Study visit Albania – green ideas from the Balkans

From the 6th to the 11th of November, in Durrës, Albania, ARNO`s two national finalists from the competition “Green Ideas” participated in the study visit for mentors and social entrepreneurs organized by the Balkan Green Foundation.

Mentors and social entrepreneurs from the Western Balkans had the opportunity to gain more knowledge about the good practices of social enterprises in Albania and learn more about the path of their development.

As part of this study visit, the participants visited two social enterprises from the city of Berat – ,,Rinora Handmade”, which produces natural sponges and artisanal soaps, as well as, ,,Qukapiku” – which produces wooden toys designed to stimulate healthy brain development of children in the early stages of their life. Both of these social enterprises were part of the Balkan Green Ideas competition in 2020 and 2022.

The activity also included a visit to the social enterprise “Center for Culinary Education” from Tirana, which works to promote traditional food and local products, but at the same time offers intensive courses in cooking and pastry for students, offering them the opportunity for employment. Moreover, the production of butter from almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts, using local and exotic ingredients for the development of rural communities, is the work of the social enterprise “Pemla”, which was also part of this study visit.

The last visit of the activity was to the regionally known social enterprise “Mrizi i Zanave” from Fishtë of Lezha which works in the field of agritourism and has 100 employees involved in all aspects of farm production, food processing, and restaurant services.

In addition, two workshops were organized during the stay: one focused on sharing perspectives on the potential of young people in the development of green businesses, while the other workshop was intended to share lessons learned during the study visit, as well as recommendations from to the participants who will contribute to the further development of the Balkan Green Ideas program.

“The study visit for mentors and entrepreneurs” is supported by the Erasmus+ program and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.