At QEK, innovative thinking, dedicated individuals, and a commitment to community empowerment come together to make a remarkable difference. We collaborate with communities that are not just preparing for the future but are actively shaping it. Explore our success stories to see how we have empowered individuals through culinary education, fostered social entrepreneurship, and promoted sustainable practices to overcome challenges and create meaningful impact.
The Peasant Chef
Erasmus+ / European Union
QEK: project partnerQEK is a partner in this Erasmus+ project selected for European Union funding. The project connects adult learning in small-farm and agritourism settings with short food supply chains, seasonal ingredients, sustainable practices and food heritage.
Tirana Green Living 2 (TGL2): under TWIST
QEK led project delivery in Tirana, Kamëz and Vorë, linking practical training with employment and community support. Reported results include over 30 people trained, 20 certified and support for approximately 2,000 individuals in 600 families.
European Union / Partners Albania for Change and Development
Training guesthouse operators along the Scardus Trail
Practical hospitality and culinary training for guesthouse operators in Rugovë, Kosovo. The workshop brought together 20 participants to develop skills for guesthouse kitchen operations and service.
GIZ North Macedonia / SEDRA
The Wonder of Taste: Përmet
An event celebrating local gastronomy in Përmet. QEK contributed to its organisation, helping bring regional culinary traditions and local flavours into focus.
QEK institutional activity / Përmet
Wine Festival Albania: Wine & Stories of Berat
Event management and delivery promoting local cuisine, produce and wines. The festival connected Berat’s culinary offer with local producers and the stories behind their products.
Qendra Citrus / Berat
Local cuisine and culinary tour development in Mirditë
Promotion of Mirditë’s local cuisine and produce, paired with local wines. QEK contributed to the design and development of culinary tours rooted in the area’s food culture.
GIZ Albania / Mirditë
Gastro Fest: Dora e Pajtimit
A culinary event connecting Arbëreshë and Albanian traditions. Cooking became a shared language for celebrating food heritage, strengthening cultural identity and exchanging knowledge.
Dora e Pajtimit / Vlorë
Grand Gourmet
International competitions, educational sessions and professional challenges for chefs and hospitality staff. QEK engaged with Mediterranean and European culinary networks through practical exchange.
SKMER / Split, Croatia
Support for the Extended Pilot Phase of the Autochthonous Seeds Project
Culinary planning, seasonal menus and practical support for farmers and agritourism operators. Activities included field visits, at least 10 training sessions and workshops, and media promotion across several Albanian locations.
GIZ Albania / Sustainable Rural Development II
Food Education for Sustainable Development (FE4SuD)
QEK delivered a learning toolkit, six “From Seed to Plate” sessions, a study visit and food-waste education in Albania. Activities involved schools and Food Bank Albania, including 100 meals through “Pedalo me Zemër”.
Sinergia Go2Europe / Regione Puglia
Bread & Heart Festival
QEK contributed culinary expertise and operational support to the Bread & Heart Festival, combining practical kitchen work with the delivery of a public culinary event.
QEK culinary and operational engagement
Albanian cuisine: a driver of the economy and tourism
A project linking Albanian culinary heritage with skills development and economic opportunities. Its design combined youth training, educational content and dialogue with the hospitality sector.
Agency for the Support of Civil Society (AMSHC)
Reducing Invasive Blue Crab Impact on European Eel in Karavasta Lagoon
An initiative addressing invasive blue crab management and its potential use as a food resource. QEK’s culinary contribution connects practical gastronomy with a wider biodiversity conservation effort.
Albanian Biologists Association / Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF)
