Youth Innovations for Mental Health

From 18- 19 July 2024 the vocational school "Salih Çeka" in Elbasan became a hub of innovative ideas as young people aged 15-24 gathered for the 19^th  edition of UNICEF's Upshift program.

Since its inception in 2020, the Upshift program has expanded its reach in Albania, including cities like Tirana, Korça, Shkodra, Kukës, Dibra, Fier, and Lezha. In 2023, the initiative directly supported over 7.388 young people and indirectly impacted more than 21.809 bringing solutions to social and environmental issues.

The latest event, implemented by ICTSlab and supported by the Government of the United Kingdom as part of the "Stop Human Trafficking" project, focused on "Mental Health and Well-being" – a critical issue that remains taboo in Albania.

The event featured ten notable projects judged by a panel of professionals in education and public health, including Leonidha Haxhinikolla, the Director of Elbasan Vocational School, Desantila Tahiraj, MP and Vice-Chair of the "Friends of Children in Parliament" group, Eugena Tomini, Director of the Institute of Public Health, and Mariana Bukli, Health Program Specialist at UNICEF Albania.

The young participants identified mental health problems in their communities and worked intensively in groups for three days under the guidance of dedicated mentors to develop and present their solutions.

The projects covered a wide range of topics, from supporting the elderly at the "Balashe" center in Elbasan to creating social clubs for peers, emphasizing the importance of community for maintaining mental health.

Among the standout initiatives was the winning group "Visionaries" which proposed an "Entertainment Oasis" accompanied by a digital app reflecting students' emotional states during school.

Their project was noted for its creativity and potential impact on students' mental well-being, earning a prize of 1.000 euros. The second place went to the group "MVPs," which focused on creating a youth network to support peers with mental health issues. The third-place group, "N'kok Tate," created a podcast to openly discuss mental health topics with experts and share personal stories in a supportive environment.

The dedication of the participants was also highlighted by the presence of UNICEF representative in Albania, Murat Sahin, who diligently followed the activities throughout the process, and the Mayor of Elbasan, Mr. Gledian Llatja, who offered his support at the award ceremony along with Ledi Imeraj, Director of the Innovation and Excellence Center, Kushtrim Shala, co-founder of ICTSlab, and Elvana Hana, Director of the Credins Foundation.

The closing ceremony of the Upshift event in Elbasan was a witness to the resilience, creativity, and passion of the youth. The artistic spirit of Elbasan was also merged with the youth innovation in the poem written and performed by participant Greisi Pajova:

By embracing the values of inclusivity and innovation, these young people are not only addressing current challenges but also paving the way for a brighter future for themselves and the wider community. In a society where mental health remains taboo, the youth of Elbasan have taken bold steps to address and destigmatize this important issue.

This edition of Upshift highlighted their avant-garde thinking approaches, demonstrating that the new generation is ready to keep up with the times and lead the way in fostering a supportive environment for all.