The event “Family Law through ODEI M.A.R.K.E.T.: Student Perspectives”, organised as part of ChallengeEU, is a compelling example of how innovative, inclusive and student-centred learning can generate meaningful academic and societal impact at South East European University (SEEU).
The event opened with remarks from Prof. Dr Arta Mero, who emphasised the pedagogical value of the ODEI M.A.R.K.E.T. approach in fostering student advocacy, critical thinking and socially engaged legal education. This was followed by a welcome address from Prof. Dr. Veli Kreci, Director of the Max van der Stoel Institute, who highlighted the importance of embedding openness, diversity, equity, and inclusion into academic practice and curricula, particularly within the framework of the ChallengeEU Alliance. Representing the student perspective, Mevlan Ademi, Student Ambassador for ChallengeEU, reflected on the role of students as active contributors to university initiatives and European academic collaboration, underscoring how such formats empower students to engage meaningfully with societal challenges.
Through the ODEI M.A.R.K.E.T. framework (Multi-Actor Research, Knowledge, Exchange, Teams), students moved beyond traditional classroom learning to become active researchers, presenters, and contributors to public and academic discourse. Their work demonstrated not only strong legal knowledge but also critical reflection, ethical awareness, and social sensitivity, particularly in addressing family law challenges through the lenses of diversity, equity, openness, and inclusion. The integration of the M.A.R.K.E.T. model in Family Law confirms its value as a sustainable, inclusive, and high-impact educational approach, enhancing academic excellence while strengthening the social relevance of legal education.
The event also highlighted the transformative role of academic staff and fourth-year student mentors, whose guidance and commitment enabled participating students to translate theoretical knowledge into practice-oriented and socially responsive legal analysis. This collaborative effort reflects SEEU’s core values and reinforces its position as a leading institution within the European University Alliance, actively shaping modern, responsible and inclusive higher education.
Presentations on adoption, domestic violence, child marriage, post-divorce parental responsibilities, children’s participation in legal proceedings and evolving approaches to divorce were delivered by: Albina Pajaziti, Sara Besimi, Era Fejzullai, Arion Dauti, Erjon Murseli; Iva Stefanovska, Bojana Velkovska, Emanuela Dimovska, Suejla Sulejmani, Zahide Hajdari, Drita Emini, Sara Vejseli; Aida Selami, Fatime Sejfuli, Leonita Xhelili, Mimoza Jahiu; Erlind Rufati, Valon Bexheti; Lindihana Uzeiri, Amina Iljazi, Eugerta Selami; and Jehona Saiti, Albina Rexhepi and Djellza Pajaziti, under the mentorship of Elisa Murseli, Mila Arsić, Elsa Havziju, Amina Ademi, Elfatir Lloga, Mevlan Ademi, Era Sadiku and Omer Ajruli (fourth-year students).
The presentations were followed by an open and dynamic debate, during which students, mentors, and participants discussed research challenges, the role of mentoring, and emerging perspectives for family law within the ODEI framework, further enriching the academic exchange and reinforcing the participatory nature of the initiative.
Strong engagement from legal practitioners (attorneys, notaries and judges), NGOs, institutional representatives, and students from other faculties and universities significantly amplified the event’s impact. Stakeholders welcomed the initiative and described it as a unique and rarely seen format in the legal field, emphasising its value in bridging academia and practice. As key collaborators of SEEU, they recognised the importance of such initiatives in advancing legal scholarship and strengthening societal trust in the legal system.
The event concluded with a certificate ceremony, recognising the commitment and academic contribution of all participating students and mentors.
Overall, this initiative confirms that ODEI M.A.R.K.E.T. within the ChallengeEU framework is not merely a project activity but a sustainable educational model, one that empowers students as agents of change, strengthens academic practice, and positions SEEU as a hub of inclusive, forward-looking, and socially responsible higher education with a tangible impact on both society and academia.
