The Voice of Albanian Youth: Navigating Challenges, Embracing Change *
From: Mrs. Keris Babliku
Keris Babliku is a young activist and Software Engineering student at the European University of Tirana,
driven by a passion for technology, innovation, and community contribution. Currently an Assistant
Researcher at CCIS, she actively engages in pioneering projects that bring transformative change to
Albania.
CCIS YOUTH OBSERVERS
December 8, 2024
As a 21-year-old growing up in Albania, I find myself at a crossroads shaped by opportunities and
challenges. The choices we face as young people today are heavily influenced by a world in flux. Social
norms, economic struggles, and rapid technological advancements define our experiences, yet they also
highlight our resilience and adaptability.
December 8, National Youth Day in Albania, is a moment to honor the essential role youth played in the
democratic changes of our country. It’s also a time for reflection on the challenges we still face today.
While this day celebrates the courage and vision of past generations, it should also inspire us to act for
our future.
Education remains a central theme in our journey. Many of us dream of studying abroad, believing it to
be the key to a brighter future. The reality at home—limited quality education and the uncertain job
market—pushes us toward this "migration rush." But this does not mean we lack hope or ambition. If
education systems here are reformed and aligned with the needs of the digital age, there’s potential for
us to thrive and contribute meaningfully without having to leave our homeland.
We are also dealing with the idea of political engagement. Disillusionment with political systems is
widespread among my peers. Many of us feel disconnected from a political process that seems
unresponsive to our needs. However, hope remains. The dream of Albania as part of the EU serves as a
motivator, urging us to envision a society with stronger democratic values, rule of law, and equality.
Despite everything, I see immense potential in my generation. We are ready to embrace technology,
digital activism, and new ideas. We believe in building a society that reflects our dreams of fairness and
opportunity. But to achieve this, we need not only platforms to express our voices but also concrete
actions to ensure our contributions lead to meaningful change like our engagement as Youth Observer
in the Erasmus + CBY project “A cross regional predictive models for youth policy shaping – Youth
Observers”
This December, as we reflect on our roles in shaping the future, I encourage us all to look inward, to find
strength in our unity and vision. Let it be a call to improve education, create better job opportunities,
and build a society where the voices of young people are not just heard but acted upon. Let’s make
Albania a place where staying is as promising as leaving. After all, the power to redefine our narrative
lies within us.
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*This article is produced in the framework of the ERASMUS-YOUTH-2023-CB: A cross regional predictive model for
youth policy shaping – Youth Observers. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are
however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European
Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held
responsible for them.
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