We exist to advance Youth Work in Albania
A non-profit, non-political, and non-religious organization dedicated to advancing Youth Work as a professional field and as a meaningful social practice.
We connect advocacy with action, European standards with local realities, and young people with the professionals, organizations, and institutions that work with and for them.
A foundation built around the people who do Youth Work
Youth Work is a key European approach that supports young people outside formal education — developing skills, confidence, values, participation, wellbeing, and active citizenship.
In Albania, Youth Work has the potential to become a strong instrument for inclusion, democratic participation, social development, youth empowerment, and community transformation. Yet it remains under-recognized, under-supported, and still developing as a profession.
The Albanian Youth Workers Foundation exists to change that — by strengthening the people, organizations, and institutions that work with and for young people, and by building the conditions for Youth Work to be recognized and sustained.
Our mission and vision
To advance Youth Work in Albania by strengthening the capacities of youth workers, improving the quality of youth services, and supporting the development of organizations, institutions, and communities that work with and for young people.
A society where every young person has access to safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for personal, social, civic, and economic development — and where Youth Work is recognized, valued, and supported as a professional public contribution.
The principles behind everything we do
We believe Youth Work should be recognized, valued, supported, and financed as a professional contribution to society.
Recognition & professionalization
Youth Work should be recognized, valued, supported, and financed as a professional contribution to society.
Quality & safeguarding
Ethical practice, supervision, and safe environments are non-negotiable foundations of good Youth Work.
Participation & volunteering
Young people are partners, not beneficiaries — they shape the work that affects their lives.
Inclusion & equality
Every young person deserves access, regardless of background, ability, geography, or circumstance.
Non-formal & lifelong learning
Learning by doing, in trusted spaces, is central to how young people grow and belong.
European cooperation
We work within European standards and networks, connecting Albania to the wider field.
We connect what is too often kept apart
We pair policy dialogue with hands-on programmes — turning recognition into practice on the ground.
We adapt European frameworks and quality standards to the Albanian context, not the other way around.
We connect young people with the youth workers, organizations, and institutions that serve them.
Anchored in European youth policy
Our work is guided by the shared European frameworks for Youth Work and youth policy.
We contribute to the implementation of the European Youth Work Agenda, launched through the 2020 Bonn Declaration.
Our work reflects the EU's framework for youth cooperation — engaging, connecting, and empowering young people.
We align with the strategic framework for strengthening and developing quality Youth Work across Europe.
Work with us
We welcome youth workers, organizations, municipalities, institutions, donors, and European partners who share our vision for Youth Work in Albania.