AMAD Sparks Change Through Five Inspiring Podcasts: Colors of Humanity Project

In a world increasingly shaped by digital conversations and shifting societal norms, AMAD has taken a bold step to advocate for inclusion, human rights, and empowerment through the power of storytelling. As part of the Colors of Humanity project, the organization has produced five compelling podcasts, each addressing vital social issues and giving a platform to voices that demand to be heard.

With a diverse lineup of guests ranging from psychologists and activists to youth leaders and changemakers, these podcasts blend expert insights with raw personal stories. They invite listeners to reflect, engage, and take action.

1. Exploring Hate Speech and Freedom of Expression

The first episode sets the stage for thought-provoking discussions, featuring clinical psychologist and human rights expert Marinela Gjeloshi. Together, they dissect the risks of fleeting social trends and explore whether the boundaries of freedom of speech are being misused to shape harmful behaviors.

Gjeloshi’s advice resonates deeply: youth should critically evaluate societal trends, parents must foster open communication, and professionals need to step up as proactive guardians against the negative impacts of these phenomena. This conversation doesn’t just highlight problems—it calls for collective action, urging every stakeholder to embrace their responsibility in shaping a more mindful society.

2. A Mother’s Journey: Breaking Stigma on Disabilities and Embracing Creativity

The second podcast introduces Egla Bajrami, a trailblazing advocate for children with disabilities and the founder of Autizmi Flet (Autism Speaks). As a mother of a child with autism, Bajrami’s story is one of resilience and determination.

She passionately discusses the importance of breaking stigma, turning challenges into opportunities, and embracing creative empowerment. Her work is exemplified by the anthem “Më prano!” (Accept Me as I Am), a moving piece created by children with disabilities as a call for inclusivity.

Through her words, Bajrami inspires not only families navigating similar journeys but also society at large to embrace diversity and dismantle discrimination.

 

3. Overcoming Barriers: Youth Employment and Dreams

Employment challenges faced by young people take center stage in the fourth episode, featuring activists Darvi Ndreu and Nekie Qejvani. They candidly discuss systemic barriers, equity issues, and the importance of support systems in career development.

Through their stories, listeners are reminded of the resilience and aspirations of youth striving to overcome obstacles. It’s a rallying cry for fair opportunities and a reminder that persistence, coupled with advocacy, can lead to meaningful change.

4. Empowering Young Leaders and Building Traditions

The fifth podcast is a testament to the power of youth-driven initiatives. Produced in collaboration with the Student Council of the Economic Faculty at the University of Tirana, it highlights the Become a Santa project.

What began as a small effort to support vulnerable community members has evolved into a cherished tradition. Guests Elena Rista, Darvi Ndreu, and Kristina Peçaj discuss the initiative’s impact and the broader themes of youth leadership, solidarity, and community engagement.

This episode captures the essence of youth as current leaders, not just future ones. Their actions inspire others to follow suit, proving that even small initiatives can have a lasting ripple effect.

 

5. Youth Perspectives: Tackling Discrimination and Stereotypes

In the third episode, AMAD shifts the spotlight to youth voices, with journalist Freard Rista and a panel of young activists diving deep into discrimination and hate speech. Drawing from AMAD’s study on discriminatory online discourse, they discuss the pervasive nature of these issues and share actionable strategies to foster inclusivity.

What makes this episode particularly powerful is its authenticity. It’s youth talking to youth, offering real solutions and encouraging their peers to take the lead in driving societal change.

 

A Call to Action

Through these five podcasts, AMAD is more than just raising awareness—it’s igniting a movement. Each episode challenges listeners to reflect on their roles in shaping a more inclusive and just society.

The Colors of Humanity project stands as a beacon of hope, showing that change is possible when voices unite for a common cause. These stories are now available for streaming, inviting everyone to join the conversation and be part of the solution.

Let the colors of humanity shine brighter, together.

 

Empowering Change: The Transformative Journey of Arbies Cani – Colors of Humanity project

Tirana, Albania – In a compelling storytelling video, Arbies Cani, youth worker and a young activist from Tirana, shares his inspiring journey of personal growth and transformation. As a participant in the Colors of Humanity project, Arbies reflects on the lessons he has learned and his commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society.

Through heartfelt words and vivid storytelling, Arbies recounts how participating in workshops opened his eyes to the profound impact of discrimination and stereotypes. “It was like a wake-up call,” he says. “I had never realized how deep these issues go and how much they affect people’s lives.” These experiences not only sparked his awareness but also fueled his determination to take meaningful action.

Arbies’ journey highlights the power of collaboration and community. By connecting with other passionate youth workers and activists, he began building networks and creating opportunities to amplify their shared mission of inclusion, diversity, and respect. His story underscores the importance of working together to drive meaningful social change.

The video also showcases Arbies’ evolution as a digital changemaker. Through his recent engagement also in LIFE-Living Safely in a Digital World Erasmus+CBY project, he delved into the challenges of online hate speech and digital discrimination. Armed with knowledge of media literacy, he is now committed to combating the spread of online hate and advocating for safer digital spaces. “I’m ready to be an agent of change,” Arbies declares, “and to make a real difference in my community and beyond.”

This storytelling piece is not just a personal reflection—it is a rallying call for others to join the movement. With English subtitles and an Albanian transcript, the video ensures accessibility for both local and international audiences. Its presence across platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram further amplifies its reach, engaging a diverse online community.

The story of Arbies Cani serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of youth empowerment programs. It illustrates how education, collaboration, and action can inspire individuals to challenge societal norms and contribute to creating a safer and more inclusive world. As Arbies aptly concludes, “This is just the beginning.”

 

Watch the storytelling video now:
YouTube Link
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Photo messages activity in Colors Of Humanity Project: Challenging Discrimination and Stereotypes Through Empowering Voices

Celebrating Mediterranean Day: Sounds That Connect Across Borders

November 28, 2024 – On this special day, we are proud to join communities across the Mediterranean to celebrate unity, diversity, and cultural harmony through the universal language of music.

Our participation in Mediterranean Day 2024, organized and supported by the Anna Lindh Foundation, will feature a free musical performance at “Të qëndrojmë sëbashku” community center. This event is part of a simultaneous celebration involving music groups from 24 Mediterranean countries, all performing together to convey a shared message of connection and togetherness.

One of the most inspiring aspects of this celebration is a heartfelt performance by children with hearing impairments, highlighting the values of inclusion and diversity. Their music reminds us that communication goes beyond words and that the Mediterranean is a tapestry of cultures woven together through mutual respect and understanding.

🎵 Event Details:

  • Date: November 28, 2024
  • Time: 19:00
  • Location: “Të qëndrojmë sëbashku” community center
  • Admission: Free and open to all

Join us in this extraordinary celebration as we honor the spirit of the Mediterranean and the connections that make our region unique. Bring your friends and family, and let’s create memories that resonate far beyond borders.

For more information, contact us at [email protected].

#SoundsThatConnect #MediterraneanDay #UnityThroughMusic #CelebrateTogether

Knowledge Exchange for Impactful Activism and Strategic Communication with Key Stakeholders

 

As part of the recent activities organized by AMAD in Albania, the focus has increasingly shifted toward developing active activism and effective communication with key societal stakeholders. One of the main activities was the knowledge exchange with a representative from the Al Michaal organization from Morocco, which was facilitated by the ALFinMOTION program of the Anna Lindh Foundation. This exchange was based on a “peer-to-peer” and “job shadowing” approach, aimed at building capacities for activism and enhancing skills to strategically address social challenges.

During this activity, in-depth discussions were held on the best ways to develop active activism and deliver powerful messages to key stakeholders, such as governments, educational institutions, and international organizations. These discussions focused on creating new strategies for stakeholder engagement and improving communication with them, including refining interpersonal approaches and using social media more effectively.

One of the most valuable experiences during this activity was the study visit to Krujë, which highlighted the importance of culture and traditions in building collaborative bridges. Through this visit, participants had the opportunity to explore how strong messages can be crafted to connect stakeholders with local communities, using shared cultural and historical values as a foundation for dialogue and cooperation.

In this context, a significant moment was the meeting with the head of the ALF network in Albania, where opportunities were discussed to further strengthen collaboration between Albanian and international organizations. This meeting underscored the importance of involving the ALF network in efforts to build communication bridges and develop projects with broad social impact.

The meeting with high-level institutional representatives, including the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, emphasized how organizations and institutional stakeholders can work together to create a more inclusive environment and improve communication for initiatives that support human rights and civic activism.

This activity reinforced the approach that activism should not simply be a voice against injustice, but a strategic movement that builds strong communication bridges with those who have the power to make lasting change.

Commissioner Robert Gajda Urges Action Against Discrimination and Hate Speech in a Powerful Video-Message – Colors of Humanity Project

In a heartfelt video Robert Gajda, Albania’s Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination (CPD), delivers a compelling call to action for a more inclusive and equitable society. His message resonates with a broad audience, emphasizing the need to combat systemic discrimination, promote diversity, and empower individuals to drive positive change.

A Timely Call for Unity and Accountability

In his address, Gajda underscores the importance of protecting human rights at every level of society. He emphasizes the collective responsibility of citizens to counter hate speech, dismantle stereotypes, and foster a culture of acceptance. His words are both a plea and a challenge:

“Always think before you speak. Always consider before expressing your opinions. Try not to spread hate. And when you might do it, think how it would make you feel if someone else would do the same to you,” he says, urging viewers to reflect on the impact of their actions.

The Commissioner’s message is particularly poignant at a time when societal divisions and online hate speech are on the rise. By advocating for thoughtful dialogue and empathy, Gajda seeks to inspire a shift toward more constructive and compassionate interactions.

The Power of Positive Narratives

A significant aspect of Gajda’s message is the emphasis on shaping positive narratives to counteract hate and exclusion. He encourages a proactive approach, urging individuals to educate themselves, question stereotypes, and advocate for policies that support inclusivity.

Through his words, Gajda not only raises awareness but also inspires action. His vision of a society where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels valued reflects a hopeful and achievable future.

Inspiration for Change

Delivered in an accessible and motivational tone, Gajda’s message is crafted to reach a wide audience, from youth to professionals. His focus on simple yet powerful actions—such as promoting open communication, educating others, and supporting marginalized groups—ensures that everyone can play a role in fostering a more inclusive society.

A Vision for a Better Future

Gajda’s video serves as a reminder that meaningful change begins with individual responsibility and collective effort. By emphasizing the importance of empathy, dialogue, and collaboration, he calls on Albanians to join him in building a society where equality and respect are not just ideals but realities.

Through his leadership and advocacy, Robert Gajda continues to inspire a movement toward unity, understanding, and justice—one message at a time.

 

“Mobility for Knowledge” Project: A Bridge for Cross-Cultural Collaboration in the Euro-Mediterranean Region

AMAD is enthusiast to announce its latest project, Mobility for Knowledge, which aims to promote the spirit of cross-cultural collaboration. Supported by the Anna Lindh Foundation through the ALFinMOTION program, AMAD will host a representative from the Al-Michaal organization in Morocco from July to November 2024.

About the Project
During the five-month period, AMAD and the Al-Michaal representative will collaborate on initiatives that foster dialogue, inclusion, and cultural exchange. Through in-person collaboration, the project seeks to harness fresh ideas and expertise to address shared challenges while strengthening ties between organizations in the Euro-Mediterranean region.

The project presents a multi-layered communication approach, including field meetings with local communities, policymakers, decision-makers, civil society organizations, and diverse stakeholder groups. Among its valuable outcomes, this mobility initiative will also produce a strategic communication document.

Mobility for Knowledge is part of the ALFinMOTION program, a mobility initiative that connects civil society entities across the Mediterranean. By enabling face-to-face collaboration, the program inspires joint projects, workshops, training sessions, debates, and artistic performances, empowering participants to develop impactful solutions for shared challenges.

A Vision for the Future
ALFinMOTION reshapes cross-cultural collaboration by bringing together civil society practitioners, artists, and academics from diverse backgrounds. Participants embark on a transformative journey of mutual learning, fostering understanding, innovation, and partnerships within the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Mobility for Knowledge represents AMAD‘s dedication to building bridges and promoting intercultural dialogue. This partnership between AMAD and Al-Michaal highlights the potential of collaboration to create sustainable, inclusive initiatives that unite communities and address regional challenges.

Follow us for updates on this inspiring journey as we celebrate the transformative power of cross-cultural collaboration!