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Enhancing Digital Literacy in Albania

The establishment of a creative technology center stems as an initiative in AADF’s education strategy. AADF foresees a bottom-up approach in ICT as effective in enhancing digital literacy in Albania. The main idea is to promote and create a place for Albanian teenagers to explore an innovative path and diversify their future skills. Beneficiaries will be able to create their own personalized learning plans utilizing a virtual environment designed to facilitate the multifaceted curriculum. AADF will consider designing a space that will allow creations and their exhibition. The proposed project intends to revitalize one of the main premises in Tirana through an architectural and business plan while guaranteeing leveraged partnerships between local, central government and other potential donors.

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  • 01.10.2020

    Signature of Memorandum of Understanding for the digitalization of Pyramid facilities and services

    Signature of Memorandum of Understanding for the digitalization of Pyramid facilities and services

    On January 9th, 2020, the AADF Co-CEOs Martin Mata and Aleksander Sarapuli, Deputy Mayor Arbjan Mazniku and Vodafone Albania CEO Achilleas Kanaris signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enable a digital ecosystem for the youth of Albania and digitalization of Pyramid facilities and services. The event was opened by the General Director for Vodafone Europe, Serpil Timuray, who stated that this cooperation will provide knowledge and create digital capabilities for the new generation of executives and innovators. The Pyramid center will house TUMO Center for Creative Technologies, a new kind of educational experience at the intersection of technology and design. The purpose of the MoU is to reflect the commitment and responsibilities of the parties in the cooperation for the revitalization of the Pyramid, with the aim to create a structure that promotes digital innovation and that encourages the development of digital knowledge and skills.

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  • 04.25.2019

    Public Presentation of Schematic Architectural Design of the Pyramid Tirana

    Public Presentation of Schematic Architectural Design of the Pyramid Tirana

    On 25 April, within the framework of the project “Enhancing Digital Literacy in Albania” was introduced the Architectural Plan of the Pyramid of Tirana at the Center for Openness and Dialogue (COD). Present at the event were representatives from AADF, Mr. Michael Granoff, Chairman of the Board and Co-CEOs Mr. Martin Mata and Mr. Aleksandër Sarapuli, Mayor of Tirana Mr. Erion Veliaj, Prime Minister of Albania Mr. Edi Rama, architect and the founder of the Rotterdam-based architectural firm MVRDV, Mr. Winy Maas. The event was opened with the introduction of the Schematic Project of the Pyramid of Tirana by Winy Maas where architectural elements were presented in accordance with the main function of the pyramid as a center with access to creative activities and technology for young people and open to the public.Mr. Michael Granoff, appreciated the cooperation with the Albanian government and with the Municipality of Tirana, creating a unique opportunity for the Albanian youth. He expressed confidence that, like previous projects, this new investment will be a success story.He said: “We have been able to create such successful projects. We know what needs to be done to bring revolutionary changes, to meet people’s aspirations. We want to turn it not only as an element of all Albanians, but for the next generation as well. I am convinced that when we meet in the coming months, we will deliver Albanians something that will be truly revolutionary, not only to reach their aspirations but also to compete in the world”In his speech, Mr. Erion Veliaj stressed that the launch of this project is the beginning of realizing a dream for all Albanian youth. The Prime Minister in his greeting speech mentioned that the Pyramid of Tirana will become a reference point towards the new digital world by building an example that has a global impact on the approach of young people to this world, adapted from the well-known and successful model of Tumos in Armenia and Paris. Through this project funded by AADF, the goal is to bring sustainable models in the field of arts, culture and technology, proposing the TUMO Tirana Model. The latest concepts of information technology combine creative abilities with working independently.

    This model raises competitiveness among young people with employment opportunities in these areas that make up today the world development trend.

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  • 05.16.2018

    Public Presentation of the Draft Concept Design of the Pyramid and the Center for Creative Technologies TUMO

    Public Presentation of the Draft Concept Design of the Pyramid and the Center for Creative Technologies TUMO

    The AADF and the Municipality of Tirana have joined efforts to bring the TUMO center to the premises of the Pyramid of Tirana. This ceremony introduced the draft concept design for the Pyramid and the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies to the citizens of Tirana. Attendees included AADF Chairman Michael Granoff, AADF Co-CEOs Martin Mata and Aleksander Sarapuli, Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, Prime Minister Edi Rama, MVRDV representative Ronald Hogeveen and CEO of TUMO Pegor Papazian.

    TUMO is an after-school learning environment for teens between the ages of 12 and 18 years old and provides courses in animation, web design, film making and game development. The skills teens acquire through the curricula will enable them to create their own portfolios in 2D Graphics, 3D Modeling, Computer Programing, Music, Drawing, Writing, New Media, Photography, Robotics and Motion Graphics.

    TUMO intertwines the latest technological concepts with self-paced learning and aims to increase the competitiveness of Albanian youth in the evolving knowledge-based economy.

    TUMO Centers are also set to open in Paris and Moscow in September 2018.

     

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  • 03.27.2018

    MoU Signing for the Project of Pyramid Revitalization

    MoU Signing for the Project of Pyramid Revitalization

    As part of the “Enhancing Digital Literacy in Albania” Project, the Memorandum of Understanding for the Tirana Pyramid Revitalization Project was signed between the Albanian American Development Foundation (AADF), represented by Mr. Aleksander Sarapuli and Mr. Martin Mata, and the Municipality of Tirana, represented by Mr. Erion Veliaj. In AADF’s approach, strong partnership, dedication and successful implementation of major projects with all collaborators at central or local level play a significant role. The partnership with the Municipality of Tirana, as a key factor for a long-term relationship, is now supported by AADF with the funding for the architectural project and business plan needed for the revitalization of the Pyramid, promoting it as a model the creation of the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies. The Center will promote digital education, information technology culture in the arts, and create challenging spaces for young people in Albania.

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