Funded by the Joint SDG Fund: Albania’s LEAP Toward a Caring Future

UNDP Albania

July 1, 2025

A man checks a woman's blood pressure while another woman observes in a bright room. — Backed by the UN Joint SDG Fund and implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women, and ILO, LEAP is transforming care into a cornerstone of dignity, opportunity, and systemic change across Tirana, Vora, Durres, Librazhd, Devoll and Shkodra.

UNDP Albania

I love the saying: a society is as strong as it treats its most vulnerable. In Albania, this truth resonates in the quiet creak of an old wooden door in Durres, where 78-year-old Liri, a widower, greets Jeta, a caregiver with a warm smile and a first aid bag in hand. Jeta isn’t just checking Liri’s blood pressure or helping with chores—she brings care, companionship, and support.

This is the heart of Albania’s Lifelong Empowerment and Protection (LEAP) Joint Programme, launched in December 2024. Backed by the UN Joint SDG Fund and implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women, and ILO, LEAP is transforming care into a cornerstone of dignity, opportunity, and systemic change across Tirana, Vora, Durres, Librazhd, Devoll and Shkodra.

It’s a story of hope, where the most vulnerable—elders, people with disabilities, women, and youth—are not just cared for but empowered to forge ahead through interventions implemented by UNDP in the context of the joint programme.

In Vore’s municipal hall, 25-year-old Fabiola is guiding 65-year-old Fatime through her first online task: extracting a birth certificate. A year ago, this job didn’t exist. Now, Fabiola, trained through LEAP’s digital literacy programme implemented by UNDP, is unlocking the digital world for Fatime, who once saw it as a locked door. “I did it!” Fatime exclaims.

Funded by the Joint SDG Fund: Albania’s LEAP Toward a Caring Future — Fabiona, trained through LEAP’s digital literacy programme implemented by UNDP, offering digital services with E-Albania

UNDP Albania

Fabiola’s work is part of LEAP’s push for digital inclusion, with dedicated officers in municipalities ensuring elders and others can access platforms like e-Albania. These small victories knit communities closer, fostering intergenerational bonds and civic pride.

In Librazhd, a young woman with a disability, trained as a caregiver, tends to an elderly neighbor, his work a lifeline for both.

These stories reflect LEAP’s bold aim: to build an inclusive, sustainable care economy that leaves no one behind. By aligning with Albania’s National Aging Plan 2025–2030, informed by LEAP’s “Aging in Albania” study, the programme is laying the foundation for long-term care systems that create jobs while meeting the needs of a graying population.

By aligning with Albania’s National Aging Plan 2025–2030, informed by LEAP’s “Aging in Albania” study, the programme is laying the foundation for long-term care systems that create jobs while meeting the needs of a graying population.

UNDP Albania

LEAP’s impact is measurable yet deeply human. Since its launch, 220 families have received tailored economic and care support, 200 women and youth have transitioned into jobs in care, 700 households are set to gain integrated aid, 530 more women and youth will find work, 500 at-risk teens will learn skills, and 1,500 children will benefit from home visits. But beyond the numbers is the ripple effect: Jeta’s training gives her purpose, not just a paycheck. Fabiola’s tech lessons empower Fatime and strengthen community ties. Every caregiver, digital mentor, and social worker proves that care work isn’t invisible—it’s the future.

An essential part of LEAP’s success lies in its strong partnerships with civil society organizations. Through collaboration with NGOs and municipalities across Albania, UNDP is piloting the long-term care component of LEAP to improve access to care services and support employment opportunities. In Tirana, ARSIS is implementing a local model that expands care services while providing employment counseling for vulnerable women.

In Shkoder, Malesi e Madhe, and Vau Dejes, Shoqata Gruaja te Gruaja is piloting a long-term care model offering care services and training for new care workers. Other organizations—including Drejtesi Sociale, Instituti Liberal Pashko, Udhetim i Lire, and YMCA—are engaging disadvantaged groups through training in caregiving, soft skills, digital literacy, and community-based care models. These initiatives are enhancing care quality, opening real employment pathways, and contributing to broader policy learning and system transformation.

“We’re not just piloting services; we’re co-creating systems. LEAP is unlocking the care economy for people and progress,” says Project Manager Mirjeta Ramizi. “Care work is the future of decent, inclusive employment.”

Albania faces unique challenges: a shrinking youth population (down from 21.6% in 2011 to 16.3% in 2022), a growing elderly demographic (19.7% over 65), and persistent poverty, with 27.4% of children affected. LEAP tackles these head-on, aligning with the Global Accelerator initiative to strengthen social protection, boost employability, and ensure sustainable financing. As the government invests only 9.6% of GDP on care—LEAP is contributing to creating a model for inclusive development.

A Future Built on Care

As Jeta leaves Liri’s home, she pauses at the door. “See you tomorrow, Grandma,” she says. Liri nods, her smile lingering. That knock on the door isn’t just a visit—it’s a promise of a stronger, more inclusive Albania.
LEAP is proving that when we invest in care, we invest in everyone.

Thanks to the UN Joint SDG Fund and support from the European Union and the governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, LEAP is building a future where no one is left behind.