Albanian Upshifters are Thinkers and Doers

Deep in the heart of Has, a small village in northern Albania, two groups of teenagers saw an opportunity. They recognized that their generation was growing disconnected from its cultural heritage, so they set out to bring history to life.

For most teenagers, spending their free time working on a community project might seem a daunting task. But for Grisela, Laura, Seialba, Ilsona, and Agit from the “Skënderbeu” high school, three days of mentorship in the UPSHIFT program were enough to transform their vision into action. Under the guidance of mentors, they learned the fundamental skills of identifying problems in their community, developing solutions, and implementing their ideas with seed funding. Their dream was to create a meaningful space where young people could connect with their heritage, engage with each other, and foster a sense of belonging.

With their seed funding, the first group, “Plisat,” as they called themselves, transformed an empty municipal space into a vibrant ethnographic museum. Thanks to the municipality's support, the once-bare room now tells a story—woven through grandmothers' handmade carpets, old coffee machines, traditional costumes, and antique household items donated by the community. These young changemakers did more than collect artifacts; they reignited a sense of pride and cultural appreciation among the people of Has. Speaking fluently in English, one of the group members, 17-year-old Seialba, surprised the visitors while giving an excellent presentation of the museum. 

Parents, school directors, and local authorities have all witnessed firsthand their journey to make this project successful. One parent who attended the museum’s opening shared her emotions: “We saw their determination and the enthusiasm in their eyes. A great deal of effort has gone into making this happen.”

Marcela, one of the mentors, expressed her admiration for their achievements: “The revival of tradition through the reopening of the museum is significant for the youth as they need to know where they come from. I'm amazed at how quickly they learn.”

It is inspiring to see students come weekly, make the museum functional, and participate in activities like reading poetry and collecting artwork. “One of the teachers standing behind the crowded room explained, “I accompanied students on their journey, and I wish my daughter would become like these girls. They put so much passion and determination into making it happen.”

For many young people, access to entertainment is a given—Netflix, movie nights, and social gatherings are just part of daily life. But for the youth of Has, watching a film together was a rare luxury.

Determined to change that, the second winning group, Shqiponjat (The Eagles), turned their attention to building a small community cinema. Using the funds they received, they painted a room, set up seating, and ensured a year-long Netflix subscription. The mentors from Tirana Business College donated a projector and other resources, and the group secured memberships to platforms that provide documentaries and movies.

Under the supervision of a teacher, they created a safe space where students could watch and discuss films together, sparking conversations about storytelling, culture, and social issues.

“We were desperately looking to have this project realized,” said Saimir, one of the group members. “It’s more than just movies—it’s about celebrating togetherness, sharing ideas, and feeling like we belong.”

UNICEF Representative Murat Sahin, sitting in the improvised cinema and moved by their efforts, remarked: “These teenagers have managed to bridge generations—engaging parents and teachers in a movement that proves youth can be powerful changemakers. Their dedication is inspiring, and I hope it encourages others to act in their communities. Supported by UNICEF, this project travels from one city to another, from one district to another, to create a new mindset that helps young people succeed in their own country. All we need to offer is opportunities.”

Before we departed, we couldn’t forget what Arbëria, one of the UPSHIFT team members, told us: “If the youth continue to stay here, change will happen, and Has will become a tourist attraction.”

Supported by UNICEF Albania’s Qëndro project from the Italian government.