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CCIS Joins NECE Prep-Lab in Tirana!

On June 18-19, 2024, CCIS had the privilege of participating in the Networking European Civic Education (NECE) festival prep-lab in Tirana. Together with local stakeholders and partners, we delved into essential topics such as #civiceducation, #youthengagement, #creativeindustries, and the unique challenges faced in the #WesternBalkans.
Here are some key takeaways from our discussions:
1. Civic Education:*We emphasized the importance of cross-border and cross-sector collaboration to enhance civic education and democratic participation.
2. Empowering Youth: We explored the complexities of engaging young people in cultural and innovative projects, highlighting issues like low participation rates, high emigration, and regional mobility challenges. Stronger links between formal and informal education, local belonging, and addressing distrust in institutions were key points.
3. Policy and Reform: New policies and reforms are crucial to support youth programs and artistic endeavors. We called for critical self-reflection, respectful disagreement, and cross-sector collaboration to tackle shared challenges in the creative industries.
4. Environmental Challenges: Significant issues like #wastemanagement, #recycling, and #deforestation require systematic work and collaboration. Creating incentives and readiness to invest in environmental protection are essential steps forward.
5. Digital and Media Literacy: In our post-truth era, #medialiteracy should be integrated into education as a cross-cutting topic. Shared #emotionalintelligence can enhance engagement and interest.
6. Brain Drain: High emigration rates, especially among the educated, highlight the need for initiatives to empower teachers, support the Roma community, integrate inclusiveness in education, and foster return migration.
The exchange of ideas and experiences at the Lab underscored our shared challenges and the pressing need for innovative, collaborative solutions.
The event was a great opportunity for CCIS to share and disseminate the work done with the implementation of our currently EU-funded projects like U2SID Project, #Digitcreshe, #digitcreshe #EYDR and Youth Observer Model- YO- Model #ErasmusPlus
The #NECEFestival, led by the Civic Innovation Hub in partnership with #SCIDEV, provides a platform for visionary thinkers to present bold ideas for the future.
One of NECE’s most exciting formats is its annual #festival, gathering actors from across Europe and beyond. This year, from November 14-17, the festival will focus on the topic of #BORDERS and will take place in the vibrant city of #Tirana, Albania.
Preparations are in full swing!
Stay tuned for more updates and join us in shaping the future!
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CCIS Participance on the Second IGCOORD Conference

The team of CCIS was pleased to participate on the Second IGCOORD Conference on “Vertical and Horizontal Coordination: Tools, Mechanisms, and Barriers to Solving Complex Policy Issues”. The conference was held from 13 to 14 June 2024, at the Darmstadt Castle, also known as Technische Universität of Darmstadt.

In addition to the latter mentioned, CCIS research work dealt also with the COST Association, the European Cooperation in Science and Technology.

Below, you will find a few snapshots of the conference, and for more updates feel free to follow our work and news.

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Midterm Evaluation Report Delivery for U2SID Project.

In late May, CCIS delivered the mid-term evaluation report for the Erasmus + CBHE U2SID Project project. The report was presented during a project steering committee meeting. The findings highlight the project’s significant contributions to improving digital literacy among students and lecturers in Albanian higher education institutions (HEIs), aligning with national priorities and European standards.
Key Highlights:
Relevance: The project addresses critical digital literacy needs in Albanian HEIs, leveraging EU expertise to align with national and European standards. The Needs Assessment Survey underscores the project’s alignment with the target audience.
Effectiveness: Efficient project management and careful planning ensure smooth cooperation and task distribution. Regular monitoring and adjustments promote inclusive participation, with comprehensive research validating outcomes.
Efficiency: Budgeting and financial management are handled with care, supported by effective monitoring, evaluation, and learning mechanisms. Active communication and dissemination enhance knowledge sharing and visibility.
Sustainability: The project adopts a long-term approach to sustain digital literacy skills beyond its lifespan, fostering long-term collaboration through clear roles and responsibilities.
Impact: The project significantly boosts the capacities of Albanian HEIs in digital literacy, with research providing valuable insights for future initiatives. Positive feedback and engagement on social media highlight its tangible impact on target audiences.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to enhance digital literacy and foster innovation in Albania and Europe!

 

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Promoting and Celebrating European Diversity Month 2024.

In an era marked by constant change, CCIS is adapting swiftly to ensure continuous success.
CCIS and #ANAD -SHKSHNJND in a joint effort, are embracing the future of work through inclusion and diversity with training for career development for sign language interpreters in Albania, supported by UNDP.
Diversity and inclusion are indispensable values for fostering innovation and cultivating a resilient workplace prepared to navigate challenges and overcome pressing contemporary issues.
Join us during European Diversity Month 2024 as we celebrate and promote the power of differences in shaping a modern, forward-thinking workplace where curiosity, fluidity, and acceptance thrive, elevating the sharing of knowledge.
Be part of the future of work—where embracing diversity is not just a choice but a strategic necessity.
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Partnership Continuation in the DIGITCRESHE Project.

The CCIS is pleased to share the news regarding its further partnership and collaboration in the DIGITCRESHE Project, that stands for the Digital Transformation in Education for the Cultural and Creative Industries.

 

The goals of this project are:

– Improvement of the quality of the higher education institutions (HEI) offer in the Balkan countries.

– Making the use of new digitalized methodologies and tools in the field of creative industries possible.

– Increase the percentage of students that express higher satisfaction from the skills gained in the new curricula.

– Developing, adapting and re-defining the curricula, courses and learning materials in HEI.

 

Throughout the project, there will be at least 30 joint activities for cooperation among the partners from the Balkan countries and the HEI from the EU member states. Hence, a broad range of stakeholders will be involved in order to harmonize the competencies and skills of the graduates with the labor market. In order for the project’s goals to be met,  several activities will be held, starting from Creative Labs, Teacher Mobility and Training, Master Classes, Intensive Study Programs as well as Online Learning and Community Platforms.

For further details of the collaboration, please feel free to read the provided leaflets of information, as follows.

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Participation in the U2SID Project Workshop at Salento University.

CCIS team is proud to announce its participation and contribution to the achievement of the U2SID project workshop at Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Innovazione – Uni Salento.

 

This workshop was an Erasmus+ CBHE project, funded by EU Commission for the 2023-2025 time period. The hard-work and the presentations of the CCIS team assisted in the aim of the project, to continue harnessing the power of the digital innovation for a brighter future.

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Celebrating European Youth Week 2024!

Organized by the European Commission, the European Youth Week is a very important event that encourages young people to engage in Europe’s activities and decisions. From April 12 to 19, 2024, discover opportunities, share your talents, and connect with leaders and decision-makers.
CCIS is proud to work with youth in Albania, the Balkan Region, and EU countries through projects supported by programs like Erasmus+, CERV, IPA, and RYCO.
Our goals for European Youth Week:
– Encourage young people to be active citizens and vote.
– Showcase positive developments for youth.
– Promote opportunities like Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps.
– Address important topics such as democracy participation, digital access and youth policy.
Learn more about our initiatives and join us in empowering youth!
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Enhancing Digital Skills and Competencies, while defining IT Qualifications and Curricula within Albania’s Higher Education System – U2SID Workshop in Tirana

At CCIS, we are proud to be key partner in monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the U2SID Erasmus+ an Erasmus+ Capacity Building Project aimed at promoting comprehensive and inclusive digital transformation in the Western Balkans region.

Our team participated on 27-28 March, 2024.at the workshop organized by the Mediterranean University of Albania in Tirana.  The workshop aims to accelerate the process of digital literacy at partner universities in Albania, leveraging the findings of the U2SID Accelerator Program.
The U2SID project plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation in higher education, aligning it with the needs of the labor market, regional development, and society at large. By facilitating knowledge transfer and generating economic and social value through the dissemination of teaching and research outcomes, U2SID promotes robust collaboration between universities and various stakeholders, including the private sector, policymakers, civil society, and media. The objective is to enhance the digital competence of both students and staff.
The workshop’s primary objective is to integrate digital literacy strategies into the priorities of higher education institutions, enabling the modernization of study programs at all levels and facilitating networking between higher education institutions and various sectors, including the economy, politics, business, and civil society.
The “Enhancing Digital Skills and Competencies, while defining IT Qualifications and Curricula within Albania’s Higher Education System – U2SID Workshop in Tirana” constitutes a crucial component of the education and training process. It engages teaching staff, students, and industry professionals, guided by the U2SID Digital Accelerator Program.
The first day of the workshop focused on the findings of the U2SID Accelerator Program, with guest professors from the University of Salento discussing Exponential Technologies and Digital Transformation Canvas. This collaborative session aims to leverage the expertise of teachers staff from partner universities, students, and industry professionals.
The workshop’s target audience on the first day included the middle generation of teachers and associates, mainly from the Mediterranean University of Albania, aged between 30 to 50 years, known for their adaptability to change. On the second day, the focus shifted to students, addressing their interests in hardware potential, software functionality, networking, and security, based on the U2SID needs assessment at Mediterranean University.

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Ensuring Quality and Effectiveness: CCIS’s MEL Plan for the EYDR Project

Since November 2023, CCIS has been actively engaged in the implementation of the EYDR project, with the dedicated involvement of CCIS’s experienced team and the invaluable contribution of experts to design MEL Plan. The journey began with an intensive process of designing the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plan tailored for the project’s unique requirements. This plan, meticulously crafted by CCIS, outlines a series of crucial tasks and activities aimed at ensuring the project’s smooth execution, continuous monitoring, and delivery of high-quality outcomes.

The initial phase involved a comprehensive assessment by CCIS to understand the project’s scope, objectives, and expected outcomes. This assessment enabled the identification of key performance indicators (KPIs) and baseline data necessary for monitoring progress effectively. Subsequently, CCIS developed a robust monitoring framework,  specific indicators, data collection methods, responsibilities, and timelines to guide the tracking of project progress and performance.

To uphold the project’s quality standards, CCIS established rigorous quality control procedures, including regular reviews, inspections, and audits of project deliverables and processes. Additionally, CCIS implemented various quality assurance measures, such as training sessions and capacity-building initiatives, to enhance the skills and competencies of project stakeholders.

Continuous monitoring remains a cornerstone of CCIS’s approach, ensuring ongoing tracking of project activities and progress against predetermined targets. Through regular data collection, analysis, and reporting, CCIS identifies deviations from planned activities and takes corrective actions as needed.

Furthermore, CCIS fosters a culture of learning and adaptation within the project team, facilitating reflection sessions, knowledge-sharing events, and lessons learned workshops. This enables informed decision-making and adjustments in response to emerging challenges and opportunities.

Periodic evaluations conducted by CCIS will assess the overall effectiveness, impact, and sustainability of the project. Stakeholder feedback, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and evaluation reports with recommendations for future improvements are key components of this process.

With the continuous support and feedback from the SCIDEV project team, the MEL plan was comprehensively developed and approved by project partners, underscoring CCIS’s commitment to ensuring the EYDR project’s success and its significant contribution to youth participation in digital democracy.

Here some pictures from the presentation of the MEL plan at the steering committee meeting on March 19, 2024

 

Stay tuned for updates as we work to empower youth participation in digital democracy!
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Big News from U2SID Project

We’re thrilled to announce that on February 26, 2024, our Steering Committee has officially approved the launch of the Digital Literacies Accelerator Program realized by Valentina D. Ndou at Università del Salento and Sladjana Benkovic at University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences and their respective teams !

This cutting-edge initiative is set to revolutionize digital literacy across our partner universities, ensuring that our educational strategies remain at the forefront of innovation and collaboration.

Our TEAM
Universiteti i Shkodrës “Luigj Gurakuqi”
Universiteti “Fan S. Noli”, Korçë – UNIKO
UNIVERSITETI MESDHETAR I SHQIPERISE
Scidev
Center for Compartive and International Studies CCIS
Agjencia Kombëtare e Kërkimit Shkencor dhe Inovacionit
Univerzitet Crne Gore
Univerzitet u Beogradu University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences
Università del Salento
U2SID is funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

 

Digital Literacies Accelerator Programme is the Worck Package 2 (WP2) of the U2SID project and it is the core work programme of the project. It consists on:

Development of Digital Literacies Accelerator Programme

Organization of mobility for training for staff and students

Collaborative training with lecturers and professionals from civil society, business, and policy on digital literacies

Hands on training for students on digital literacies

Promotion and engagement of stakeholders

Evaluation of competences