TO RETURN OR NOT TO RETURN AFTER GRADUATION? (YOUTH MIGRATION IN THE REGION OF KUKES AND THE IMPACT OF THE DURRES – KUKES ROAD)

Abstract

The Kukes region is one of the poorest regions in Albania. Over the past 20 years a lot of people have left their homes and have moved to other cities or abroad. Over recent times, students do not want to return home after graduation. The long distance between Tirana and the Kukes region is mentioned as one of the main reasons. The basic questions raised in this paper are: What do young people think about their return home after finishing their studies? What are the reasons that inspire young people to live in Tirana? What will be the impact of the geographic proximity to Tirana in young people's desire to return home? It is without a doubt that the new Durres-Kukes road will be a 'gateway' for the young of the Kukes Region, to explore their opportunities in employment, education, entertainment and more.