Albania Economia
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In a context where the gap between education systems and the labor market remains one of the main barriers to development, there are models that are redefining the role of schools. We discussed this with Salvatore Nigro, CEO of Junior Achievement Europe. Founded in 1919, Junior Achievement is today the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to economic and entrepreneurial education for young people, operating in over 120 countries, with the goal of bridging the gap between education and employment through real-world experiences.
Mr. Nigro, what is the mission of Junior Achievement and how is it translated into educational activities?
The mission of Junior Achievement is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy by providing them with entrepreneurial, financial and work-readiness skills. Our programs span the entire educational journey, from primary school to university, and are strongly based on a practical approach. Students do not simply learn theoretical concepts; they apply them through concrete activities. The model is built on the integration between schools and businesses, with the goal of shaping more aware, independent and job-ready individuals.
How does the school–business synergy work in practice, and what is the role of companies involved?
The Junior Achievement model directly involves companies in the educational process. Today, we collaborate with over 3,500 companies across Europe. Their managers and professionals enter classrooms and work alongside students, bringing real-world expertise and case studies. This allows students to engage with real dynamics and develop essential soft skills, while companies actively contribute to shaping the next generation.
To what extent is the program impacting the European landscape, and what are your current focus areas?
In Europe, Junior Achievement reaches around 7.5 million students every year. Programs focus on entrepreneurship education, financial capabilities, digital skills and STEM, with increasing attention to topics such as circular economy and innovation. One of the most relevant European initiatives is EU Code Week, promoted by the European Commission and developed through a broad international consortium of which we are part. Over time, it has become a true educational movement, involving more than 10 million young people and activating thousands of events each year, including workshops, hackathons and hands-on activities. The goal is to make key skills such as coding, computational thinking and digital creativity accessible to all, working inclusively with students, teachers and communities. At the same time, we are developing EU co-funded projects focused on artificial intelligence, including a structured program in partnership with Intel, with over 50 hours of training in secondary schools. The objective is to provide concrete and immediately applicable skills in an economy increasingly driven by technology.
Albania represents a unique case at the international level. Why is that?
Albania is the only country where the Junior Achievement program has been implemented systemically at a national level, thanks to direct collaboration with the Ministry of Education. Today, around 300,000 students participate in the programs every year, making it one of the most extensive and structured models globally.
What do students actually do within the programs?
Starting from the age of 16, students have the opportunity to create real companies. They organize themselves as a structured business: defining a CEO, a board of directors, and roles such as HR, marketing and sales. They work on an idea, develop a product or service and bring it to market. Throughout the process, they are supported by mentors from partner companies, who guide them through each phase. This approach allows students to experience entrepreneurship directly, taking responsibility and making real decisions.
What concrete results has this model generated?
The model has produced significant results in terms of performance and competitiveness at a European level. Some of the companies created by students are able to compete and win in major international youth entrepreneurship competitions. A notable example is PIGI, a startup developed by students in Albania within the program. PIGI is a financial education app designed for children and families, helping them understand concepts such as money management, saving and planning through interactive tools and accessible language. In 2025, PIGI won the “Start-Up of the Year” award at Gen-E, Europe’s largest youth entrepreneurship festival, involving participants from over 40 countries. This demonstrates that the model does not simply educate students, but generates concrete, competitive projects capable of operating on an international stage. At the same time, a strong alumni network is growing: in 2026, a major international alumni gathering is expected to take place in Albania, confirming the country’s central role within the network.
The Junior Achievement model shows that bridging the gap between education and employment is not a theoretical issue, but a concrete process built on real experiences. Where this approach is applied systematically, schools become spaces for experimentation, responsibility and future-building.
