The power of education

Ana and youth of IMPACT group
Thursday, February 23, 2023

“I believe that IMPACT group youth are real agents of change in their local communities. They are noticeably different from other students due to the extra skills they have acquired. Their greatest strength is communication and the ability to find solutions to the challenges they encounter at home, at school, or in their community,” says Ana, a teacher in Durrës and leader of one of the IMPACT groups.

The teacher of English considers working with children and youth as her life’s greatest privilege. This is because, by sharing her knowledge with the students, Ana has an impact on their development, both intellectually and professionally.

“I always wanted to contribute to the lives of younger generations beyond the teaching my subject. I was very excited to receive World Vision Albania’s invitation to become part of the structure that trains the new leaders of IMPACT groups,” tells Ana, while recalling the early days of her involvement with IMPACT Club.

IMPACT group youth have undertaken many valuable initiatives focusing on youth engagement, inclusion, equal opportunities and gender equality, thus having a positive impact on schools and the community.

“The anti-trafficking campaign was the best one because we were able to mobilise all actors; children, institutions, and parents. Through such initiatives, we managed to raise the awareness of the students, school, and community about various issues. Another similar topic was about bullying, thanks to which we have seen a considerable reduction of bullying in our community. There are many students who ask me to involve them in the IMPACT group. They really like the activities we carry out, the initiatives we undertake and the impact we have,” explains Ana.

Ans is also a researcher and participant in numerous international scientific conferences. Her scientific research is mainly focused on the field of education and the impact of foreign languages on globalisation, the labor market, and technology. Along with a compalsery part of the English class, she also tries to share such knowledge with her students.

The experience with IMPACT group also changed Ana as a person.

“Apart from enhancing students’ skills, I have also enhanced my own. I like volunteering. People should not work only for money. Volunteering provides emotional fulfillment because it gives you great joy to see that your involvement benefits others. This motivates me and gives me the courage to move forward,”  says Ana emotionally.

Ana believes that education has the power to change lives, especially when everyone cooperate to provide opportunities for all children to express their potential and to live life fully.

“Through the training, World Vision has provided children and teens with the skills, behaviors, and attitudes necessary to contribute to the social, civic, and economic life of the country. The trainings are a novelty, because not only do they equip children with new skills and empowerment, but they also motivate and enable them to develop positive attitudes.”- Ana says.

The IMPACT module enables children and teenagers to bring positive change to their local communities. Through the module, youth participate in different activities that enhance their decision-making skills, self-efficiency, labor market capabilities, and leadership abilities, in order to become active community members.

“My greatest wish is for youth to become empowered and be able to pursue success and career. They have immense potential. I am willing to dedicate all of my available knowledge and time to help them become successful,” concludes Ana.

World Vision Albania works with 200 youth in Durrës to assist them with skill and competence development, empowerment, and active engagement in the social and economic life of their local communities.