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TIRANA, Albania – The vibrant city of Tirana recently played host to the grand finale of the Colors of Humanity project, a two-year initiative under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Youth program. Held from November 1 to November 3, 2024, the final conference brought together a diverse array of voices, celebrating achievements while mapping out the road ahead for fostering inclusion and combating discrimination. Organized by AMAD, the coordinating organization, and supported by partners from Austria, Bulgaria, and Kosovo, the 3-days conference highlighted the project’s commitment to empowering marginalized groups, promoting diversity, and challenging systemic biases.

Uniting for Change

The conference’s open-to-public session, held at Europe House in Tirana, gathered 51 participants, including policymakers, educators, youth workers, parents, and journalists. Representatives from national institutions and international organizations, such as the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, OSCE, and Amnesty International, contributed to lively discussions. The sessions underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration, with representatives from civil society, government, and local communities reflecting on shared goals and strategies to promote human rights.

A Celebration of Unity Through Art

The conference also celebrated diversity and inclusion through music, with emotional performances of “Ode to Joy,” the European Union anthem, and the Albanian classical piece “The Beginning of Summer.” These performances symbolized the unity and hope that the Colors of Humanity project has inspired over its two-year journey.

A Call for Continued Action

Keynote speakers, including Robert Gajda, Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, and representatives from the Ministry of Interior, highlighted the shared responsibility of institutions, organizations, and individuals in combating discrimination and promoting equality. Voltiza Prendi, the project manager from AMAD, closed the conference with an inspiring call to action: “This is not the end but a beginning. Let’s build on these foundations and continue to advocate for a world where every color of humanity shines brightly.”

Stories of Empowerment and Transformation

One of the most impactful moments came from the personal narratives shared by youth workers from Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, and Kosovo. Their journeys, shaped by the Colors of Humanity project, illustrated the power of education, advocacy, and resilience in fostering societal change. These stories resonated deeply with attendees, showcasing how young leaders have become agents of transformation within their communities.

Reflecting on the Journey

Beyond the public sessions, private consortium meetings allowed project partners to assess progress, share lessons learned, and strategize for sustaining the project’s impact. Discussions focused on the challenges faced during implementation and the innovative resources developed, including the digital platform colorsofhumanity.eu, which will continue to support human rights education and advocacy.

A Legacy of Inclusion

The Colors of Humanity project has left a lasting imprint on the communities it engaged, setting a benchmark for future initiatives aimed at building inclusive societies. Its final conference was not just a culmination but a celebration of what can be achieved when diverse voices come together for a common cause. As participants departed, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and determination to continue the work of inclusion and equality in their own communities, ensuring that the vibrant legacy of Colors of Humanity endures.

In a concerted effort to enhance community engagement and capacity building, the AMAD organization has successfully conducted a series of community meetings across Albania. These meetings have brought together parents, teachers, students, and youth workers in a collaborative effort to address educational and social challenges.

Elbasan: Parents Take the Lead

On November 26, 2023, Elbasan saw the first of these impactful workshops. Seventeen parents, who also serve as City Council members, gathered alongside five dedicated youth workers. This workshop focused on training and advocacy, providing parents with the tools and knowledge to champion educational improvements within their community.

Rrëshen: Engaging the Educational Frontline

Rrëshen hosted two significant workshops on March 5, 2024. The first workshop brought together 14 students and a teacher, while the second engaged 12 students and two teachers. These sessions aimed to foster a better understanding of educational advocacy, encouraging students and teachers to collaborate on addressing local educational needs.

Collaboration with CPD in Rrëshen

On April 9, 2024, AMAD facilitated a workshop in Rrëshen that included nine teachers and four representatives from the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination (CPD). The involvement of CPD added a crucial layer of expertise in addressing issues related to discrimination and inclusivity within the educational sector.

Tirana: Teachers Empowered

Tirana played host to back-to-back workshops on May 28 and 29, 2024. Each day, 14 teachers and three youth workers participated in these sessions. These workshops were designed to provide teachers with advanced training in advocacy, equipping them with the skills necessary to drive educational reforms in their respective schools.

Elbasan: A Grand Finale with Parents and Teachers

The final workshop of the series took place on June 12, 2024, again in Elbasan. This time, a diverse group of 33 parents, 16 teachers, and two school social workers came together, joined by seven youth workers. This comprehensive session emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between parents and teachers in fostering a supportive educational environment.

Strategic Engagement and Broad Outreach

AMAD’s strategy for these workshops was rooted in inclusivity and regional engagement. Through meticulous stakeholder mapping, AMAD identified and reached out to parents, teachers, and students across different regions of Albania. The organization’s efforts were bolstered by a strong partnership with the CPD, which played a crucial role in facilitating these community meetings.

A Powerful Impact

Overall, the series of workshops engaged 101 participants, including 54 parents, 39 teachers, and 8 youth workers. The success of these community meetings underscores AMAD’s commitment to empowering local communities through effective training and advocacy. As AMAD looks to the future, the organization remains dedicated to expanding its reach and impact, continuing to build bridges and foster collaborative efforts across Albania.