ALBANIAN YOUTH IN MACEDONIA, THE FUTURE, EMIGRATION AND PREFERENCES

Abstract

This research aims to address and explain the perceptions, desires, attitudes and expectations of the Albanian youth in Macedonia on their future, prospects in the context of social and political changes in the country and at the global level. The research affects different dimensions of this age group in order to provide an overview of the vision and views of this generation, always in the aspect of country's prospects in the context of the great wave of migration to the developed Western countries. 220 young people aged 16 to 24 were interviewed, most of whom (86%) represent a relatively low level of satisfaction regarding the quality and standard of living, lack of prospects for building a career and a better life, meanwhile they have lost confidence in the institutions of the country and are desperate by politics so that most of them were ready to leave the country. This is a research on the interdependence of the social context, development or social progress, chances and opportunities of young people in the Republic of Macedonia, facing a dilemma: to stay in Macedonia (with low standard, poor, poor education, etc.) or to leave the country (with a safe job, career opportunities, and prospects for future planning). This research looks at the vital aspects of living of Albanian youth, chance for education and their future prospects. The research consists of ten modules: family values, education, aspirations for employment, prospects and careers, social welfare, religious beliefs, politics and inclusion, spare time and lifestyle. These indicators are also considered as the most important values of the Albanian youth in Macedonia. Reasons of emigration are: the desire to improve the standard of living, the aspiration to have more qualitative education and greater employment opportunities, which means a safer future. The unemployment rate among young people in Macedonia is 52.9%, ranking the country in the third place on the world list. Life in general and the standard of living from year to year has deteriorated, new jobs have been reduced, and unemployment and poverty have increased. This has also resulted in deteriorating interpersonal and interethnic relations in the country, losing hope for the future, especially among young people. Studies show that high unemployment rate has made young people in Macedonia to see their future more and more abroad. Although with a relatively high percentage of inclusion in secondary and university education, young people of this age group declare that education is an important value for them. Despite the preferences for education, the level of satisfaction with the current education system is very low. Only one-third of respondents are satisfied with the education system in the Republic of Macedonia.