In the framework of the project:

“Whistleblowing in Action: Exposing and remedying corruption in Southeast Europe through supporting whistleblowers and strengthening free speech rights”

Albania’s education system continues to face serious challenges related to transparency, accountability, and integrity. Corruption undermines the quality of education, damages the reputation of the sector, and affects all education professionals, including teachers. While whistleblowing is recognized globally as one of the most effective tools for promoting transparency and integrity, awareness of its function and protection mechanisms remains limited among educators in Albania.

In response to these challenges, the Center for the Study of Democracy and Governance (CSDG), with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), organized a series of national workshops aimed at building the capacities of education trade union representatives to understand and apply whistleblowing mechanisms in their institutions.

Held from June 23 to 26, 2025, in Lezha, Elbasan, Vlora, and Tirana, the workshops brought together representatives from Albania’s pre-university education trade unions, including the Federation of Education and Science Trade Union (FSASH) and the Independent Trade Union of Education of Albania (SPASH).

Through interactive sessions and expert-led discussions, participants explored how education trade unions can play a pivotal role in:

• Advocating for the development and implementation of whistleblower legislation,
• Protecting the rights of the members who report misconduct, and
• Raising awareness among teachers and school staff on the importance of whistleblowing as a safeguard for public interest.

The workshops provided a space for dialogue on the legal, institutional, and cultural barriers to whistleblowing in the education sector, including the fear of retaliation and institutional resistance. Participants jointly identified actionable strategies to strengthen whistleblowing mechanisms and promote a culture of integrity in Albanian schools.

By investing in the empowerment of trade union members, the project contributes to building more transparent, accountable, and resilient education institutions, where educators are protected, integrity is upheld, and corruption has no space.