Youth empowerment, the best investment for the future

"Quality education, especially for girls, stands as the most effective means of mitigating various social issues confronting society. Education empowers girls, granting them increased autonomy, and serves as a powerful tool in alleviating poverty and domestic violence," states Debora, a member of World Vision Albania's IMPACT youth groups for the past eight years.

This year, she has taken a significant stride by embarking on General Medicine studies at the University of Medicine in Tirana. Despite the considerable pressure to leave the country, the 19-year-old has established clear objectives. She aspires to leverage her energy, knowledge, and potential as a current student and future professional for the betterment of Albania and her local community.

"Medicine is a humanistic profession, and the battle for life presents a formidable challenge, one to which I have chosen to devote all of my energy and knowledge. I am confident that my communication skills, empathy, and resilience—qualities I have cultivated through my engagement with World Vision Albania—will prove invaluable in my role as a physician serving the community. My aim is to apply my skills for the betterment of my country," Debora affirms.

Apart from school, Debora emphasises that her participation in World Vision Albania's IMPACT groups has been instrumental in her life. Through this experience, she has acquired valuable skills and competencies, fostering her increased engagement in the social life of her local community.

"IMPACT groups have significantly influenced my character. Embracing the organisation's motto of serving others has allowed me to gain deeper self-awareness and understanding. This experience has motivated me to prioritise education and advocate for all girls to have access to schooling," expresses Debora.

As she sees it, one of the most urgent issues confronting Albanian society is the unequal treatment of boys and girls, resulting in girls being deprived of equal opportunities to realise their full potential. Collaborating with the IMPACT groups, she has led various awareness-raising campaigns in the community and has also discussed these issues on television programs.

"One of the greatest challenges our society faces is hindering girls from pursuing their aspirations, attending university, and achieving economic independence. One of my most memorable experiences with World Vision was working as a scriptwriter and lead actress for a short film on gender equality. The video, available on World Vision Albania’s official YouTube channel, has been viewed by 46 thousand people, highlighting its significant impact," Debora remarks. The short film, produced by Debora, her peers, and other community members, focuses on gender equality and the importance of education for every child and teenager, regardless of gender.

Debora has been actively involved in various other initiatives, establishing herself as a significant contributor within the local community. She emphasises her involvement in initiatives such as establishing Calm Corners at schools and contributing to the enhancement of the 2022-2029 Youth Strategy.

"The establishment of 'Calm Corners' at schools is another initiative dear to my heart. It emphasised the significance of teen mental health and prompted schools to create dedicated spaces alongside the traditional ones. In these Calm Corners, students promoted physical and mental well-being, as well as positive values, and enjoyed quality time together," reflects Debora.

Studying medicine demands a tremendous commitment, often leading to sleepless nights. Nevertheless, Debora pledges to continue being a strong advocate for children and youth, especially girls, throughout her studies.

"Change doesn't occur solely through campaigns, but through sustained involvement. Despite the demands of my studies, I remain committed to advocating for the rights of children and youth. With the support of my family, World Vision, and my school, I have been empowered. Now, it's my turn to empower others," Debora concludes.