In recent years, Albania has grappled with a significant challenge – the widespread emigration of its youth. Currently ranked 9th globally for brain drain and second in Europe, as reported by the Human Flight and Brain Drain Index from the Global Economy, the country has witnessed a mass exodus of nearly half a million individuals over the past decade, predominantly consisting of young people. Different statistics suggest that 46% to 70% of those emigrating fall below the age of 40.
Economic prospects serve as the primary impulse for this youth exodus, with approximately 80% seeking employment opportunities or better-paying jobs abroad. The domestic labor market, unfortunately, falls short in providing adequate options within their respective fields. While jobs exist across various sectors, they often lack competitive salaries and desirable working conditions. Paradoxically, a significant proportion of Albanian youth pursue higher education, resulting in a surplus of qualified individuals relative to the job market's capacity.
The decision-making phase regarding educational pursuits becomes a pivotal juncture for these young individuals, shaping their future trajectories. Regrettably, many encounter a lack of support during their educational journey, both from universities and governmental entities. This deficit in practical guidance and knowledge hinders a smooth transition into the labor market and adulthood.
Civil society organizations emerge as crucial players in bridging this gap. These entities can provide practical information and support to empower young people in navigating the complexities of transitioning into the labor market successfully. Moreover, the transition to the labor market plays a key role in facilitating the journey into adulthood.
Understanding the cultural and historical context of mentoring is vital in this context. While familial influence remains significant in shaping the choices of Albanian youth, the evolving and unstructured nature of the labor market can challenge families' ability to offer effective support. Hence, there is a growing need for more proficient mentors to step in and provide guidance.
Mentoring emerges as a strategic intervention to prepare young individuals for the intricacies of the labor market. Through mentorship, they gain practical skills from experienced professionals, receive valuable insights into the job market landscape, anticipate potential challenges, acquire daily-life applicable skills, and ultimately, chart a course towards a successful career. In a landscape marked by emigration and economic uncertainties, mentoring stands out as a potent tool to empower Albanian youth and bolster their prospects for a promising future.
