A group of 20 students graduated from the Albanian School of Political Studies, a school established by the Council of Europe and supported by the Swiss government. The graduates completed successfully a one-year study cycle that included lectures, study visits and research work focused on good governance and key country reforms.
Albania’s President Ilir Meta, Deputy Prime Minister Senida Mesi and Swiss ambassador Adrian Maître handed out the certificates and congratulated the graduates for this important moment.
“I am sure you feel more prepared, more confident and more enthusiastic for the future than one year ago. Today’s graduation is not the end of a difficult journey but a continuation of efforts for fulfilling your goals and potential in life”, said President Ilir Meta.
Deputy Prime Minister Senida Mesi upon congratulating the graduates and the alumni network, emphasised the role played by this programme in building a dialogue platform between participants with different convictions and profiles. “I invite you to contribute with your experiences in the public administration reform and in other sectors that need a broader participation and engagemet”, said the Deputy Prime Minister Mesi.
Swiss Ambasador Adrian Maître encouraged the graduates to apply their knowledge and skills: “Albania’s citizens and private sector are asking for effective institutions. 20 new graduates means 20 potential leaders and activists in public and political life, who are better equipped, better prepared and ready to take responsibilities in the advancement of a European integration and democratic agenda”, - said Ambassador Maître.
“We believe we have assisted in creating a new generation of youth who are more engaged in policy making, and more active in contributing to the proper development of the country”, said the Director of the Albanian School of Political Studies Erjon Tase.
Two of the graduates, Erinda Toska and Sidrit Tako, greeted the participants on behalf of their group and shared from their experiences in the programme.
The ceremony continued further with the annual celebration of the School’s alumni network. The School takes pride in its 300 alumni who are active in various national and regional initiatives after completing the programme.
The Albanian School of Political Studies was founded in 2007 by the Council of Europe as part of a wider network of similar schools in 21 countries with emerging democracies in Eastern and South Eastern Europe. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has supported the School as part of its democratic governance programme. The School aims at promoting a modern political culture in Albania based on the values of pluralism, tolerance and dialogue.
