The Far-reaching impact of the ‘Leadership is for EveryOne’ networking events on EU Programs in Albania

In the framework of the project “Leadership is for EveryOne” was organized a networking event at the “Misto Treska” Library on 26 June 2023, with the participation of 15 young people, youth workers, and leaders who were selected through an open call. The session aimed to provide comprehensive information about EU programs, focusing on Erasmus+ and its various opportunities. The participants had the opportunity to engage in open discussions, ask questions, and share their thoughts on the presented infomation.

Beneficiaries: 

  1. Direct beneficiaries: The direct beneficiaries of the project were the young people, youth workers/leaders, professors, and participants who attended the three informative sessions. They gained comprehensive knowledge about various EU programs, including Erasmus+, European Solidarity Corps, DiscoverEU, and Erasmus Mundus, as well as the opportunities available for education, mobility, volunteering, and job shadowing. The sessions also provided insights into the EU Youth Policy, European Youth Goals, and the importance of youth participation. The participants had the opportunity to learn about application processes, hear testimonies from previous program participants, and connect with their peers across Europe.
  2. Indirect beneficiaries: The indirect beneficiaries of the project were the wider Albanian youth community. Through the knowledge and experiences gained by the direct beneficiaries, they can act as multipliers and disseminate the information to their peers, friends, and communities. This expands the reach of the project’s impact beyond the initial participants.

Impact on the local community: 

The project had a positive impact on the local community in several ways:

  1. Enhanced awareness: By organizing the informative sessions and spreading information about EU programs, the project increased awareness among young people, youth workers, leaders, and professors about the opportunities available for personal and professional growth. This knowledge empowers individuals and enables them to make informed decisions about their educational and career paths.
  2. Knowledge transfer: The project facilitated the transfer of knowledge and experiences from previous program participants to the local community. By sharing their testimonials, these individuals inspired others and demonstrated the value and impact of participating in EU programs.
  3. Strengthened networks: The sessions provided a platform for attendees to connect and exchange experiences with their peers from different countries. This networking opportunity can lead to future collaborations, partnerships, and the exchange of ideas, thereby strengthening the local community’s ties with the broader European community.

Multiplying effect and sustainable impact in the long term:

The project’s multiplying effect and sustainable impact can be observed in the following ways:

Knowledge dissemination: The participants who benefited directly from the project can share their newly acquired knowledge and experiences with their friends, classmates, colleagues, and local youth organizations. This knowledge dissemination expands the project’s impact beyond the initial sessions and creates a ripple effect in the community.

Increased participation: By encouraging young people to actively participate in shaping their future and informing them about available opportunities, the project fosters a culture of youth engagement and involvement. This increased participation can have a long-term impact on local communities by promoting active citizenship and empowering young individuals to contribute to society.

Sustainable partnerships: The networking opportunities provided during the sessions can lead to the formation of sustainable partnerships between local youth organizations and their counterparts in other European countries. These partnerships can facilitate future collaborations, joint projects, and knowledge exchange, creating a lasting impact on the local community.