OSCE Presence, University of Tirana launch Masters degree to improve social services in Albania’s justice system

The OSCE Presence in Albania and the Tirana University presented on 30 April 2012 a new interdisciplinary Masters programme aimed at improving the standards of social services in Albania, in particular of those offered by the justice system.

The Masters degree in Administration of Social Institutions in the Justice System will support Albanian institutions in educating and training current and future professionals and volunteers working with offenders in the criminal justice system. The overall goal is to improve the probation and penitentiary system in line with OSCE commitments and European standards.

“Good services by these institutions can only be delivered, if the professionals  working on a daily basis both with offenders and with victims of crime receive specialized education and training,” the Head of Presence, Ambassador Eugen Wollfarth said.

The launch event was also addressed by Education Minister Myqerem Tafaj, Justice Minister Eduard Halimi and Tirana University Rector Dhori Kule.

The programme is the first interdisciplinary Masters ever in Albania, and will be offered by Tirana University starting with the 2012-2013 academic year. The need for such expertise was raised following the establishment of a National Probation Service in 2009.

The programme of study is designed for probation officers, social workers, psychologists, teachers, sociologists, public administration employees, staff of civil society organizations, police, lawyers and professionals working in custodial settings.

A Memorandum of Understanding, which will form the basis and offer a framework for further co-operation between the University of Tirana, the Justice Ministry, the Ministry of Education and Science and the OSCE Presence in Albania, was signed during the event.