In pictures: Working with youth

Oxfam is supporting an agricultural school in Blinisht to help young people find new ways of making a living.

Abandoned fertile land in Blinisht commune. [Photo credit: Marie Cacace]

The land in and around the Blinisht commune, one of the poorest areas of Albania, has largely been abandoned. Lack of technology and poor infrastructure present many challenges for farmers. The government only spends 2.7 per cent of its annual budget on agriculture, in spite of the fact that 52 per cent of the population live in rural areas.

 

Aside from agriculture, there are few opportunities for young people to find employment in most other rural areas. This often leads young people to migrate in search of better alternatives to make a living.

 

Photo: Marie Cacace

 

Where we work

Where we work

Learn more about Oxfam's work in Albania

Children learn about farming techniques at the agricultural training centre. [Photo credit: Marie Cacace]

Oxfam is supporting the only agricultural training school in the region, which provides an opportunity for young people to learn more about farming and the skills needed to make use of their family’s land. Equipped with this knowledge young people will be able to make a living and provide for their families.

 

Photo: Marie Cacace

 

Olives about to be turned into extra virgin olive oil using equipment at the school. [Photo credit: Marie Cacace]

As part of the school, Oxfam has set up the only olive and grape processing unit in the area. This has enabled students to learn how to transform their produce into a finished product such as extra virgin olive oil and wine. Local farmers can also process their olives and grapes. The income they earn from this in turn encourages them to continue to cultivate their land. The fee that farmers pay to use the machinery is reinvested in the school.

 

Photo: Marie Cacace

 

Ndoc stands in a greenhouse which is part of the school. [Photo credit: Christian Guthier]

Ndoc is an agricultural specialist and works with pupils at the school and local farmers to advise them on best farming practices. This means identifying the most appropriate type of farming for the land, helping people to cultivate their terrain to increase production and quality, and advising people on irrigation techniques.

 

Photo: Christian Guthier

 

Land that had been abandoned now being used to farm. [Photo credit: Marie Cacace]

On the land surrounding the school, local farmers and students learn how to make the best use of their land. “Interest in olives is now higher as people have learnt that it is simple to cultivate. The land around was either abandoned or used for tobacco plantations, now the landscape is slowly starting to change,” says Ndoc.

 

Photo: Marie Cacace