40 Diaspora Youth Discovering the Roots through the OriginAL program

The second cohort of forty diaspora youth started the OriginAL tour in Prishtina on August 2nd, to conclude it in Tirana on August 15th. The selected participants come from 17 countries with only one thing in common - Albanian origin. They represent the 2nd and the 3rd generations of migrants - originally from all Albanian homelands, who even though born and raised in diverse and multi-ethnic cultures are eager to discover their roots through the two-week OriginAL tour.

The route of 2023 has been curated to cover some of the most significant places in Albania and Kosova. The journey started in Prishtina, visiting the city’s historical sites, and getting to know one another through an icebreaker workshop. On the 2nd day of the program, they got to meet the minister and deputy minister of foreign affairs and diaspora of the government of Kosova, as well as the program’s donors and supporters, who came to the premises of the RIT Kosovo for the opening ceremony.

The group continued to Prekaz the other day to get to know more about the Jashari family and to pay tribute to their sacrifice for the freedom of Kosova. The historical and cultural capital - Prizren was the next destination. There they visited “Lidhja e Prizrenit” and went through the city’s rich and diverse religious life - visiting the catholic cathedral, orthodox church, and the mosque, to continue watching the movies of ‘DokuFest’, and enjoying the city’s vibrant summer atmosphere.

The program in Gjakova began with a visit to the Qerkezi Family House, where Nane Ferdonije shared her war-time experiences. The group explored the house in its post-war state. This was followed by an exploration of the "?arshia e Vjet?r" (Old Bazaar), interacting with local artisans, and a stop at the Hadum Mosque, dating back to the late 16th century.

After leaving Gjakova, the voyage took us to Peje for the day. The attendees explored the city's historic district and then headed to Rugova to meet Mrika Nik?i, an outstanding mountaineer. Mrika, the world's youngest female Seven Summits summiteer, led the party on a walk to Liqenat, a beautiful lake at an elevation of 1850 metres. From Gjakove, the next day, OriginALs moved to Albania through the Komani and Fierza Lakes. Yesterday, they visited Shkodra and its historical and natural sites, to continue to Vlora, where they are accommodated for two other days.

There they will learn about the independence memorial and the old town and enjoy the beauties of the Ionian Sea for a full day tomorrow. The next stop will be Berat, which will offer them a unique cultural and landscape experience. After Berat, the tour cannot be fulfilled without seeing Kruja - the fortress of our national hero - Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeu.

The tour's final day concludes in Tirana, offering participants a unique blend of experiences. They will explore a significant historical site and engage with local ICT companies and innovation hubs, gaining valuable insights into their peers' endeavours. The tour culminates with a delightful dinner at Bashkia e Tiranes, allowing OriginALs to enjoy the city's panoramic view from the terrace.?

It is not only a fantastic, eye-opening, and life-changing experience for all of them, but this year’s tour is solidifying our short and long-term goals and vision, that OriginAL in such a short time is proving to be a historical initiative - planting seeds of a meaningful and strong connection between the young generations of diaspora and our homeland. We want to thank many supporters and donors who with their generosity are making this program possible. Particularly this year we want to thank: the Lukaj Family Foundation, Mark Kosmo, Elvin Guri, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of the Republic of Kosova, Promise Companies, Benjamin Prime Steakhouse, Benjamin Maintenance, Koleci, Adriatik Hotel, Doro Management Group, Butler, Banka Credins, Smile.al, RIT Kosovo, Bashkia Tirane, Komuna Prizren, Komuna e Gjakoves, Organizata Plan & Go, EMDR Albania, Partners Albania.