The Haxhi Zeka University in Peja has launched a three-day international workshop as part of the project “Competent Student – Experienced Graduate: Workshops for Developing Competences Needed for Sustainable Development in the Labour Market”, funded by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA).
The activity is taking place from 31 August to 4 September 2026 and brings together 45 students from five partner universities across Europe, with nine students representing each institution. The participating universities are the University of Opole in Poland, the University of Valencia in Spain, Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic, “Aleksandër Moisiu” University in Durrës, Albania, and the UniversityHaxhi Zeka”.
The central theme of the workshop is “Sustainable Development versus the Protection of National Heritage: Building Normative Competence through Values, Heritage, Tourism and Innovation.” Through this theme, students are encouraged to develop knowledge and competences needed to address contemporary challenges and to achieve a more successful transition into the labour market.
The academic activities began on Tuesday, 1 September, at the Faculty of Business of the University “Haxhi Zeka”. The programme opened with team-building activities led by Prof. Dr. Edmond Beqiri and Prof. Dr. Ibish Mazreku, followed by the presentation of project assignments and the organisation of students’ group work.
An important part of the programme consists of lectures and practical activities led by trainers Mimoza Luta, Arbërora (Nora) Haxhija and Blerta Begolli.
Arbërora (Nora) Haxhija is addressing the topic “Cultural Diversity, Tolerance and National Heritage in Southeast Europe”, focusing on the importance of cultural values, tolerance and heritage in contemporary society.
Blerta Begolli is delivering the session “Health Tourism, Sustainable Development and the Protection of Local Heritage in the Peja Region”, connecting the region’s potential with sustainable development and tourism.
Meanwhile, Mimoza Luta is addressing “Sustainability, Circular Economy and Digital Innovation in the Living Lab”, focusing on innovative approaches and the opportunities offered by digital transformation for sustainable development.
During the official opening ceremony, the participants were welcomed by the Rector of the University “Haxhi Zeka”, Prof. Dr. Armand Krasniqi. The participants were also addressed by Dr. Elżbieta Szymańska-Czaplak, Project Coordinator from the University of Opole; the Vice-Rector for International Cooperation of the University “Haxhi Zeka”, Prof. Dr. Edmond Beqiri; and Vice-Rector Prof. Assoc. Alma Shehu Lokaj, who presented the University “Haxhi Zeka”, its work and achievements, as well as its role within the framework of this international cooperation.
The workshop will continue with lectures, practical work, joint activities and teamwork involving students from the five partner universities. The programme also includes study visits directly related to the topics addressed throughout the workshop.
A special part of the programme will include visits to the Rugova region, focusing on adventure tourism and natural heritage, as well as activities related to health tourism and the tourism potential of the Peja region.
This project demonstrates the University “Haxhi Zeka’s” commitment to internationalization and to strengthening cooperation with European partner institutions, while creating new opportunities for students to develop knowledge, professional skills and transferable competences.
At the same time, through practical experiences, teamwork, intercultural exchange and the direct connection of learning with the real challenges of the labor market, the project aims to bring students closer to labor market requirements and better prepare them for a successful transition from higher education to employment.
Through this project, the University “Haxhi Zeka” continues to contribute to student development by connecting quality education with internationalization, innovation and the needs of the contemporary labour market.
