Shqipëria Posted on 2025-05-13 10:24:00

“National Entrepreneurship Festival” - Junior Achievement of Albania

From SCAN TV

This Thursday and Friday, May 8-9, 2025, at the Tirana Pyramid and Innovation Hub, Junior Achievement of Albania organized the 13th edition of GEN – E Albania - National Entrepreneurship Festival. 150 students from general and vocational high schools from all over the country were presented with the 26 best companies selected from among 510 students as part of Junior Achievement of Albania's "Student Companies" program.

Earlier, during April, these students and over 500 others presented at two Regional Fairs in Berat and Shkodra, with companies created by them, after a several-month journey implementing this elective module in their schools. GEN-E is developed with the strategic and financial support of the Albanian American Development Foundation – AADF, and the financial contribution of Tirana Bank for the 3rd consecutive year, as part of its intensive commitment to financial education in the country.

This activity was welcomed by the Co-Executive Directors of the Albanian American Development Foundation - AADF, Mr. Martin Mata and Mr. Aleksander Sarapuli, Chief Retail Banking Officer of Tirana Bank Ms. Lila Canaj, Executive Director of Junior Achievement Europe, Mr. Salvatore Nigro and Executive Director of Junior Achievement of Albania, Ms. Blerina Guga, who in addition to the awards conveyed an inspiring message to the young participants, the importance of financial education, entrepreneurship and preparing future generations.

Of the 26 participating companies, 9 were focused on developing applications/software, 4 had created smart and innovative devices, 2 artisanal products, 5 innovation in the environment and agriculture, and 6 companies were focused on solutions and services on mental health and well-being.

The best company was selected SilverSprings from the "Arben Broci" school, Tirana. Students from this company will represent Albania at the GEN-E European Entrepreneurship Festival, which will be held from July 1–4 in Athens, Greece.

The award for the most innovative business idea was given to the company FIPLAST, while the "Society Ready for Work" award was won by the company METAL ART from the Korça Vocational School.

The best teacher of the year was declared Genci Nelaj, from the “Sherif Hoxha” school, Koplik. Meanwhile, the company with the best marketing and sales plan was unanimously selected ME'DIT, from the TES school.

This activity, now a tradition of Junior Achievement of Albania for 13 years, offers young people a unique opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills and prepare for the job market. Through this program, they are involved in practical processes such as financial management, creating innovative ideas, teamwork, decision-making and the successful running of a company.

In an ever-changing job market, young people need practical skills such as creativity, teamwork, determination, self-confidence and responsibility. These elements constitute one of the main goals of Junior Achievement of Albania's engagement, turning entrepreneurship education into a powerful tool for the professional and personal development of young people.

During this school year 2024-2025, the "Student Companies" module was developed in 41 upper secondary education schools, where over 2,000 young people, under the support of over 50 teachers, have gained knowledge and skills that will help them on their journey towards professional success.

The JAA Regional Student Company Festival is organized thanks to the strategic support of the Albanian American Development Foundation - AADF, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Municipality of Shkodra, and the financial support of Tirana Bank.

About JA of Albania:

Junior Achievement of Albania is a strategic investment of AADF in the field of education. JAA's focus in these 13 years has been and remains the training and inspiration of young people to be successful in the global market.

Financial education, entrepreneurship education and career education have been provided for years now through JAA modules integrated into the civics subject from first to eighth grade, through the Economics 12 subject in high school and the two JA elective modules “Student Company” and “Leader for a Day” in upper secondary schools. Together with the Debate and Start UP programs, they provide young people with knowledge and skills that will accompany them throughout their lives.

While AADF has step by step supported JAA, as part of its education portfolio, its strategic partner the Ministry of Education and Sports has supported over the years the implementation and integration of JAA programs into 100% of the pre-university education system in Albania (JAA is the only organization in the world to have this coverage).

JAA modules are developed throughout the pre-university education system, supplementing students' economic education knowledge and skills.