From Silence to Action: How youth in Albania are leading change
“In my community, young people’s voices were not heard. And for a long time, mine wasn’t either.”
This is how Lisara describes her reality just a few years ago. Like many of her peers, she had ideas, opinions, and concerns about the community she lived in. The challenges were all around her, yet she never imagined she could be part of the solution.
“I remember times when I wanted to speak up, but I stayed silent because I didn’t think my voice mattered,” recalls the 18-year-old. “We lacked the space and confidence to turn our ideas into action.”
Everything began to change six years ago when Lisara joined the IMPACT youth groups run by World Vision Albania. This model empowers around 1,300 young people across the country each year.
From silence to action
What began as simple participation gradually turned into meaningful engagement.
Lisara started to better understand the challenges young people face in her community. More importantly, she realised she could be part of the solution.
“My involvement with World Vision has been one of the most important decisions of my life. It helped me understand that change starts with us… or more precisely, with me,” she says.
Today, she is no longer just a participant. She is a voice that influences others, a role model, and a young woman who believes in the power of action.
Initiatives that transform communities
During weekly IMPACT group meetings, Lisara and her peers went beyond discussions and personal development. With the support of World Vision Albania, their ideas were turned into real projects, from IT labs and school sports spaces to tree planting, playgrounds, and awareness-raising campaigns.
“We have carried out dozens of initiatives in the Kamza area and beyond. I feel incredibly happy when I see change in my school, my community, and among my peers,” says Lisara.
She adds that the greatest transformation has been personal. This experience has helped her build confidence, develop new skills, and support others.
“One of the most impactful initiatives focused on online safety. We helped students and the wider community understand online risks and how to protect themselves on social media.”
When ideas become reality
In every community where the IMPACT model is implemented, there are hundreds of stories like Lisara’s, young people gaining confidence, developing skills, and becoming agents of change.
Over the past five years, these young people have led 345 community initiatives, reaching hundreds of children and families and addressing issues such as inclusion, equality, child protection, and the environment.
For Lisara, one of the most meaningful initiatives was the creation of a safe space where children can play while parents spend time nearby.
With the support of World Vision and in partnership with the Municipality of Kamza, this idea became a reality, resulting in three playgrounds for children and recreational spaces for families.
“Every time I hear children laughing in that space, I know every effort was worth it. It’s a feeling that is hard to describe, seeing something that was once just an idea turn into something real for the community near Paskuqani Lake,” Lisara recalls.
Empowerment that drives change
Lisara’s story is not just about one young girl joining a youth group. It shows what happens when a young person begins to believe in themselves and is given the right support to act.
Through the IMPACT model, World Vision Albania empowers young people like Lisara to become agents of change and leaders in their communities.
For Lisara, it all comes down to one simple belief: “change starts with me.”
And in communities across Albania, more and more young people are beginning to believe the same.
By Alfons Çupaj, PR and Communications – World Vision Albania