The wood processing industry has long been a driver of economic growth in Kosovo. In recent years, this sector has made a name for itself across Europe for its sleek modern furniture and ability to handle custom construction projects using new technology. Despite this, educational programs for students interested in product design in Kosovo have often focused on the theoretical elements of interior design without providing tangible skills needed to fill critical job vacancies in the industry. This skills gap threatens future growth and prevents talented young Kosovans from capitalizing on opportunities in the sector.
USAID has been working to change this. Recently, USAID’s Compete Activity helped design the first-ever handson program in Kosovo for interior design and product innovation through collaboration with AAB College, the University of Bologna, the Polytechnical University of Milan, and the Shehu Academy. The course focuses on equipping students with the hands-on skills industry experts have identified as essential in the development of high-quality and innovative wood designs.
“The program was a transformative experience, allowing us to explore and experiment with details in color, shapes, and shades of wood. Through visits to various factories, we learned firsthand how to leverage sophisticated machinery and had the opportunity to witness various processing techniques in action,” said Erika Bllaca, one of the 13 students who graduated from AAB College’s new program.” “It felt like such a real experience that I could imagine myself in uniform, working with these machines, and creating the new products from all of these unique materials I was seeing.”
Through this program, the best and brightest in Kosovo’s design world will be able to start work in a sector that’s already innovating on an international scale. Their success will shape the future of this industry and its ability to continue this important work for years to come. USAID has been proud to support the growth of the wood processing sector since 2016 to create opportunities for all Kosovans.
Marigone Ujkani, Dt Global for USAID