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"Professional Social Work & Volunteers in Albania" Conference, February 2025
How do you embed volunteerism into the fabric of social work in Albania—not as a fleeting gesture, but as a foundation for a resilient society? This vision took shape through a long-term collaboration between social workers from ten municipalities, professors from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), and UNDP, in the context of the Swiss-funded "Leave No One Behind" programme. Together, they set out to prove that empowered individuals can create extraordinary change.
The journey began with an intensive three-day training course in September, where social workers explored the role of volunteerism in strengthening communities.
During the three-day training course in September 2024, where social workers explored the role of volunteerism in strengthening communities.
Over the following months, HSLU professors provided online mentoring, bridging the gap between theory and practice. But this was not just an academic exercise—participants turned knowledge into action, launching community-driven volunteer projects that made a tangible impact.
At the final conference, they shared their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned. Prof. Bernard Wandeler, a key figure in the initiative, emphasized: “Volunteerism is not just an additional support mechanism but a crucial element in building stronger societies.” His words resonated, reinforcing that this effort was more than charity, it was an investment in human connection and sustainable social change.
Bernard Wandeler, Professor at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
The discussions were lively, tackling obstacles such as limited budgets and institutional skepticism while underscoring the need for structured support to sustain the momentum.
Turning Vision into Action
For Nesila Jaho, a social worker from Durrës, the initiative ignited a shift in perspective. After years of working with UNDP and NGOs, she saw a critical gap: social work often overlooked community-driven solutions. When skeptics dismissed volunteerism as impractical for Albania, she challenged them: “That history is 30 years behind us. Let’s stop using it as an excuse and start thinking outside the box.”
During the Professional Social Work & Volunteers in Albania conference, February 2025.
For Nesila, that meant harnessing volunteer potential to address municipal challenges. “Budgets are tight, social workers are stretched, and needs are rising,” she noted. “But when we tap into the skills and passion of the people around us, everyone benefits.” Drawing from global research, she argued: “Volunteering is an investment—in society and in personal growth. It’s not just about giving time; it’s about the value that comes back. She remained confident: “If people see the true return on investment, many more will be inspired to contribute.”
Real Impact, Real People
For Etleva Memia from Pogradec, the programme was transformative. “This experience has been invaluable, both personally and professionally,” she reflected. Seeing volunteerism take root in her community reinforced her belief that others could follow suit. “I hope more professionals adopt this model and actively participate.”
Adelajda Çabej from Berat started small—seven children—but quickly expanded to thirteen. “At first, I was skeptical,” she admitted. “But from the very first training, the insights on engagement strategies and volunteer mobilization changed my perspective.” For her, this wasn’t just about numbers; it was about personal growth. “This has been a milestone—not just in my career, but in my role as a volunteer.”
In Lushnje, Jorjeta Sinjari found the experience empowering and inspiring. “The structured support and knowledge exchange were invaluable,” she said. “It refreshed my approach and gave me new insights.”
Others echoed similar sentiments. One social worker observed: “The work we did increased awareness and engagement among our target groups. Volunteers gained skills that will serve them in both their personal and professional lives.” The initiative, they noted, had sparked “a more compassionate and engaged community.”
Funded by the Swiss Government through the UN joint programme "Leave No One Behind", this initiative proved that volunteerism isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. From Swiss lecture halls to Albanian villages, it fostered a shared commitment to service and solidarity.
As Prof. Wandeler put it: “This isn’t just support—it’s strength.” And as Nesila, Etleva, Adelajda, Jorjeta, and countless others demonstrated, it’s a strength that grows with every hand that reaches out to help.
