Projects

Our 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.

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Projects

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:
Empowering Ethnic Albanians in British Columbia
This project worked to empower the Albanian community in BC through several initiatives like creating informational workshops with a focus on health education, employment opportunities, as well as settlement information. Find more here: https://ccel.ubc.ca/2023/08/empowering-ethnic-albanians-in-british-columbia/

This event commemorated the Muslim Albanians who hosted Jewish people during World War
II. The Albanian population, majority of whom were Muslim, refused to comply with their occupier’s orders to turn over lists of Jews residing within the country’s borders. The Albanians not only protected their Jewish citizens, but also provided sanctuary to Jewish refugees who had
arrived in Albania. The event will showcase a screening of the film, Besa: The Promise, along with expert speakers from UBC and beyond.

The Albanian Professionals Network Event was the first of its kind in the province, bringing together a dynamic group of professionals from diverse fields, including medicine, IT, finance, government, and more. Featuring five distinguished speakers, this flagship event provided a platform for knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and collaboration, fostering connections that strengthen and empower the Albanian-Canadian professional community.
2024
Albanian Professionals Event Vancouver24
Albanian Professionals Network Vancouver24
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Albanian Professionals Network Event Vancouver2024
Albanian Professionals Network Event Vancouver24
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Albanian Professionals Network Event Vancouver25
Albanian Professionals Event Vancouver25
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The Albanian Business Platform Launch marked a pivotal step in advancing economic collaboration within the Albanian-Canadian community. This initiative established the first organized digital and networking hub for Albanian-owned businesses across British Columbia, creating new opportunities for visibility, partnership, and growth. Featuring local entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community stakeholders, the launch event showcased the platform’s directory, mentorship tools, and investment resources designed to strengthen Albanian enterprises and foster long-term prosperity within Canada’s multicultural economy.

The Albanian Canadian Society for Social and Economic Progress organized a vibrant community gathering to watch the Italy vs. Albania game during the Euro Cup. The event brought together Albanian-Canadians to cheer for their national team in a lively, supportive atmosphere, celebrating both community spirit and pride. It was a memorable occasion for fans to connect, share their passion for the game, and enjoy the excitement of international football together.

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In 2024, the Albanian Canadian Society for Social and Economic Progress achieved two key milestones for the Albanian and Kosovar communities in Canada. The organization secured an official proclamation from the City of Vancouver recognizing Kosovo’s Independence Day and advocated for the declaration of Albanian Heritage Week by both the City of Vancouver and City of Victoria. In 2025, the government of British Columbia, officially proclaimed November the Albanian Heritage Month.
This event celebrated the launch of Anatomy of My Soul, a powerful and deeply personal literary work of Vlera Kastrati, reflecting on themes of identity, displacement, and resilience. The book offers a window into the emotional journey of migration and belonging, capturing the complexity of the human experience through poetic and reflective prose. The event featured readings by the author, an open discussion on the creative process, and a conversation on how storytelling can serve as a bridge between cultures and generations. Guests had the opportunity to engage with the author, share reflections, and connect over the shared narrative of growth, healing, and self-discovery.
Anatomy of My Soul – Launch2025
Anatomy of My Soul – Launch25
Anatomy of My Soul – Launch
Anatomy of My Soul – Book Launch2025
Anatomy of My Soul – Book Launch25
Anatomy of My Soul – Book Launch

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:

Empowering Ethnic Albanians in British Columbia

This project worked to empower the Albanian community in BC through several initiatives like creating informational workshops with a focus on health education, employment opportunities, as well as settlement information. Find more here: https://ccel.ubc.ca/2023/08/empowering-ethnic-albanians-in-british-columbia/

“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.

“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.