In the coastal town of Lezhë, two young people have rewritten their futures through determination, practical training, and a support system that connects skills with real jobs.
Vera, 23, once spent her days navigating the beautiful but demanding whirlwind of motherhood, her ambitions paused by the lack of a clear pathway into the workforce.
“Before, I felt like my world had become very small. I wanted to do more, not just for myself, but for my child. Today, I feel independent. I have a profession, and I’m building a future we can rely on.”
Klodjan, 21, had been caught in the cycle of informal jobs — unstable work that slowly eroded his confidence and sense of direction.
“I didn’t see a clear path ahead. Now, I wake up knowing where I’m going. I’ve gained not only skills, but a sense of purpose. I feel respected for what I do.
Both were classified as NEETs — "young people Not in Employment, Education, or Training" — a growing challenge across Albania and a reflection of untapped potential.
Their journey changed with a referral from the local employment office to the UN joint programme Lifelong Empowerment and Protection in Albania (LEAP), funded by the Joint SDG Fund and implemented by UNDP (lead agency), UNICEF, and ILO.
“The barrier for many NEET youth isn't a lack of will, but a lack of means. LEAP addressed this directly through a simple, powerful mechanism: the Training Voucher,” says Mirjeta Ramizi, Project Manager of LEAP.
By removing financial barriers, Vera and Klodjan enrolled in a six-month practical course delivered by “Marin Barleti” University, in partnership with the National Agency for Employment and Skills (NAES) and the Municipality of Lezhë.
This was hands-on training tailored to Albania’s growing tourism sector, covering front office management, guest relations, and workplace readiness.
“For the first time, I felt like I had something valuable to offer,” Vera says.
“This training changed how I see myself — not as someone looking for a job, but as someone who belongs in this profession,” adds Klodjan.
The transition from training to employment was made possible through partnerships with the private sector. Shortly after completing the programme, both were hired by Rafaelo Resort.
Vera now works as a Buffet Attendant, bringing professionalism and care to every guest interaction.
“This job means stability. It means I can plan ahead, support my child, and keep growing. I’m not just working — I’m building something lasting.”
Klodjan found his place at the Front Desk, becoming the welcoming face of the resort for visitors from across Europe and beyond.
“Every day I interact with people from different countries. It makes me proud — I feel like I represent my country. This is just the beginning for me.”
Impact Beyond Two Stories
Vera and Klodjan represent a broader transformation. LEAP is demonstrating that linking social protection with market demand leads to real, measurable results.
Vera and Klodjan represent a broader transformation. LEAP is demonstrating that linking social protection with market demand leads to real, measurable results. Across Albania, 525 NEET youth and people from vulnerable groups have engaged in skills development, and 357 women and youth have transitioned into employment. Some 643 at-risk young people between the ages of 14 and 17 have been trained in digital, financial, green, and soft skills, while 864 households have accessed integrated care and support services and 1,600 children have benefited from home visits. An additional 125 rural women caregivers have helped shape more inclusive employment pathways.
At the same time, LEAP is addressing Albania’s ageing population by developing long-term care services — creating new employment opportunities, especially for women.
What began in Lezhë is now scaling nationwide. LEAP’s integrated approach — moving individuals from social support to training to sustainable employment — is being embedded into Albania’s employment and vocational systems.
For Vera and Klodjan, the impact is deeply personal — but it also points to something bigger:
“Now I can dream again — and I know how to reach those dreams,” says Vera.
“I don’t feel stuck anymore. I feel like I’m moving forward,” Klodjan adds.
Their journeys show the true power of opportunity: turning potential into profession, and hope into a future that lasts.
Note:
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds, and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
