“Life took an unexpected turn during my master’s studies. Just when everything seemed to be falling into place, I began feeling unwell. Doctors confirmed a neurological diagnosis, and my world shifted. I faced both physical and mental barriers, compounded by social stigma. I found myself asking, “Why me?” I never wanted to be defined by pity or by my condition. What I knew, even in that uncertainty, was that I wanted to be recognized for my intellect and contribution, not for my health challenges. 

In Albania, the country with the highest percentage of youth in Southeast Europe, Roma youth face heavy discrimination. Their exclusion from sports competitions, school events, vocational training and community life often has a negative impact on their self-confidence.

On World Environment Day, thirty volunteers conducted clean-up activities in Berat in south-central Albania with a view to promote a clean environment in order to benefit the cultural heritage sites, make them sustainable and improve the well-being of people living in Berat, one of the oldest historical cities of the country.

On World Environment Day, thirty volunteers conducted clean-up activities in Berat in south-central Albania with a view to promote a clean environment in order to benefit the cultural heritage sites, make them sustainable and improve the well-being of people living in Berat, one of the oldest historical cities of the country.

Vuno, Albania:  As part of the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV+10), the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme in Albania, together with the non-profit organization Projekte Vullnetare Nderkombetare (PVN), organized a volunteer work camp in Vuno, south Albania. During the last two weeks of June 2011, national and international volunteers participated in the camp activities, which aimed to promote environmental protection and Albanian tourism through voluntary work.

The UN Joint Programme Empowering the Vulnerable Communities (EVC) of Albania supported the social integration of the most marginalized members of the Roma amd Egyptian community.