My name is Ervisa Hodaj, living in a small village called Pashalli in UraVajgurore. I have not been able to finish the high school and remained a house wife and unemployed for several years.

My son, Angelo, takes the  cook school at private VET “Leta” in Berat. One day, when Angelo returns from the school, he told me about another opportunities ,to a course for waiters which is free  of charge, supported by RDA Berat Foundation , supporting by GIZ.Albania. Following the conversation with him, I learned that besides the waiter’s course is also a course for reception. Grateful for VET “Leta” and her support, I was thinking about a reception course for myself. Between unemployment and my age not very young(35) as the others, I thought it’s never too late! The impossible is for those who don’t try at all! Finally, I was registered at receptionist training course.

 

I was very happy. 1 green light appeared and I took the opportunity. The first day of the training was a special day. It reminded me of school desks! There was a welcoming and wonderful staff! Trainer  Qamile Gishti talked with us and it seemed to me as if I had known her for years! It was a warm environment. It seemed to me like life started again. I didn’t miss a single day in the course. I was active every day and more. How could I miss this golden opportunity?

 

The series of training continued with different basic techniques of reception through trainer Nevila Popa. She is very experienced and taught us many instruments for being professionals in the reception. The reception training was fantastic, included communication skills, dealing with conflicts/ complaints, check in / check out procedures, coordinating with other departments and so on.

 

The most beautiful moment for me from this training was the “Second Prize” certificate for receptionist.

 

Thank you RDA Berat!

Thank you GIZ Albania! You have helped us a lot! This training took a lot of effort and I will always be grateful!

 

The tourism potential of Albania is no longer a secret, but work remains to improve the quality of tourist services, upgrade the country’s tourist infrastructure, and establish Albania as a true niche destination. The growth of the tourism sector, and the continued capacity development of tourism service providers, has implications that reach far beyond providing visitors with a pleasant experience. Micro, small and medium enterprises are the driving force for Albania’s economic growth and job creation.

As such, the RDA Berat through  “VET Tourism Hospitality” GIZ  Program, started a series of seminars focusing in the reception techniques and other instruments for young people, so that they would find opportunities for job positions in the accommodation structures of Berat.

The RDA Berat program for training of youth in several hospitality department positions is a significant contribution to the continued development of the Berat tourism sector, its economic growth and job creation.