Sustainable Communities Made of Us

Sustainable Communities Made of Us

Donor: United Nations Association of Sweden; ForumCiv; Western Balkans Fund
April 2023 - December 2027

Project Goal: This project seeks to provide the means and opportunities necessary for youth empowerment and expansion of their footprint in decision-making processes and practices, democracy, and volunteerism.

Project Description: UNAA has observed the numerous challenges that youth non-governmental organizations face, including a lack of public spaces and limited institutional and financial support. Additionally, UNAA has noticed that the tools and infrastructure needed to encourage groups of young activists to initiate and sustain their efforts are often missing. Through the “Blueprint” project, UNAA aims to tackle these challenges that hinder the growth and continuity of youth projects. 

This initiative is set to have a direct and transformative impact on the lives of approximately 50 young individuals, aged between 16 and 28, who currently reside in Tirana and are part of UNAA’s youth chapter. The primary objective of this project is to establish a dedicated space that will function as a vibrant hub, fostering an environment conducive to the exchange of ideas and the cultivation of productive dialogues. This, in turn, will pave the way for collaborative initiatives that draw upon a diverse range of non-formal educational approaches, activism, and specialized training programs.

The variety of activities planned for this vibrant space is diverse and comprehensive. These activities encompass training sessions designed to enhance a wide range of skills, both soft and hard. There will be opportunities for direct exchange of knowledge between peers and informal discussions covering a broad spectrum of topics that are relevant to the interests and concerns of the young participants.

Furthermore, the program includes engaging initiatives such as movie nights, community volunteer efforts, recreational activities, and the exploration of creative avenues like podcast production. Significantly, all these activities are thoughtfully interrelated in terms of their thematic content, fostering a strong sense of unity and connection among the participants.