Youth’s “Constitution”
My name is Erti. I live in Tirana, in the Bregu i Lumit area. I became part of the World Vison youth group because at first I thought that at least I would spend some nice time here with my friends.
When I got into the room where the meeting was taking place, I recognised a large number of friends. I liked that! Anyhow, meeting after meeting I got more and more involved, and before I realised it, I started taking it more seriously as the issues that were tackled affected both me and my family.
Meanwhile the group elected the new leader of the Impact group. They elected me!
Right after that, we mapped the community and highlighted the issues it faced. We, the youth, had to intervene as soon as possible in cleaning up the area of the former Brick Factory; we raised awareness among the people so that they could understand the problems, join in their resolutions and install trash bins.
Did we manage? Not only did we succeed but immediately after this project, we started to work on something that concerned us all: lighting!
As soon as it grew dark, we could not see where we were stepping. We also have mothers, sisters, daughters at home, and a solution had to be found for their safety. We contacted the relevant authority, addressed a letter to the Mayor of the Municipal Unit No. 11. Thankfully we received a reply and the beginnings were promising. Shortly afterwards, the Lunxheri street turned out just like a road of the capital city, with illumination and no more traffic accidents, which were quite frequent earlier due to the lack of lighting.
We are currently working on our fourth project. Minimising Violence in the Community. Everything started with the online campaign with the hashtag #unëzgjedhtëmbroj (I Choose to Protect).
For sure this will not be the last project of our group because it will soon be followed up by another environmental initiative. In Tirana the air is not very clean, let's plant more trees!
Our rules presented in a handbook that we entitled Constitution
Me and my brother Albi, came up with an idea ... Why would we not have rules in our youth group?! Why not turn into a genuine community body?! Why not have a Constitution?! At first we were somewhat skeptical. Would this idea be embraced by other members of the Impact group? Would it be something really beneficial for all of us?
After talking to our group leader and other members of the group, I started working to convert it from a mere vision into something concrete. Today we have the "Impact’s Constitution". It consists of 20 articles, 11 sections and 4 heads.
Challenges
One of the biggest challenges we have encountered is the change of mentality. It is very hard to work and seek cooperation in a community of diverse cultures. It is almost impossible for people to change their minds, but it is us who take the first steps, we provide them with an example, hoping that they will be encouraged to join us. The area is cleaner, the road is lit, the children have more opportunities than just spending time in coffee bars.
We have not managed to include everyone yet, but we are on the right track, some other young people have joined us, some family members have provided us with help. But this is not a project defined in time, it stretches over the years, generations.
Me
In the summer of 2017 I had the opportunity to be part of a cultural exchange in Romania, to get acquainted with the work of our peers in Romania, Armenia, Moldova, etc.
One of my recent achievements was the publication of my book "Life from the perspective of a teenager". It is a philosophical book, which obviously tackles the current struggles the Albanian youth are faced with. I am convinced that anyone would have something to say about life if he/she would live it as an active citizen who offers his modest contribution to improving the life of the community and beyond. If we take responsibility for our actions, then every community and why not, even the entire world would be a better place!