Albania

UNFPA,  UNDP, CHURCHES, VOLONTIERS, MUNICIPALITY 

1-Breaking Stereotypes
Breaking Stereotypes is a three day Training Course initiated by AWP in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of Albania.During our interaction with young people and not only, we have identified the urgent need for a reconnection with history, good traditions and our roots for the preservation of the so-called “national character” which differs a lot from the impact that Albanians have in the international arena. The participants need to understand that the fight is not about the creation of a positive stereotype, but about awareness and understanding the reality. Since the stereotyping group has no direct interest on breaking these stereotypes we need to offer them a ready-platform that reflects the truth and that is easily absorbed by the mass. We intend to raise awareness and not raise national feelings! This is achieved through the right education on our cultural heritage and the presentation of Albania as the civilized country that has always been. We inherited our identity, so we better not forget the core of it! The overall objectives of the project are:
1. Getting to know the problems of the Albanians in the countries where they have consolidated their living.
2. To share experiences between young Albanians living at home and abroad.
3. To educate the participants on the values of our country for a better presentation in the international arena.
4. To identify the different forms of stereotyping / prejudice that they have experienced, or have caused and determine the best way that can affect for the best the situation. 6. Project a platform through the use of social media that raises awareness and is easily absorbed.

2-Albania's Next Leader
Albania’s Next leader is a program designed to identify the potential individuals in Albania youth environment. The program is shaped like a platform, in which candidates for the prize will have also some other benefits. The accepted applicants will be tested in different fields. They need to pass them successfully in order to become part of subsequent activities. The entire Program of Albania’s Next Leader is designed as a package of five Activities in total. ANL’s first condition is the Collaboration with an Organisation, Institution or a University, as an important part of the Program.

3-Entrepreneurship Week
In the framework of Entrepreneurship Week AWP in collaboration with University of Tirana and GOA(Global Opportunities Albania) organized the event "Entrepreneur Women’s Day". In the event were invited three important CEO and in the same time the creators of the company:
Alketa Zyfi-CEO at 'Yougurteria Tirana'
Elida Motro-CEO at 'EMI Coaching and Consulting'
Antonela Hako-CEO at 'HAKO Company'
During the Event was organized a workshop by giving the participants 3 case studies from these companies and they analyzed some crucial elements according to the entire show!
4-Albania Book Club

5-What stops women?
“What Stops Women” is an event created to promote the research study entitled “Factors of Women success in Albania and Macedonia”. The Founder of ” A Woman in Power ” in Albania, Ms.Viola Thoma in collaboration with Ms.Emilia Poposka Director of “Alumni Affairs at Preparing Global Leaders Institute” in Macedonia conduct an intensive research and decided to present the study in both countries .
In Albania the promoting activity was held in the Gold Room at the Hotel Doro City. The event was divided into two phases:
The first part of the event was a conference held by a panel consisting of professionals of the Field.
Panel:
Monika Stafa ( Top Channel Journalist and Researcher )
Edlira Cepani (Director of the Largest Network of Women in Decision making)
Erion Kristo (Professor and author of “Black and White” book)
Albana Laknori (Representative of Tirana Chamber of Commerce)
Laura Vorpsi (Professor and spokesperson of the Democratic Party)
Flutura Xhabija (Founder of the Association “Women in Business and Crafts”)
The second part of the event was organized in form of a workshop and presentation of new projects coming from the Civil Society, a very large number of leaders and representatives of organizations presented their ideas and upcoming projects. The last phase was about thanking and symbolic gifts were distributed to the participants. This study is now being expanded not only for women in Macedonia and Albania but also in other Balkan countries.A WOMAN IN POWER is a newly founded NGO in Albania, and our staff is under the age of 30 yo. That is the main reason why we are looking for networks which would like to share experiences and collaborate with youth key agents beloning the developing countries such as Albania. The organization is also looking forward to empower itself, in order to better serve to the community. All the members of  A Woman in Power have been trained internationally mainly in the field of leadership, but we are now trying to put all that knowledge in practice. In addition, AWP is aiming to become more focused to the sensitive isssues Albania is having. We believe that the ALF Network will shape the future of our activities in Albania.

1. Albanian Communication Forum The FORUM has as its prime aim the identification and demonstration of successful communication strategies between three Important Influencers: Young people, Professionals, Brand Companies in Albania. The ACF intends to improve the ability of successfully transferring information, thoughts and ideas, initially by starting with small audiences and then moving up to larger ones. The issues discussed during the Forum were focused on incentive’s the understanding of the core elements that comprise effective communication as a mechanism of growth. 2. Breaking Stereotypes Breaking Stereotypes Balkans is a three-day Training Course, which aims to bring together young leaders coming from Balkans (Kosovo, Monte Negro, Serbia, Greece, and Macedonia) to solve the crucial issues of the young generation. This project is created by the official members of AWP, most of them trained in the field and with an international experience. During our interaction with young people and not only, we have identified the urgent need for a re-connection with history, good traditions and our roots for the preservation of the so-called “national character” which differs a lot from the impact that Albanians have in the international arena. The participants need to understand that the fight is not about the creation of a positive stereotype, but about awareness and understanding the reality.  We intend to raise awareness and not raise national feelings! 3. Albania’s Next leader Albania’s Next leader is an EntreLeadership Program designed to identify potential individuals in Albania and abroad. The program also aims to prepare future business leaders by using effective methods and Technics to identify the potential individuals in Albania. The entire Program of Albania’s Next Leader is designed as a package of some other Activities. ANL’s first condition is the Collaboration with an Organisation, Institution or a University, as an important part of the Program

Some of our main projects are: 1. The project ‘Awareness Raising and Promotion activities under Five International Days'', aimed to contribute to civil society, vulnerable groups, business, religious community etc through organizing different awareness raising activities under Five International Days implemented in Tirana during the period December 2017 – December 2018. This project is supported by Heath Pharma Solution Albania and Vitabiotics Albania. 2. The project ‘Be my Family!’ aimed to increase the knowledge and level of information of community areas in Tirana local units, social local staff, child protection units, through informing and awareness sessions and continuous assistance to make them soft skilled to work with community mobilization as foster families; To increase the sensitivity of the community by raising awareness on foster care’s importance to endangered children and by establishing a positive and practical model of community involvement in this service; This project is implemented during January – June 2019 and supported by Children SOS Villages Albania 3. National training and conference titled “Values of supplements and vitamins according physic ability, disfunctions or life styles’ supported by Heath Pharma Solution Albania and Vitabiotics Albania. 140 health sector professionals took part in this activity. 4. Project ‘The mystery of Albanian cultural heritage through Puzzle game experience’ is implemented during March – June 2021 and supported by the Ministry of Culture in Albania. This project aimed to promote cultural and historical heritage to children through digital exploration and puzzle games. Also, it is oriented with the aim to knowledge, maintain and transmit Albanian culture and its values innovatively and practically.

"A different Day in the Elders Asylum in Tirana" "Research study on Rural Women conditions and needs", "Supporting Women Head of Families in the Unit No.1 in Tirana"."Monitoring the Daily Press in Albania about reports on Corruption", etc. different Day in the Elders Asylum in Tirana" "Research study on Rural Women conditions and needs", "Supporting Women Head of Families in the Unit No.1 in Tirana"."Monitoring the Daily Press in Albania about reports on Corruption", etc.

1. Youth Empowerment Youth Empowerment programme seeks to establish an environment and effective platforms where young people can gain the ability, authority, and agency to make decisions and implement change in their own lives and the lives of other people, including youth and adults. The programme is oriented to a gateway to inter generational equity, civic engagement and democracy building. Activities focus on youth-led media, youth rights, youth councils, youth activism, youth involvement in community decision-making, and other methods. Tips activity on YE: Power Up Community; Democracy in My Eyes; Live Vote Mascote etc; Programs that we participate in order to our field of work: - Erasmus + program (seminars, workshops, training's, youth exchanges) - Internship 2. Human Rights and Social Development This programme priority includes research and capacity-building projects in economic, social and educational policy in the framework of good governance and EU accession processes. - Gender Equality Gender equality is a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. Through our activities we aim to educate young people to understand the importance of having the same rights and opportunities across all sectors of society, including economic participation and decision-making, and when the different behaviors, aspirations and needs of women and men are equally valued and favored. - Countering violent extremism and radicalization Regarding to this topic we are working to enable positive and peaceful societies for young people in Albania, that support gender equality and decrease interpersonal violence and its extremism. Objective of our mission is to improve Youth NGOs and government capacities to integrate Program Youth - Life Skills Educational Curriculum in current educational and youth policy strategies and strengthen governmental and civil society efforts related to inclusion of youth vulnerable to extremism. We have made research for situation analysis regarding PREV and implemented meetings, training's and workshops with youth in and out of school. Below you can find mentioned some projects we have and/or are implementing: What Youth Believe- Interfaith Dialogue Equal and Different Men and Boys as Partners in Promoting Gender Equality and prevention of Youth Extremism and Violence in the Balkans - Social Inclusion In the framework of the challenges that Albanian society encounters, it is necessary to improve the terms for individuals and groups to take part in society and to improve the ability, opportunity, and dignity of those disadvantaged on the basis of their identity to take part in society. For this reason we work with marginalized groups and youth at risk. 3. Democracy and Anti-Corruption - Active Citizenship Active citizenship is one of the most important steps towards healthy societies. Through our activities we contribute to involve citizens in their local communities and democracy at all levels, from towns to cities to nationwide activity. Organizing different advocacy campaigns, educating young people about democratic values, skills and participation etc. - Good Governance and Transparency Through this program is aim to ensure that public money is spent effectively and appropriately. Key areas include: monitoring activities, campaigns etc. 

The projects and activities undertaken in the area of Green Mobility and Mobility/Sports in Tirana are diverse and impactful. The "Green trail/Shtegu i Gjelbert 2023", funded by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, was a significant endeavor lasting 32 days with a budget of ALL 4.195.000, and it has already concluded. Similarly, "Bike Fest Tirana 2023", sponsored by the Tirana Municipality for a single day with a budget of ALL 140.000, has ended. Another notable event was the "Java Europiane e Sportit" (European Week of Sports), a week-long event funded by the Tirana Municipality with an impressive budget of ALL 110.000.000, which has also concluded. "European Mobility Week", another week-long initiative, had the support of the Tirana Municipality and a budget of EUR 5.000, and it too has concluded. In contrast, some projects are ongoing, such as "EduMove: Boosting green mobility in peripheral Tirana", backed by the European Science Foundation (European Union) for 12 months with a funding of EUR 32.000, and "Cyclistforbundet", supported by the Western Balkan Fund (European Union) for a month with EUR 4.000. These projects collectively contribute to enhancing green mobility, sports participation and environmental protection in Tirana and Albania as a whole.

Areas of work AKS • Works for the promotion of cultural heritage, increasing the level of cultural information. AKS has become one of the organizations with credibility and most trusted by citizens in Librazhd. AKS is seen as one of the organizations that has managed to arouse the criticism of citizens in Librazhd, to mobilize citizens, journalists and other actors, and to have an impact on various developments at all levels. AKS has managed to have an impact even on the processes for which it is thought that citizens cannot advance public interests, including cultural heritage or local transparency. 1. Deepening of commitment, with a focus on Librazhd and Prrenjas. 2. Better understanding and advocacy about the needs and alternatives for improving the quality of life of citizens. 3. Interaction with institutions in order to ensure healthy relations between citizens and institutions. 4. Increasing impact through effective communication with different groups/communities to transmit the cultural message. 1998: Albanian women in the clutches of prostitution, supported by the Soros Foundation 1999: Creation of cultured environments in schools, supported by REC 2001: Rehabilitation of the 8-year school, Mirakë-Plane (Librazhd) supported by MCI/USAID 2002: Days of friendship between cross-border NGOs supported by OSFA 2007: Voto Natyren, project supported and implemented with the group "Ekolevizja" 2000 onwards: Publication of the newspaper "Librazhdi" 2017 Project: "Citizens, the pillar of good governance", supported by AMSHC. 2017 Project: "To keep the fire of the cultural heritage of Shkumbin valley polyphony burning, for the new generation", supported by the Ministry of Culture 2018 Project: "Together for the protection of cultural heritage to the new generation", supported by the Ministry of Culture. 2019 Shkumbin Valley Polyphony Festival. 3rd edition, supported by the Ministry of Culture. 2019 Partner with the organization "Center for Bridging Communities" in the Project: Together with the community, against violent extremism in the Municipality of Librazhd and Prrenja, supported by "Divided Past Joint Future" 2021 Project: "Heritage, education, innovation" supported by the Ministry of Culture How can you contribute to the Network in your country? AKS has a staff with great experience and expertise in the civil society sector. The Executive Director has 24 years of experience working for cultural NGOs, legal advisors, program managers, project coordinators, administrators. He has a lot of experience working in the cultural field not only in terms of project management, research, legal expertise, but also working in direct contact with vulnerable groups (mainly women and girls), in organizing and carrying out meetings with the community in city and rural. areas. Having worked for a long time for cultural organizations, AKS staff are very familiar with the challenges facing cultural heritage in Albania. AKS can contribute to the network by sharing with other members the expertise gained from working on cultural issues and by bringing staff experience to strategies for the protection and enhancement of cultural heritage. Why do you want to join the ALF Network? AKS wants to join the ALF Network because it is a dynamic network and a good opportunity to connect with other professionals and NGOs, to exchange information and experiences and hopefully implement joint initiatives.