Two workshops, two cities, one shared goal: improving the transition from education to employment for students with special educational needs thank to Special Project.
In May 2026, MEDPAK organised two participatory workshops in Korçë and Elbasan (Albania), bringing together schools, universities, vocational training centres, employment offices, social services, psychologists, mentors and local institutions.
The workshops focused on identifying practical solutions to better support young people with special educational needs as they move from school to further education, training and employment.
Participants discussed the main barriers affecting this transition, including limited career guidance, weak cooperation between schools and employers, accessibility challenges, social stigma and insufficient awareness among families about available support opportunities.
A key outcome of the meetings was the definition of the main components of a common mentoring model. Stakeholders agreed that mentoring should provide continuous support, helping students identify their strengths, interests and career aspirations while making informed choices about their future.
Participants also highlighted the importance of customized transition plans, well-trained mentors and stronger cooperation among schools, families, institutions and employers.
The results of the workshops will contribute to the development of mentoring guidelines, training activities for professionals and the pilot implementation of the mentoring model in selected schools.
SPECIAL is the result of a strong cross-border cooperation among organisations from Montenegro, Albania and Italy committed to promoting inclusive education. The project is led by NVO STAZE (Montenegro) and brings together NGO Djeca Crne Gore (Montenegro), MEDPAK (Albania), MERIDIA (Italy) and EDOFORM (Italy). By combining expertise in education, social inclusion and vocational guidance, the partnership is working to create a common mentoring model that will improve educational and employment opportunities for students with special educational needs across the South Adriatic area.