Making the Labor Market Inclusive in Albania with EU support

UNDP Albania

September 18, 2025

Making the Labor Market Inclusive in Albania with EU support — Mario Kola, 18, Tirana – from struggling with simple tasks to confidently preparing coffee at Jonathan Center.

UNDP Albania

For many young people in Albania, especially those with disabilities or from vulnerable backgrounds, stepping into the labor market can feel like an impossible challenge. Simple tasks, unfamiliar routines, or even the thought of a new workplace can trigger anxiety and self-doubt. But through the EU for Labour Market Inclusion (EU4LMI) project, lives are changing. Here is why:

Learning Through Small Wins

Mario Kola, 18, from Tirana, is a person with disability. At first, attending professional training thanks to the project “HAP Network – Haven of Apprenticeships and Placements” implemented by Jonathan Center Albania, one of the grantees of the EU4LMI, was overwhelming. Tasks as simple as cleaning tables or following instructions felt daunting. Mario often avoided eye contact and struggled to remain seated.

Yet, something sparked his confidence: making coffee. Initially just for his mother, this small task became a bridge to independence. Mario quickly mastered each step—using the espresso machine, preparing drinks, and serving colleagues. Today, he arrives at the Center calmly, apron on, moving through his tasks with pride and precision.

Benet Bendo, 22, Tirana – once hesitant, now serving customers with skill and confidence.

UNDP Albania

Similarly, Benet Bendo, 22, from Tirana started hesitant and unsure. Carrying trays or preparing cappuccinos seemed impossible. With encouragement and hands-on training, Benet learned to balance drinks, serve customers confidently, and master espresso-based drinks. One day, serving a full order—coffee, macchiato, and water—without a single spill, marked a turning point. His mother said: “This program gave him more than skills. It gave him hope.”

The Coaches Behind the Success

Orgesta Musaraj, 21 – a job coach guiding young people with disabilities through tailored support.

UNDP Albania

The EU4LMI project also nurtures the professionals guiding these young adults. Orgesta Musaraj, 21, began as an uncertain intern at Jonathan Center, unsure of her ability to support young adults with special needs. Through HAP Network, she discovered that individualized employment plans, teamwork with families, and ongoing mentorship could unlock real potential.

Dajana Mazhi – a job coach helping young adults build skills and independence.

UNDP Albania

Dajana Mazhi’s journey started in the art therapy room at Jonathan Center, assisting young adults in creative activities. Volunteering at events like “Night to Shine” inspired her to pursue a more active role in supporting independence and employment. Today, as a trained Job Coach through EU4LMI, Dajana guides young people with confidence, helping them navigate workplace challenges and develop skills for real jobs.

Currently, 80 women and men with disabilities in Tirana and Shijak, and 40 job coaches are being trained by the project. Up to this stage, 35 beneficiaries and 21 job coaches have completed the training and preparation cycle and are now in the job-matching and employment mediation phase.

A Program with a Purpose

EU4LMI supports the National Agency for Employment and Skills at central and local levels in developing the regulatory and institutional framework, informed by piloted initiatives in several municipalities. Through partnerships with employment and social care service providers, the project enables supported employment for persons with disabilities. The aim of these local pilot initiatives is to provide a comprehensive model of structured and tailored support through job coaches and therapists.

EU4LMI is funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP Albania in partnership with the Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen) and the Albanian Disability Rights Foundation (ADRF). The project operates closely with the National Agency for Employment and Skills (NAES), Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation (MoECI), Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MoHSP), State Social Services (SSS), municipalities, and local stakeholders.

Its aims are clear: to enhance employability, create inclusive employment opportunities, and integrate vulnerable groups into the workforce. By strengthening labor market services, increasing employment rates among target groups, and developing sustainable models for workforce inclusion, the project also supports Albania’s EU accession agenda, aligning the country with European standards for equality, opportunity, and social inclusion.

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From Mario’s first espresso to Benet’s confident service, from Orgesta’s mentorship to Dajana’s hands-on coaching, EU4LMI is proving that change is possible when guidance, opportunity, and belief meet. For the young people in Albania, every small victory is a step toward independence—and a future where they can live with dignity, skill, and hope.