RIT K Team Visit Polis University, Albania As Part of the STEFORA Project – STEM for ALL Implementation, Tirana, 6-7 November, 2023

ERASMUS+ CAPACITY BUILDING PROJECT

The STEFORA project as part of Erasmus+ capacity building project adopts a comprehensive approach centered around three broad project objectives. Firstly, it prioritizes digital citizenship to overcome institutional barriers. Secondly, it integrates universal design principles into both formal and non-formal learning activities, extending to physical premises. Thirdly, it embraces norm-critical approaches to enhance cultural awareness and promote gender-sensitive education, particularly focusing on encouraging women's engagement in STEM fields in Kosovo and Albania.

A significant milestone in advancing these goals occurred during a meeting hosted by POLIS University and led by Linnaeus University. The training session on Universal Design for STEM Faculty and Administrators commenced on November 6, 2023.

On the first day, Dr. Mexhid Ferati from Linnaeus University presented principles of universal design, with a specific emphasis on women's inclusion and in the second part of the day, Dr. Debabrata Samanta from RIT Kosovo presented a topic about innovation and technologies for gender equality in higher education. The ensuing group discussions featured numerous examples and insights

Moving to day 2, which took place on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, the focus shifted to "strategies for implementing Universal Design principles to achieve gender-inclusive STEM education." Participants were organized into groups tasked with preparing presentations on applying universal design within their respective fields of study. The group, under the guidance of Dr. Venera Demukaj, the project manager, included the members: Blerta Prevalla Etemi, Shqiponje Bislimi, Fjolla Kallaba, Lavon Bajrami, and Mimoza Polloshka. This collaborative effort exemplifies the commitment of the STEFORA project to advancing gender inclusivity and universal design in STEM education.