• 2018-09-18

As part of the QAinAL Project, a project co-funded by the European Union's Erasmus + Program, focused on strategic support for the strengthening of internal quality assurance structures in private higher education institutions in Albania, was organized at the "Barleti University" ”On September 17-18,2018 Roundtable on Finalizing and Concluding the QainAL Project.

The purpose of this roundtable was to discuss between the five partner universities in this project (Epoka University, European University of Tirana, "Barleti University", New York University in Tirana and Polis University) and the main supporting educational institutions in the country. highlights in Albania on the progress of the project, its achievements, quality assurance, institutional accreditation process as well as the challenges and prospects of higher education in Albania.

The activity was welcomed by the Rector of the "Barleti University", Prof. Dr. Marenglen Spiro, who emphasized in his speech the importance of the project in promoting quality assurance in higher education institutions.

Professor Spiro highlighted that this roundtable will serve to further strengthen internal quality assurance mechanisms by sharing best practices of partners and identifying opportunities for further improvement.

The discussion was followed by Prof. Peter Eckl, of the University of Salzburg in Austria, the lead university of this project, on its importance and value for each of the beneficiary universities.

According to the agenda, Mr. Egest Gjokuta, representative of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, gave a brief presentation on the impact and benefits of higher education in Albania on education projects, in line with the Ministry's perspective.

Also of interest were the presentation of Mrs. Aida Breti, National Coordinator of the ERASMUS + Office in Albania on the role of the ERASMUS + Office in Education projects and the presentation of Prof. Dr. Agostino Massa, from the University of Genoa, Italy, on quality action plans and their sustainability. He then takes the floor. Peter Eckl from the University of Salzburg in Austria; Luljeta Aliu, from WUS Kosovo, who dwell on the project's values and achievements in general.

The first day ended with the moderation of Prof. Dr. Mariana Mocannu, from the Bucharest Polytechnic University, of the discussions among partner universities on the importance of enhancing the role and contribution of students as a whole to the higher education system in Albania.

During the second day, September 18, 2018, presentations were delivered by each of the Partner Universities on the results, challenges, problems encountered and best practices of the QAinAL project.

On behalf of "Barleti University", the presentation was made by Drnt. Eurona Leka, MA, as Project Coordinator.

During the second day, a special place was dedicated to the monitoring visit by the ERASMUS + Office in Tirana.

During this visit, the discussions highlighted some of the main challenges faced by higher education institutions in Albania, such as the lack of legal framework, the need and necessity of a new culture of self-evaluation, professional studies and employment opportunities for students in Albania. end of cycle of studies. The importance of strengthening the State University was also emphasized, as it would only create a real climate of competition between public and private higher education institutions.

This project and its achievements will serve as an opportunity to contribute to the development and improvement of the structures, policies and institutions of higher education in Albania.