Vodafone Albania, Albanian-American Development Fund and Municipality of Tirana join in turning the Pyramid into a Regional Digital Education Centre 

Vodafone Albania, Albanian-American Development Fund (AADF) and Municipality of Tirana signed today a memorandum of understanding as a first step of their collaboration in transforming the Pyramid into the biggest regional center for youth, technology and innovation.

AADF and Municipality of Tirana have committed to realize the transformation of the Pyramid into a multifunctional center to support activities focused on development of start-ups, technology, art and culture in Tirana. 

Vodafone joins to the main contributors of this project, providing all necessary tools and expertise to enable a digital ecosystem where young people can learn and try the latest technologies and be prepared to shape the 4th industrial revolution.

High representatives from Vodafone, Albanian-American Development Fund and Municipality of Tirana held a press conference today to announce the partnership and the importance that this project has not only for Albania but for the region as well.  
Serpil Timuray, Vodafone Europe Cluster CEO, who visited the Pyramid and attended the signing of the MOU, stated:
“I am really glad that Vodafone will be part of the digital transformation of The Pyramid, which stands as a symbol of how fast Albania is moving forward towards an exciting future. The digital society will require jobs and skills we have never seen before and so Vodafone is not only delivering the technology that connects that society, but is also contributing to its growth and sustainability by supporting a new generation of innovators.” 

Vodafone’s CEO, Achilleas Kanaris stated:
“I am very enthusiastic for this project and partnership. Vodafone’s commitment in the digital transformation of the pyramid aims to show not only what we can do with technology, but also how we can use technology to innovate in the country. Albanian youth has great potential and through this innovation center, they will be able to earn the necessary digital skills to flourish and create a successful future.” 
 

AADF CEOs, Martin Mata and Aleksander Sarapuli, and Deputy Mayor of Tirana Arbjan Mazniku gave more details on the revitalization process of the pyramid, the 11,800-square-metre building that will turn into a large multifunctional technology education center for young people from 13-24 years old.
Mr. Mata said that the Albanian - American Development Foundation has as its mission the creation of sustainable development models. AADF has submitted to the Municipality of Tirana the architectural and engineering design of the Pyramid and the business model, in order for its operation to be financially sustainable. The innovation that AADF brings is the TUMO Tirana center, which will equip children with the knowledge and skills of the 21th century in the field of digital education including programming, robotics, film production, website creation, music, writing, 3D modeling, programming, etc., orienting children to learn and use technology at the contemporary level.

In his speech, Deputy Mayor of Tirana. Mr. Mazniku said: 
 “No great project comes to life without the right chemistry, and I believe step by step we are coming up with the dream team that will transform the pyramid into the main information technology and digital center of the region into an amazing tech environment designed by MVRDV.  Within this year we will have a race to begin implementing the project. I look forward to this partnership of Tirana Municipality, with the Albanian-American Development Fund and Vodafone, to give shape and life to a building without a function so far.”