The main goal of the Project was to promote the importance of rural tourism (and appropriate education models) with the main focus on the authenticity of the coffee culture at each societal level in the participating countries. The emphasis was on coffee as a tourism product, and its huge potential to beneficiary to the tourism industry. The specific objectives of the project were: SO1: The project aimed to develop a structured learning program (Module 1: Theory and organization of work, and Module 2: Practice)and training materials for 15 low-skilled candidates (with fewer opportunities) in the field of the coffee industry and hospitality. SO2: The project intended to train 15 low-skilled candidates with fewer opportunities in the field of the coffee, and the coffee beverage industry, through structured trainings using a modular approach. SO3: The project sought to develop a Digital Platform to be used by networking coffee and beverage specialists – Baristas who are in the learning process. SO4: The project aimed to develop a Handbook with information for Social Partners and Policy makers (dissemination) – whose content offered knowledge, skills, and competencies for the preparation and serving of coffee (form, concept, way).
While the need for Barista services had significantly increased in our region, training for this profession was lacking. Findings indicated growing interest and need for Barista education and vocational training. North Macedonia recently introduced the Professional National Qualification of Barista, which addressed the need for trained staff. Barista training within the National Qualifications Framework, harmonized with the European Qualifications Framework, prompted cooperation with partners to transfer knowledge to young people, and enhance the offered quality in tourism across participating countries. Coffee, a well-known product, lacked structured promotion for potential tourism development in the Balkan countries, where Barista profiles and organized training were insufficient, necessitating self-education or visits to more developed countries.Upon project completion, we are confident we brought innovation in the field and significantly contributed to addressing gaps, needs, and worked towards accomplishing goals to develop the Barista domain, especially for the participating countries in the West Balkan Region. The positive impact of the project was accomplishing primary and secondary long-term effects across all activities.