Celebrating Heritage and Ambition: The ALSA Youth Empowerment Summit
With the large online buzz surrounding the ALSA summit, I was eager to hear from the speakers and panellists. As I entered the summit I was surrounded by some old and new faces, but all with a nervous excitement, reflecting the anticipation of what the day would bring. The UK Albanian community had never seen anything like it, a full day of networking, talks and discussions bringing diplomats such as the Albanian Ambassador to the UK, Uran Ferizi, together with Albanian business owners and even students. All made possible by ALSA, a group of aspiring students from the UK who want to make a difference, a key theme of the day.
This event, held right in the heart of the capital on King's College London's campus, was a testament to the power of community, networking, and the collective strength of the Albanian diaspora. Having been in early meetings to discuss the concept of an Albanian youth summit and now seeing it come to fruition was a brilliant and unforgettable experience.
The summit kicked off with an inspiring session led by Luljeta Nuzi, founder of the Shpresa Programme. Luljeta shared her story with a blend of personal anecdotes and profound wisdom, captivating everyone in the room. Her journey from struggling with her new life in the UK to creating a support network that has become a lifeline for many resonating with her was nothing short of inspirational. She emphasised the importance of strengthening and valuing Albanian heritage, ending prejudice and discrimination within the Albanian-speaking community, and empowering young Albanians. Her dedication and insights provided valuable lessons on resilience, community building, and the power of collective action, setting the tone for the entire summit.
Next, we explored the rise of Albanian university societies across the UK. This session highlighted how these societies are becoming vibrant hubs for cultural exchange, support, and activism. The panellists, a range of Albanian society presidents, discussed their work, from organising cultural events to supporting students away from home and fostering a sense of belonging among Albanian students. Their efforts are not just about preserving heritage but also about creating opportunities for future generations of Albanian university students and developing their leadership skills.
Having set the day off to an incredible start we then headed to lunch with a buffet supplied by Naked Chips, My UK Visa and Brownie God. It allowed us another opportunity to network and discuss our interests and ideas for the Albanian community. This was a wonderful opportunity to speak to attendees who were not Albanian as well forging bonds with those who share similar backgrounds.
After lunch, Leonita Metaj's session on the power of networking was interactive and engaging. Her message underscored how simply approaching someone can lead to new paths and possibilities you never imagined. Her practical tips on effective networking were invaluable, and it was inspiring to see attendees actively participating and assessing their networking skills in an engaging workshop. Leonita's insights underscored the importance of being proactive in seeking opportunities and taking initiative.
The afternoon continued with a look at how Albanian-run organisations are making a significant impact. Jasin Lugjaj, the founder of Naked Chips, shared his journey of overcoming discrimination and prejudice to build a successful company that supported the summit with refreshments. His story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit within the Albanian community. Additionally, Illyrian Brains introduced the summit to their work as a think tank focused on promoting Albanian intellectual and cultural heritage. These organisations are not just businesses and groups of people but pillars of support and inspiration for the community.
The final session delved into the creation of non-profit organisations by members of our community and their positive impact in society. Panellists from various sectors, including In2Law, shared their experiences and contributions to the community's growth. The discussions ranged from the place patriotism and ethnic pride should have in our community to how individuals are able to set up organisations that bring their career and academic skills together with their family background and interests. This session provided an insight into what it is like to create and grow an organisation as well as the challenges that come with such ventures.
Throughout the summit, the panellists were incredibly inspiring, offering insights and experiences that resonated deeply with everyone present. Networking at the event opened numerous career opportunities and forged new friendships. The discussions and interactions provided a wealth of knowledge and a sense of solidarity among the attendees.
The ALSA Albanian Youth Empowerment Summit was more than just an event; it was a platform for individuals and organisations to express their work, share their stories, and inspire future generations. The summit left us with a lot of things to consider and a renewed commitment to continue supporting and empowering our community.
Agim Edge
Comentarios