Green Jobs

Pupils of “Hysen Çela” high school, participants in “Rescue Food” fair © V.Kabili

Durrës, May 25th, 2018. A special food fair was organized by students of the Culinary High School “Hysen Çela”, Durrës, in order to raise awareness on responsible consumption and production. The “Rescue Food” fair turned into a celebration day marking the conclusion of “Promoting green entrepreneurship among high school pupils ” project with the students of this school.

Pupils from the “Hotel and Tourism” department prepared and exhibited their dishes aiming to promote cooking practices which reduce the amount of food waste and loss. Through the preparation of different recipes, they demonstrated that products not aesthetically pleasing or near the expiration date can be used for cooking, with no need to turn them into waste.

Mrs. Blerina Dervishi, the principal of “Hysen Çela” high school and Mr. Olsi Nika, Executive director of EcoAlbania during the greeting word. © V.Kabili

This fair took place after four months of work with young professionals, during which, lessons and demonstrations were held. Pupils were informed regarding the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with focus on Objective no. 14 “Life under water” and no. 8 “Decent work and economic growth”. Green professions, environmentally-friendly ventures, and success models were some of the topics discussed.

During her opening speech, “Hysen Çela” school’s Director, Mrs. Blerina Dervishi expressed appraise for the initiative, as well as regarding the conclusion of these several months of work with a fair that offers young people opportunity to demonstrate their skills. Mr. Olsi Nika, Executive Director of EcoAlbania, invited youngsters to approach green professions as they make a good job opportunity for them and increase the possibility for sustainable development.

During tasting and discussion with the participants about the recipes © V.Kabili

About 250 people were present at the food fair. School pupils, teachers and other guests had the possibility to taste food prepared by young cooks. During the fair, future chefs served dishes they prepared, explained how they were cooked, and shared some recipes with those present.

This activity aimed at leading young people towards green jobs and environmentally-friendly ventures. It also provides a good example for existing businesses in the sector to adapt these innovative cooking methods by minimizing the amount of food waste and loss.

The Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the operational unit of Austrian Development Cooperation, supports the programme SEEDLING implemented by REC Albania.

This project is implemented by EcoAlbania and is financially supported by REC Albania in the frame of the SEEDLING programme.

EcoAlbania is following the implementation of the project “Promoting Green Entrepreneurship among high school pupils” in the framework of promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Pupils of Culinary school “Hysen Çela” in Durrës, Mechanics in “26 Marsi” school in Kavaja and Information Technology in “Gjergj Canco” school in Tirana have welcomed the second teaching session during March. 

During the teaching day in “26 Marsi” school

Among the topics that were discussed with young professionals were: how to establish a “green enterpreneurship”, the creation of a social business plan, project ideas on “Smart City” in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

During the teaching day at “Gjergj Canco” school © V. Kabili

Pupils from “Gjergj Canco” and ” 26 Marsi” high schools discussed on the possibilities of implementing their professions with access to “green jobs”, as well as the needs and difficulties they may encounter as young entrepreneurs. They were trained in writing a business plan, in line with market needs, effective management, marketing and competition. Also, the “Young Entrepreneur Groups” were created with pupils who presented their project ideas about the creation of “Smart City” to be implemented in two models. Eco Albania will encourage young entrepreneur groups to be active even after the completion of the project, initiating a possible future business cooperation.

The teaching day in “Hysen Çela” school

At “Hysen Çela” school, pupils were informed on the difference between ordinary business and social business, focusing on the possibilities of creating a social business in their profession with environmentally friendly approaches. With focus SDG no. 12, Responsible Consumption and Production, future cooks demonstrated the preparation of some dishes with no loss of  ingredients.

This is the second session of lessons conducted in the framework of this project. EcoAlbania will continue with the analysis of successful businesses in the field of “green jobs” and their adaptation to the Albanian market, as a starting point for creating “green entrepreneurship” models.

The Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the operational unit of Austrian Development Cooperation, supports the programme SEEDLING implemented by REC Albania.

This project is implemented by EcoAlbania and is financially supported by REC Albania in the frame of the SEEDLING programme.