Engaging Albanian Communities Abroad: One on One Mentoring
Engaging Albanian Communities Abroad: One on One Mentoring

Author(s): Arben Malaj, Joniada Barjaba
Subject(s): Geography, Regional studies, Sociology, Social development, Economic development, Migration Studies, Human Resources in Economy
Published by: Transnational Press London
Keywords: Albania; development; diaspora; mentoring;
Summary/Abstract: The objective of this paper is the engagement of Albanian communities abroad (ACA) with the purpose of increasing the quality of social capital in Albania. Studying Albanian migrants abroad and their potential capacity to contribute to the development of the country is important due to the characteristics of the Albanian migration. ACA possess valuable skills, experiences, and contacts that they can transfer to individuals in Albania. Based on Albania’s context, we suggest that knowledge transfer through mentoring and counseling is an important approach that should receive more attention. Besides improving the skills of colleagues in the homeland, communities abroad can offer career guidance and study abroad counseling. Hence, Albanian communities abroad can enhance country’s development through the outflow of knowledge and skills. We conclude that different actors such as government, universities and entrepreneurs should build mechanisms to improve the ties between Albania and Albanian communities abroad, specifically with groups of individuals belonging to academic and business environments.

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