Open Lecture -Training Trauma in Children and Teens
The Department of Education at Bedër University College organized an open lecture with Dr. Skerdi Zahaj, regarding the topic: "Trauma Treatment in Children and Adolescents".
In the focus of discussion with counseling psychology students were psychotherapeutic techniques and interventions in these age groups.
Dr. Skerdi Zahaj is currently a member of the National Council of Psychologist Order in Albania, as well as a lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tirana.
Combining the aspect of theoretical and phenomenological knowledge of the subject of trauma, Dr. Zahaj introduced students with psychotherapeutic techniques and interventions that help children and adolescents who experience the process of losing and mourning.
During his presentation, Dr. Zahay presented the stages of the mourning process and how psychotherapy can help manage and overcome psychological symptoms and suffering caused by the trauma of the loss of close relatives. The specific techniques and interventions that were addressed during this open lecture are closely linked to the current evidence of the cognitive and behavioral approach to cognitive behavior as well as the psychodynamic approach used to address traumatic suffering.
Likewise, students practiced through concrete exercises how to use specific techniques during client therapy, including: writing letters, story building, acronym poems, rituals and drawings.
"Empower Youth, Prevent Violence!"
The Department of Education in KU Bedër, in cooperation with Women's Network "Equality in Decision-Making", organized today the training on "Empower Youth, Prevent Violence!".
Mrs. Edlira Çepani, head of the organization Women's Network "Equality in Decision Making" together with her team, and under the special care of lecturer Erilda Ajazi, realized this workshop with the participation of the students of Bedër University College. Education students, English language and literature as well as Communication Sciences students participated actively in the workshop, engaging in interactive activities and games related to the subject.
The workshop "Strengthen Young People, Prevent Violence!" aimed at informing young people and promoting healthy relationships between them and beyond in society. This workshop gave students the opportunity to discuss their role in defining healthy relationships among adolescents, stereotypes and gender roles, factors influencing the creation of abusive relationships, as well as the system of referral of cases of domestic violence and based gender.
Through this training, students explored issues related to:
• Gender roles and stereotypes.
• Romantic relationships and violence in early romantic relationships with young people.
• The phenomenon of bullying: determination of victim, aggressor and witness.
• Cyber Bullism: Social Media as a New Form of Abuse in Young People.
• Engagement of the influencers: peers, parents, teachers and psycho-social service.
• Reporting and providing assistance to cases of gender-based violence.
Workshop on "Fake News, media problem or democracy?"
Department of Communication Sciences at "Bedër" University College organized a workshop on "Fake News, Media Problem or Democracy?"
The workshop was attended by the Ambassador of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Bernd Borchardt, Head of Department of Journalism and Communication at the University of Tirana, Prof.Assoc. Dr. Mark Marku, renowned analyst and journalist Lutfi Dervishi, Head of the Union of Journalists, Alexander Çipa, media scholar, representatives of PR offices and communication and journalism students.
The activity was opened by the Head of Communication Sciences Department, Dr. Erlis Çela, who said that the tradition of organizing the workshop is annual and aims to address coherent topics of importance to the media and communication field. Regarding the topic selection for this year, Dr. Çela said that "fake news", a term that got fame after the presidential election in America, is not just a phenomenon that is mentioned in the circles of journalists but is already a phenomenon that has attracted the attention of media and audience researchers.
Then the speech was received by the Rector of Bedër University College, Prof. dr. Dr. Ferdinand Gjana, who said that accessibility opportunities are increasingly being used by citizens to publish information on the Internet, where distribution in these networks may have different nuances, ranging from positive approaches such as social support for help in producing misleading content and prejudicial comments. According to him, organization of this format is important as they discuss ways of healthy development of free speech, starting with the critical role that media professionals have.
The Ambassador of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Bernd Borchardt said that the phenomenon of false news has existed since early, but with technological development, its impacts are more apparent. He said that people who are directly affected by this phenomenon suffer the most from the consequences, mentioning a personal case of how his name was part of the phenomenon of false news. As a solution, Mr. Borchard suggested verifying the facts before the news release, empowering the community of media professionals, media education and more media freedom.
Meanwhile, Lutfi Dervishi, stopped at the risk of "fake news". He said that attention should focus on "fake news" as an economic benefit system. Dervishi brought to attention the case of some young people from Macedonia who produced false news against Hillary Clinton in the recent presidential election in the United States, making financial gain. According to Mr. Dervishi, the solution should be sought to return to the traditional principles of journalism, paying attention to the fact-finding of journalists.
Media representatives and media commentators Mark Marku, head of the Department of Journalism and Communication at the University of Tirana, spoke about the need to review the principles of journalism. Professor Marku said that we should not judge a problematic phenomenon as "fake news" starting from the journalism rates of several decades ago. Fatos Hakorja, Roland Zili, Roland Qafoku, Pandi Gjata, Lazar Semini, who said that "fake news" poses a risk not only for the media but also for the essence of democracy. Media leaders and present journalists provided solutions to media education for audiences, control of news sources before publication, and a return to the deontological and professional values of journalism.
Representatives of public relations offices from various agencies and institutions, such as Eva Kushova and Elda Gjoka, said that in this phenomenon the individual is most vulnerable, as the media may have the ability to self-regulate and better manage the free speech.
Throughout the workshop, important discussions took place, which brought additional perspectives on the phenomenon of the fake news.
Bedër University College organized for the second consecutive year the award ceremony for graduates. This event was attended by graduates, academics and the administrative staff who have given their contribution to the university over the years, as well as distinguished figures from the fields of literature, culture, art and education.
The ceremony was opened by the representative of the Alumni Office, Jola Marku, who emphasized that this office, under the example of western universities, aims to influence the shaping of a culture in terms of university-graduate activities and relations. She said that the best indicators of university success are employed graduates and their achievements, so the organization of the awarding event is evaluative and motivating, but at the same time a show of mutual success between Beder University College and its graduates.
Then a speech was held by the Rector of Bedër University College, Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Gjana, who said that this activity is already part of the "Bedër" tradition, serving as a platform for graduates to share their experiences. He praised the activity, pointing out that such a format in Albania is a model within university relations with graduates over the years.
During the ceremony, a total of 12 prizes were awarded, 6 of which were awarded for gratitude and encouragement for former students Mandrit Kamolli, Kadim Rufati, Uejda Kadrija, Sonila Qazimi, Albi Çela and Arjola Buzi, who have become inspirational models thanks to their work and achievements in their professional careers. Meanwhile, 6 other special prizes were chosen by the academic staff of the university to be awarded to personalities in the field of arts, science, culture, literature and education for their contribution, among them: Mirela Arqimandriti, Daniel Klingenberg, Mirush Kabashi, Uran Butka, Xhemal Balla and Shpëtim Tasha.
The Department of Communication Sciences had today guest members of the Faktoje.al newsroom, who conducted a conversation with communication students, addressing the topic "Fact checking Journalism".
During the meeting Mrs. Alma Janka, editor-in-chief of Faktoje.al, made a presentation about the functioning and mission for which this web site was opened, coming for the first time in Albania as a genuine project in the investigation and verification of various statements and allegations made at all levels of public life.
While journalists Anxhela Ruçi and Merxhan Daci explained further about the functioning and work that is being carried out in this editorial, and how this media tries to improve performance standards in public life by investigating and verifying various statements.
The activity was accompanied by questions and discussions by students who expressed their appreciation and desire to have as many such media in Albania as having no political influence and are an accurate way of informing the public.
The Department of Education Sciences at Bedër University College organized today an open lecture, where invited in conversation with the students of counseling and psychology counseling was Dr. Sofokli Garo.
With a rich professional and academic experience in teaching in the science of education, focusing on teaching mathematics in primary education, Dr. Garo conveyed a comparative approach to contemporary teaching practices in the United States and Albania.
With an academic preparation in Masters and Doctorate in Mathematics teaching and learning at North Dakota University, professional experience as a teacher with pre-university education and as a lecturer in higher education in the USA and Albania, enabled a discussion with students Dr. Garo about a study on the effectiveness of the teaching methodologies adopted in Albania, as well as the results of these practices in the formation of students and further teachers.
Cognitive teaching and its impact on the results of Albanian students in PISA was another study dimension transmitted during the discussion of Dr. Garos.
Los Angeles Supreme Court member Stephen Czuleger was invited to attend a seminar with law students at Bedër to talk to them about the topic: "Judicial Ethics - Avoiding Failures."
During the presentation, Judge Czuleger introduced law students to American law provisions within the ethics rules to be implemented by a judge during his or her duty. He focused particularly on issues of ethics, impartiality and professionalism of the judge's figure.
Judge Czuleger also addressed the issue of corruption in the judicial system. He praised the fact that, despite the existence of this phenomenon, Albanians are determined to change the current situation and indicative of this is the process of veting. Appreciating the progress so far in the fight against corruption, Czuleger expressed optimism for the future and encouraged young people to engage in this process.
At the end of the seminar, a discussion was held with students on the challenges facing the justice system in Albania and the options for improving it.
Judge Czuleger encouraged all students to become actively involved in these changes and apply the rules of professional ethics in order to improve the performance of the justice system and increase public confidence.
The Department of English Language and Literature in collaboration with the British Council organized for the fifth time the competition for creative subjects for young people in English. 216 students from 37 high schools in Albania, both private and public, participated in this contest with their essays, the theme of which was "Dependence on Modern Technology".
At the ceremony held with the participation of hundreds of students, representatives from DAR Tirana and the British Council, all participants were awarded certificates, while 10 of them were declared the best by winning the right to develop "Aptist Test". While the first-place winner gained the right to take the IELTS exam from the British Council.
We thank all the participants for their contribution!