Year: <span>2024</span>

From: Mrs. Sindi Myrta
Sindi Myrta is an Assistant Researcher at CCIS and a Software Engineering student at the European University of Tirana. She is passionate about exploring new ideas and contributing to projects that bring positive change. Sindi is a young activist eager to learn, collaborate, and use her skills to address challenges and make a difference in youth policy in Albania.

CCIS YOUTH OBSERVERS
December 2024

As a university student in Albania, I often find myself confronting the pervasive issue of corruption in our education system—a problem that deeply affects not just my generation, but the entire nation’s future. From bribery during exams to political interference in curricula, these practices chip away at the credibility of institutions meant to empower young people.

On December 9th, International Anti-Corruption Day, we are reminded of the global fight against corruption, which extends deeply into education systems worldwide. In Albania and across Southeast Europe, the perception of corruption in education remains alarmingly high. According to the FES Youth Study SEE, in 2024, 62.9% of respondents across Southeast Europe believe grades and exams are “bought” in educational institutions, a slight improvement from 65.4% in 2018. Alarmingly, 73.9% of young people in Albania in 2024 believe grades and exams can be “bought,” a slight improvement from 74.9% in 2018. This lack of trust demotivates students, making them feel their efforts are undervalued in a system that often rewards money and connections over merit.

While this indicates a small step forward, the numbers are still concerning, especially compared to Western Europe, which scored an average of 66 out of 100 on the 2021 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI).

This lack of trust creates discouragement. Many students feel disheartened, believing that academic success often depends on financial means or connections rather than merit. This not only demotivates hardworking students but also perpetuates a culture where integrity is undervalued.

Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic about the power of my generation to bring about change. We live in an era where technology and innovation provide tools to challenge the status quo. Digital platforms can expose corruption, amplify our voices, and demand accountability. Programs like the Erasmus+ project, A cross regional predictive model for youth policy shaping – Youth Observers, empower young people like me to acquire digital skills and use them to advocate for justice and fairness in Albania.

To create an education system built on merit, fairness, and transparency, we must demand structural reforms. This includes digitalizing administrative processes to reduce opportunities for bribery, establishing independent anti-corruption bodies, and fostering open discussions about ethical behavior.

This December, as we reflect on the role of integrity in shaping our society, let us commit to building a future where hard work and merit are celebrated. Change starts with us—students, educators, policymakers, and citizens—working together to create a system that serves the people, not the powerful. Together, we can ensure that education remains a tool for empowerment, not exploitation.

Let this be the December we look back on as the beginning of a brighter future for Albania.

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* This article is produced in the framework of the ERASMUS-YOUTH-2023-CB: A cross regional predictive model for youth policy shaping – Youth Observers. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

© Y-O Model
All rights reserved.

From: Mrs. Keris Babliku
Keris Babliku is a young activist and Software Engineering student at the European University of Tirana,
driven by a passion for technology, innovation, and community contribution. Currently an Assistant
Researcher at CCIS, she actively engages in pioneering projects that bring transformative change to
Albania.

CCIS YOUTH OBSERVERS
December 8, 2024

As a 21-year-old growing up in Albania, I find myself at a crossroads shaped by opportunities and
challenges. The choices we face as young people today are heavily influenced by a world in flux. Social
norms, economic struggles, and rapid technological advancements define our experiences, yet they also
highlight our resilience and adaptability.
December 8, National Youth Day in Albania, is a moment to honor the essential role youth played in the
democratic changes of our country. It’s also a time for reflection on the challenges we still face today.
While this day celebrates the courage and vision of past generations, it should also inspire us to act for
our future.

Education remains a central theme in our journey. Many of us dream of studying abroad, believing it to
be the key to a brighter future. The reality at home—limited quality education and the uncertain job
market—pushes us toward this "migration rush." But this does not mean we lack hope or ambition. If
education systems here are reformed and aligned with the needs of the digital age, there’s potential for
us to thrive and contribute meaningfully without having to leave our homeland.

We are also dealing with the idea of political engagement. Disillusionment with political systems is
widespread among my peers. Many of us feel disconnected from a political process that seems
unresponsive to our needs. However, hope remains. The dream of Albania as part of the EU serves as a
motivator, urging us to envision a society with stronger democratic values, rule of law, and equality.

Despite everything, I see immense potential in my generation. We are ready to embrace technology,
digital activism, and new ideas. We believe in building a society that reflects our dreams of fairness and
opportunity. But to achieve this, we need not only platforms to express our voices but also concrete
actions to ensure our contributions lead to meaningful change like our engagement as Youth Observer
in the Erasmus + CBY project “A cross regional predictive models for youth policy shaping – Youth
Observers”

This December, as we reflect on our roles in shaping the future, I encourage us all to look inward, to find
strength in our unity and vision. Let it be a call to improve education, create better job opportunities,
and build a society where the voices of young people are not just heard but acted upon. Let’s make
Albania a place where staying is as promising as leaving. After all, the power to redefine our narrative
lies within us.

________________________________________________________________________________________________
*This article is produced in the framework of the ERASMUS-YOUTH-2023-CB: A cross regional predictive model for
youth policy shaping – Youth Observers. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are
however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European
Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held
responsible for them.

© Y-O Model
All rights reserved.