"Tchange" – Tirana, European Youth Capital
The Institute for Democracy, Media & Culture, in the context of "Tirana, European Youth Capital" program, has opened calls for applications for young people aged 15–25 who want to become part of the "Tchange" project.
If you want to become the voice of the youth of Tirana, you have ambitions to train and learn in an international environment, you have ideas and are looking for a place where you are listened to, this project is for you!
Now it is possible to BRING CHANGE through the TCHANGE project!
Application deadline is 26 June 2022!
* This project is funded by the National Youth Congress as part of the program Tirana European Youth Capital 2022, in collaboration with the Municipality of Tirana.
Summary
Project Description
The European Union (EU) is above all a Community of values such as respect for human dignity and human rights, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law. These values unite all member states and are not only a requirement for EU enlargement, but also for maintaining and guaranteeing peace in the continent. Albania has been aspiring to join the EU for years, so it is imperative that citizens and young people in particular work together for a society with European values at its core, a society where pluralism, tolerance, solidarity and gender equality prevail.
On the other hand, Albania is currently confronted with the “brain drain” phenomenon, unemployment, violations of democracy, lack of independent and objective media, and occasionally human rights infringements, problems that can be solved with active participation of young people, as part of civil society, as activists or members in pressure groups to local and central government.
The EU Youth Strategy focuses on three essential areas: Engaging, Connecting, Empowering.
With this Project, Institute for Democracy, Media & Culture (IDMC) aims to promote youth participation in democratic processes. It also supports social and civic engagement by empowering youth and building up support for their causes.
The Project’s specific goals include:
- Connecting Youth with EU – It is an oft-repeated cliché that young people are the future of a country. Therefore, educating them about democratic values essential to European identity would help and accelerate the country’s EU integration path;
- Inclusive Societies, Space and Participation for All – Encouraging young people and providing them more spaces for involvement in the planning process, decision-making, policy-making activism;
- Information and Constructive Dialogue – Informing and educating young people about democracy, freedom and fostering dialogue among different segments of society, as well as among youth from different European nations;
- Memory as a Mission – Exploring the importance of collective memory and confronting the past, presenting historical evidence and applying critical reflection on ways we approach the past in today’s society; visiting sites of suffering and conscience;
- Promoting Voluntarism – Volunteering helps the younger generation acquire new skills in leadership, communication, reliability, time management and decision-making.
IDMC is an independent organization whose mission is to study, understand and promote democratic values. To achieve its mission, IDMC relies on civic involvement, especially the younger generation. The Institute promotes democratic values as a think tank, by assessing public opinion on various topics that involve policy-making. By supporting art, culture and cultural exchanges in all fields, the Institute nurtures cultural diversity and tolerance, standing as a meeting point between various cultures at local and cross-border level. For more information on IDMC’s work, please go to www.idmc.al.
Group of Interest and Project Development
With the “Tchange” project, IDMC targets youth to ensure they make informed decisions, develop their creative capacities and critical thinking while actually contributing to society. By feeling engaged, heard and appreciated, we think we can give the young people in Tirana a new window of opportunity, so they are less inclined to emigrate and abandon their home country. Volunteering will help them develop skills which are needed in today’s job market.
A Resolution will be the final result of the Project. It is the work of similarly aged Albanian and foreign young people following their cultural exchange experience in the context of the European Youth Conference. The Resolution and the recommendations to solve the varied problems they encounter in their own cities and communities will be published and submitted, among others, to the Municipal Council of Tirana to consider for implementation in the coming years. This Project would be indirectly beneficial to the citizens of Tirana.
I / 4–6 July 2022: Workshop – Educating Youth on European Values
IDMC conducted a three-day training on 4–5–6 July 2022 for participants from Albania selected for the European Youth Conference, scheduled for October.
The sessions at the National Youth Congress Premises were led by Jonila Godole, Elvin Gjevori and Ina Xhepa.
IDMC's Executive Director, Dr. Jonila Godole, trained young participants on Albania's collective memory and how our country's past totalitarian regime compares to others.
The second day of training for "Tchange" with 30 participants was conducted in the context of the Tirana – European Youth Capital program and focused on present day analyses.
Political sciences' expert Elvin Gjevori discussed with young people the different aspects of life in Albania and the role of collective memory in today's decision-making.
The three-day training closed on July 6th with discussions on Albania's European future.
Ina Xhepa talked about the justice system, policies, European values and the upcoming local elections in 2023.
II / 4–6 October 2022: European Youth Conference
On 4–5–6 October 2022, the European Youth Conference brought together 38 young people from Albania and 12 foreign fellows from Italy, Spain, Armenia, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Austria, Northern Macedonia and Kosovo.
In three days they trained, organized interactive activities, games, cultural trips, exchanged views, and more.
1st Day
The conference began with a visit to the "House of Leaves" National Museum, where the participants got informed about the work of the Sigurimi (former State Security Service) during communism and about the dictatorship in Albania in general.
Then everyone had a chance to partake in an open discussion with former political persecutee and writer Lekë Tasi, the museum director Etleva Demollari, and with the executive director of IDMC, Jonila Godole.
Dr. Godole made a brief introduction to Albania in post-communist period and the role young people could play in "healing" the country from its past. She talked about the vision young people should have about democracy and the future in a free country, without barriers and with a functional media.
Mr. Tasi spoke about his life in internment camps, how society has changed nowadays and the values that keep men alive despite any regime in power. He motivated the young participants to always choose freedom and develop self-control.
Ms. Demollari shared details on the history of the House of Leaves and the sort of data the museum hosted from families that were politically persecuted by the previous communist regime.
On day one, 48 participants in the European Youth Conference organized various entertaining activities with one-another as part of the “Tchange” project.
Under the guidance of project coordinator Mirela Sheraj and trainer Jozita Zhura, they learned interesting facts about their lives, which were later discussed in a friendlier dinner of cultural exchange.
2nd Day
The second day of the European Youth Conference resumed with a training on civic activism, leadership and entrepreneurship by Rafaela Rica.
Ms. Rica's ideas served as an energizer for the daily agenda. She talked about her story at Iceberg Communications, the challenges and how to overcome them, the actions she takes as a citizen of Tirana, and her determination to change things which do not make a particularly good sense to her or which bring nothing positive to society.
In the feedback form filled by the conference participants, they noted they felt inspired and motivated to bring change.
Later in the day everyone were divided in groups of 6 to deal with varied topics, such as History & Law; Democracy and Human Rights; Media; Tourism and Infrastructure; Education, Employment and Opportunities for Youth; Arts.
Six trainers, Albiona Muçoimaj, Erblin Vukaj, Brisejda Lala, Fiorela Marra, Elsa Kepi Elona Bardho presented their view of the current state of Albania in the respective fields. They promoted discussion and brainstorming among the young people to find solutions to the problems found.
Participants also received training on leadership. They analyzed different expressions and definitions on the term "leader" and pointed to the qualities they valued the most.
Educational activity "High Tower" again divided the young participants randomly in groups in order to compete for building the tallest spaghetti tower. Each group had to collaborate and take decisions together on limited time.
Through entertainment, the young people observed that decision-making is a difficult process and in spite of good intentions, the better results need various elements to be attained.
3rd Day
Day three of the conference began with trainer Edlira Gjoni, teaching participants to summarize and describe their previous day findings at the conference.
Mrs. Gjoni supported each group on their topics, new ideas, special presentations and how to be active citizens.
At the end of the day, their ideas were about ready for editing and final submission to the Municipal Council of Tirana.
III: Closing Ceremony – Resolution of the Conference
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