. Professors Andrea Miconi and Simona Pezzano delivered the academic content online, while Fabio De Giorgio participated in person in Prishtina, ensuring a high level of interaction and engagement between trainers and participants.

The Prishtina sessions included representatives from AAB College, IBCM, and the University of Gjakova “Fehmi Agani”, while the Tirana sessions gathered participants from LOGOS University College, Barleti University, and the University of Tirana. This cross-institutional approach strengthened regional cooperation and facilitated meaningful exchange of experience and expertise.

Training Focus

The first day introduced key concepts of micro-credentials, international standards, and successful implementation models. Participants examined ways to integrate micro-credentials into modern higher-education systems, reflecting IULM University’s leadership in flexible and future-oriented learning solutions.

The second day emphasised hands-on application. Participants worked on course design, definition of learning outcomes, and practical exercises based on the materials developed under Work Package 3, applying IULM’s pedagogical frameworks to concrete scenarios.

The E4.1 Training of Trainers provided a structured platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and institutional capacity building.

IULM University reaffirmed its leading role in advancing micro-credential development and in supporting the creation of flexible learning pathways that respond to contemporary educational and labour-market needs across the Western Balkans.