Grid a young changemaker from Albania

Grid is only 14 years old, but he already carries a voice that resonates far beyond his community in Zall Herr, Tirana. A student at the “Mustafa Kemal Ataturk” public school, Grid has been nominated to join the International Children’s Advisory Board, where he exchanges ideas and perspectives with peers from Romania, Greece, Kosovo, and Hungary.

This unique opportunity is part of the Unity in Care – Advancing Mental Health Support Systems for Vulnerable Children and Youth project, funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with Terre des Hommes Kosovo, Romania, Hungary, Greece, and represented in Albania by NISMA ARSIS.

A Voice for Albania’s Children

or Grid, participation in the Advisory Board is not just about sharing his personal perspective but also about carrying forward the voices of many children from Albania. He sees this as a responsibility to highlight the needs, aspirations, and ideas of children who often feel unheard.

Recently, Grid joined a youth visit to the House of Europe, where he engaged in open dialogue with EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato. During the discussion, he expressed a strong interest in ensuring that children in Albania have equal opportunities for wellbeing and development, free of barriers tied to social, economic, gender, racial, or ability-based differences.

A Story of Inspiration and Courage

Grid himself comes from Zall Herr, an area often perceived as isolated, with few recreational or learning opportunities for young people. “With no sports or recreational spaces in our area, my main way of connecting with peers and new ideas has been through the virtual world,” he says. It was through an online announcement from Nisma ARSIS that he first learned about the creation of Children’s Advisory Boards. Inspired, he not only applied but also encouraged his friends to join. His initiative led him to be selected as one of four young representatives from Albania in the international Advisory Board.

Through this experience, Grid has come to understand the importance of youth participation when it is supported by adults, institutions, and international partners. He values these initiatives in Albania that give young people a chance to raise their voices and shape their future. At the same time, he calls for stronger community structures and institutional support to ensure these voices are heard and acted upon.

As he himself puts it:

“For me, participating in these activities is not only about learning more about European values and meeting distinguished figures such as the honored Ambassador. It is also a reminder to myself that I will succeed and overcome every challenge in my future and support my peers who believe they cannot, to do the same.”

Through the Unity in Care project, funded by the European Union and implemented in Albania by Terre des hommes – Kosovo, Terre des hommes – Romania, Terre des hommes in Europe, Terre des hommes Ηellas – Γη των ανθρώπων and Nisma ARSIS, Grid and other children are proving that youth voices can drive change across borders.