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