OUR PROGRAMS

Our Flagship Programs

Harnessing the strength of the diaspora to drive meaningful change and development.

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ABOUT THE PROGRAMS
Our programs are designed to address the unique challenges faced by the Albanian-Canadian community, emphasizing social empowerment, economic development, cultural preservation, and advocacy. Our pillars include community empowerment and integration, cultural preservation and promotion, economic and professional development, advocacy and policy influence, education and youth engagement. Through these comprehensive programs, we provide targeted support, foster meaningful connections, and empower individuals to thrive and contribute positively to the broader Canadian society.
Economic & Professional Development
We are committed to fostering the economic resilience and professional growth of Albanian-Canadians. Through business networking events, mentorship programs, skills development workshops, and access to resources, we help individuals and entrepreneurs thrive in their respective fields. By connecting professionals across generations and industries, we promote economic empowerment, innovation, and long-term success for our community.
We believe that strong communities are built through active participation and shared responsibility. Our initiatives aim to empower Albanian-Canadians to take on leadership roles, engage in civic life, and contribute meaningfully to the broader Canadian society. From organizing public dialogues to facilitating access to social services, our work bridges gaps and builds lasting connections that support integration, inclusion, and belonging.
ACSEP serves as a platform for the Albanian-Canadian community to advocate for its interests at local, provincial, and national levels. We work to ensure our voices are heard in policy discussions that affect our lives, particularly in areas such as immigration, education, and minority rights. By collaborating with institutions and amplifying community concerns, we aim to influence policies that promote equity, justice, and representation.
Starting a new life in a different country comes with challenges—and we're here to help. Our newcomer support services provide personalized assistance with essential needs such as housing, employment, healthcare access, language support, and cultural adaptation. We create welcoming environments where newcomers feel supported, informed, and equipped to build a successful future in Canada.
Our future lies in the hands of the next generation. That’s why we invest in youth through leadership training, civic engagement programs, academic mentorship, and scholarships. We create safe and inspiring spaces for young Albanian-Canadians to explore their identities, gain confidence, and develop the skills needed to become changemakers in their communities and beyond.
Culture is our foundation. Through arts, language, music, storytelling, and national commemorations, we protect and promote the rich heritage of Albanian identity. Our events and initiatives connect generations, educate the broader public, and strengthen cultural pride within our diaspora. We believe cultural continuity is essential to building a vibrant, unified, and resilient community.

projects

Our Projects page highlights the past projects and events ACSEP has organized or contributed to. We present these in a timeline format, celebrating our journey and showing the breadth of activities we’ve undertaken. Each project listed includes a brief description of its goals and outcomes.

Our Impact: Past Projects & Flagship Initiatives

Since 2023, the Albanian Canadian Society for Social and Economic Progress (ACSEP) has led a number of high-impact initiatives that empower the Albanian-Canadian community through cultural celebration, education, professional development, and advocacy. Below is a snapshot of some of our most meaningful work:

“Besa: The Promise” Documentary Screening

In partnership with UBC, ACSEP hosted a powerful screening of Besa: The Promise, highlighting the heroic stories of Albanian Muslims who sheltered Jewish families during WWII. This event celebrated interfaith solidarity and cultural legacy.

Kosova Independence Day Proclamation (Vancouver)

ACSEP secured official municipal recognition of Kosovo’s Independence Day. The proclamation was presented to Dr. Ryve Loshaj, a war-time medical professional and community leader.

Albanian Canadian Diaspora Study

We launched the first systematic study of the Albanian diaspora in Canada—documenting migration patterns, integration challenges, and cultural identity to inform future policy and programming.

Albanian Professionals Networking Events (2023 & 2024)

ACSEP hosted back-to-back annual networking events that brought together Albanian professionals across BC to build careers, community, and collaboration.

"Anatomy of My Soul" Book & Music Event

Hosted a literary and musical performance by Vlera Kastrati, exploring Kosova’s history through personal and collective memory, art, and healing.

Albanian Heritage Week Proclamations (Vancouver & Victoria)

ACSEP successfully advocated for the official recognition of “Albanian Heritage Week,” ensuring the cultural contributions of Albanian-Canadians are acknowledged and celebrated.

Albanian Business Directory

Launched a BC-based business directory to highlight Albanian-owned enterprises and strengthen economic ties within the community.

Euro Cup Watch Event: Italy vs. Albania (2024)

Organized a public gathering for over 100 community members to watch the Italy-Albania match, combining sports pride with cultural celebration.