SIFE University of Tirana was awarded the Runner-Up price at the 2008 SIFE European Symposium (London, 16 September 2008)

SIFE students from 10 European countries competed on Tuesday at the 2008 SIFE European Symposium competition at Britania Hotel, London, United Kingdom. SIFE University of Tirana emerged as first runner-up and University of Sheffield from United Kingdom emerged as the 2008 SIFE European Champion. The other finalist was the team from Sweden.

In their Opening Round, SIFE UT defeated the teams from Russia and Malta, and in the Final Round the team from Sweden. The SIFE UT students presented their portfolio of sustainable projects, concentrating very much on changing lives in their local and national community. The result comes after a series of excellent results that the SIFE Albania teams are having year after year at the international activities. However, more meaningful were the sincere congratulations of all participating teams after the presentation of SIFE Albania.

Let's talk a little about the projects presented by SIFE UT. SIFE UT students have worked on 6 projects, but the one that particularly captured the attention of judges was the Life On Sea project. SIFE UT introduced fisherman of Shengjini, Vlora, Saranda and Durres with concepts on financial, marketing and technology management.

Working with fishermen association, SIFE UT turned the joint efforts of fishermen into real economic opportunities. The newly established group was helped to export fish and sardines in Saranda and boost their revenues. Thanks to the help of the students 10 micro credits were given to the fishermen to be reinvested in the business.

This is a competition where the best business-minded students gather from around Europe - says Jim Ineson, SIFE UK Executive Director. When we get them together amazing things happen. I can't help but think that through the interactions that take place among these students at this event, such connections are made that in some small way make the world a better place.

SIFE UT is really proud of the results achieved so far and thanks University of Tirana, Insig and Mr. Patrick Buckley for supporting their trip to London and getting this prestigious price.