Knowledge Exchange for Impactful Activism and Strategic Communication with Key Stakeholders

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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

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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.

 

AMAD Organization’s Community Meetings in Albania: Building Bridges through Training and Advocacy

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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.

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

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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!

Manual – Research Methodology Guideline

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Europe Day, 2024

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Vienna, Austria – AMAD participated for the third year in a row in the activities organized for Europe Day, invited by the Municipality of Vienna and partner organization Viego. The concerts and fair of institutions and organizations from all over Europe aimed to promote the values ​​of the European Union: unity in diversity and solidarity. In addition, the “Europe Day” activities fair takes place with the presence of various organizations and embassies to promote common national values ​​with those of the EU, both in terms of rights, freedoms, democracy, social and especially youth empowerment.

AMAD represented civil society and its objective in European integration through youth empowerment.

në Shqipëri e Diasporë.

Baseline Evaluation Report

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Evaluating the needs of young people in an urban, suburban or rural community requires, first of all, knowledge of the objectives and desires of the target group. Precisely for this reason, this study report implements an adapted research methodology based on specifics oriented by the target group for sampling.

From the analysis of the findings of the primary study, the areas of interest in youth activation were identified, as well as the problems that constitute barriers for these young people. Thus, this study report highlighted that the interest of young people to be active in the community is high. Among the areas of most interest in youth activism were sports, art and literature, while those of least interest were voluntary street cleaning activities in common spaces. Meanwhile, in terms of the barriers faced by young people, which were found to be relatively significant, they led the confrontation with mentality and stereotypes, especially in relation to gender issues.

This report also brought relevant recommendations for intervention opportunities and improvement of the problematic situation, further encouraging the growth of youth capacities, the empowerment of young people and their training with increased potential in employment and socio-financial well-being, as well as social intelligence.

 

*This evaluation report was compiled by the expert contracted by AMAD as part of the project “Power Zone: Increasing Youth Capacity”, supported by the National Youth Agency (AKR) and the Minister of State for Youth and Children.

Raporti_rritje kapacitetesh_Baseline

LIFE-Living Safely in a Digital World

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The project “Living Safely in a Digital World” (acronym: LIFE) will be implemented during 2 years (November 1, 2023 – October 31, 2025).

LIFE project consortium team is led by AMAD (Albania) in the role of the coordinator, YES (Bulgaria), Beyond Borders (Italy), KOM018 (Serbia), and Euromed Eve Tunisia (Tunisia).

The aim of LIFE project, proposed by this consortium is to increase the resilience of the young generation on facing the risks of the digitalization and its impact in their everyday life through empowering youth organizations to be involved in policy dialogue and use non-formal learning in their work with the young people.
The objectives of LIFE are: 1. Enabling youth organizations to cooperate in inter/national level and “speak up” on behalf of young people, advocating to decision-makers for a safe internet that impacts their lives
2. Empowering youth workers with the necessary skills to support the young generation on their struggles to the digitalization of life through non-formal learning
3. Raising awareness on the impact of digitalization in the young people’s lives and how to work toward increased resilience

These objectives would be achieved through the following steps:

• Establishment of a reporting platform on the risks of internet use, such as hate speech, cyber bullying etc. The platform will serve to all the partners to monitor the situation on their own countries and then denounce it. These complaints will every year be gathered in a report format and will be presented to the responsible national institutions, trying to engage policymakers in the process, for them to engage further in the protection of the future (young generation) while the digital technology is changing the lifestyle and life perceptions. This will also empower the partners as they will increase their communication with the policymakers regarding the youth policies. A comparative report will be prepared to analyse the situation in the consortium countries.

• Building the capacities of youth workers regarding the safe internet, hate speech, cyber bullying, media literacy through transnational trainings, as well as strengthening their capacities through job shadowing process in the partner organizations. Non-formal education will be very important during the training, especially for youth workers. During these trainings, youth workers will also provide ideas of change, proposing change projects that can be implemented in their own countries to engage youth and to increase resilience on the risks of internet. These change projects will be important for the young community but also youth workers themselves to put in practice what they’ve learned and serve as change agents.

• Raising awareness through internet and face-to-face activities on the safe internet, increasing media literacy, facing hate speech and cyber bullying. This will be done through innovative ways, such as TEDx talks, while engaging all the important stakeholders, that include: parents, teachers, social workers, policy-makers, private sector etc. These TEDx talks will be organized and then shared online for the community. Short movies will be prepared and published by the project to raise awareness of the young generation as well as world cafes, where the participation of the youth will be required.

 

The project contributes to the following thematic areas/specific objectives of the call:
• Political participation, civic engagement and dialogue with decision-makers
• Inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities
• Antidiscrimination and gender equality
• Digital and entrepreneurial skills

It also contributes to the call objectives:
• Promote non-formal learning activities in third countries not associated to the programme, especially targeting young people with fewer opportunities, with a view to improving the level of competences while ensuring the active participation of young people in society: LIFE will use non-formal learning to increase the capacities of youth workers of the consortium and will focus on the young people with fewer opportunities (the ones that are victims of hate speech, cyber bullying, suffering from mental health problems etc.)
• Contribute to the implementation of the EU Youth Strategy (2019-2027) including the 11 European Youth goals and the Youth Action Plan in the EU External Action – LIFE will focus on inclusion, anti-discrimination and mental health when concerning European Youth Goals.
• Foster cooperation across different regions of the world through joint initiatives – the consortium of LIFE includes youth organizations from Albania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Italy and Tunisia, having a cooperation from very different regions of the globe

 

LIFE will contribute to the horizontal priorities:

  1. Environmental sustainability: Though LIFE is not directly engaged in the environment, its focus is on internet, which is also an important polluter of the environment. As such, the organizations have discussed about using safe methods and increasing the awareness of people on the effects that internet has even in the environmental aspect and how it affects the environmental sustainability. During the production of the project materials, the management team will discuss with the web-developers (ITs) to use the best ways on safe environment.
  2. Inclusion and Diversity: This priority is very important throughout LIFE as it will focus on inclusion of different people and will focus on young people with fewer opportunities. While the internet gives all the priority to be included, it also can be used on the opposite: to exclude others. Promoting diversity and inclusion will be an important part of the project which will be part of the capacity building activities, such as transnational trainings, change project, as well as the awareness campaign.
  3. Digital dimension: As LIFE is focused on safe internet, the digital dimension is of course its target. Digital skills will be important during the project life for the youth workers as well as the youth in general. The consortium will prepare and use the internet to improve the links between people. Also, in the involvement and capacity building activities of youth workers and youth NGOs, the European Youth Portal and European Youth strategy Platform will be used as important “links” of the youth community.
  4. Common values, civic engagement and participation: Critical thinking and media literacy are important in this project. The youth workers will increase their capacities on “reading” internet, improving their understanding and also having a safe approach toward internet and all its benefits. It will be important for this project to enable young people to understand the negative and positive effects of the internet and how to protect themselves, and increasing media literacy among them is one of the best approaches.

Call for participants in community meetings – “Colors of Humanity” project

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Public call for engagement against discrimination and hate speech through participation in focus group meetings, panel of discussions, round tables with stakeholders, online and offline awareness activities, as well as advocacy.

Teachers and parents are especially invited to apply and be part of our campaign, as shapers, educators and representatives of the two basic “cells” of the society’s organism: family and education.

The activities will take place for the remainder of 2023 and throughout 2024.

Apply now!

Youth Tea Talk and European Union Integration

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Meeting of AMAD’s youth workers and activists with Tirana Municipal Council member Klodiana Beshku, professor of Political Sciences lecturing Geopolitics and International Relations’ Theories. Discussions focused on youth empowerment, career, discrimination, EU integration and Albania’s path towards EU membership, freedom of movements in the Internal Market and opportunities for youth, national and local strategies for youth employment in Albania, etc.

“Youth Tea Talk and EU” gathered experts of politics, EU studies, youth workers and youth activists in a roundtable of discussions to talk about:
🔹 The empowerment of young people
🔹 Career orientation
🔹 Labor Market in Albania
🔹 National Youth Strategy and the local ones
🔹 Integration of Albania into the EU
🔹 EU policies for youth empowerment
🔹 Trend of internal and external migration (in EU countries) – barriers, the opportunities and challenges.

This activity was carried out as part of “Fuqizona” program in revitalizing the activism and also promoting EU values that stands also in our “Colors of humanity” projects, co-financed by the EU and “Growing youth capacities” supported by the Minister of State for Youth and Children and National Youth Agency in Albania.

@amad_center ⭐️@agjencia_kombetare_e_rinise ⭐️

🔛🔜Such activities will take place during the month of May (as the Month of Europe).