ORT worked with 20 local NGOs to conduct community assessments to identify priority needs, and improve areas of social rehabilitation and services.
ORT provided customized training to implement an internal governance structure that promoted democratic practices, transparency, accountability; and fundamental management and advocacy skills to become an effective agent of policy change and reform.
The funding was strategically directed toward public policy-oriented NGOs active in democratic, environmental, economic, and social issues. The project promoted democratic governance in Albania by increasing the role and recognition of civil society.
Due to overwhelming student demand and the practical success of ORT courses, USAID extended the project to five years.
ORT established a total of six training centers throughout Albania and trained over 26,000 unemployed and underemployed Albanians in computers, English as a second language (ESL), management and business, automotive repair, tourism, electrical repair, cosmetology, secretarial skills, and fashion design.
ORT also provided technical assistance for the Ministry of Labor to create a Department of Vocational Training to manage the network of schools.