Towards Sustainable Development in Education: Implementing a VET System for In-Service Teachers in Albania

The Albanian Strategy of Pre-University Education (2014–2020) stated the need to raise the competencies of in-service teachers in the non-university sector by asking Albanian universities to provide Vocational Education and Training (VET). The Erasmus+ project, entitled “Developing Teacher Competences for a Comprehensive VET System in Albania” (TEAVET, 2017–2020), contributed to the design and implementation of a VET system based on the previous literature of five dimensions: context, content, commitment, capacity and clients. The aim of this study was to assess the VET system for in-service teachers in Albania under these dimensions and identify key elements for sustainability. Through a mixed methods approach that merged quantitative and qualitative data (questionnaires and assessment reports), information was retrieved from the directors of lifelong learning (LLL) centres at eight Albanian universities, the Albanian Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, in-service teachers (n = 1775, response rate 76%), teacher educators from universities (n = 44, response rate 82%) and an external expert. Results show that the VET system for in-service teachers in Albania accomplishes these five dimensions. The main elements for sustainability are that the VET system addresses specific Albanian educational priorities, the Ministry is highly committed and that universities have been empowered as LLL providers within their third mission strategy.

Pemberdayaan Budikdamber Sebagai Upaya Pemulihan Ekonomi Masa Pandemi di Wilayah Sekaran Gunung Pati

The pandemic has caused an economic downturn in the Sekaran Gunung Pati area, Semarang. The Banaran Community Center as a Christian institution seeks to internalize the attitude of Jesus who cares for people who suffer and need help, has facilitated by providing empowerment in the form of catfish farming in buckets (budikdamber). The method of implementation is through the stages of preparation, assessment, program planning, formulation of action plans, program implementation, evaluation and termination. The results of the budikdamber show that the assisted groups experience additional insight into catfish cultivation in buckets, an increase in the economy in the family and gain insight into effective marketing strategies. This paper contributes to the context of a mission strategy through community empowerment.Pandemik menyebabkan kelesuan ekonomi di wilayah Sekaran Gunung Pati Semarang. Pusat Komunitas Banaran selaku Lembaga kristen berupaya menginternalisasi sikap Yesus yang peduli kepada orang-orang yang menderita dan membutuhkan pertolongan, telah menfasilitasi dengan memberikan pemberdayaan berupa budidaya ikan lele dalam ember (budikdamber). Metode pelaksanaan melalui tahapan persiapan, pengkajian, perencanaan program, formulasi rencana aksi, implementasi program, evaluasi dan terminasi. Hasil budikdamber didapati bahwa kelompok dampingan mengalami penambahan wawasan dalam budidaya lele dalam ember, adanya peningkatan ekonomi dalam keluarga dan bertambahnya wawasan dalam strategi pemasaran yang efektif. Tulisan ini memberi kontribusi dalam konteks strategi misi melalui pemberdayaan masyarakat.