All posts by : IDM Albania

The overall objective of the project “Promoting the rights and role of citizens through reducing the risk of natural disasters,” implemented by the NGO ACDC from North Mitrovica, was to create an impact by enhancing awareness about disaster risks, and climate change, and fostering social cohesion among community members.
As part of this project, a strategic social media campaign was conducted. Utilizing the power of online platforms, a series of four impactful posters served as visual aids, outlining various human factors contributing to the risk of flooding in our region. The two-month campaign was designed to inform and engage the community, highlighting the critical link between human activities and the rising threat of natural disasters, specifically flooding.
Along with the social media campaign, the NGO ACDC published an informative brochure that focused on the significant role played by human factors such as negligence, deforestation, unauthorized construction, and illegal waste dumping in exacerbating the risk of floods. It not only highlighted these factors but also outlined preventive measures to mitigate the risks and prevent flooding.

Moreover, the project involved the strategic development of a local plan. Created by an expert, this plan was specifically tailored to minimize the risks associated with flooding and to ensure an efficient response in times of crisis. It was designed to bring together all stakeholders within the Municipality of North Mitrovica, including non-governmental organizations, residents from diverse multi-ethnic neighborhoods, and representatives from various sectors.

“𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 – 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗩𝗹𝗼𝗴 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻” is a collaboration between youth in Kosovo & The Balkan Forum and aims to equip youth with media literacy skills so they can be powerful frontline fighters against false information using critical thinking skills and disseminate the knowledge with their peers. These educational videos created by 20 Media Smart Ambassadors, together with their 4 mentors, aim to promote critical thinking and combat misinformation by advocating for accurate and reliable information in society.

Today, more than ever, we are witnessing that as a society, we are under a growing threat from disinformation and propaganda. Therefore, the growth of critical thinking in society is crucial to cope with this phenomenon of the 21st century. The vlog “Disinformation,” produced by the group of students from AAB, can be viewed here: Dezinformimi (thebalkanforum.org)

The promotion of critical thinking in society is essential to confront phenomena such as “Propaganda,” which is recognized as a powerful weapon for distorting the truth and influencing the polarization of public opinion on important issues. You can watch the vlog here: Propaganda (thebalkanforum.org)

The group of Media Smart Young Ambassadors, led by mentor Fjolla Gjinovci from FrontOnline, addresses the impact of misinformation in society: Informimi Keqdashes (thebalkanforum.org)

Through the vlog, the group of Media Smart Young Ambassadors, led by mentor Shqipe Pajaziti from KosovaPress, discusses the influence and consequences of misinformation in society. Keqinformimi (thebalkanforum.org)

The Institute for Strategic Development (ISD) has successfully concluded the preparation of a comprehensive regulatory framework package. This initiative aims to support and ensure a unified model of rules governing the organization and functioning of Youth Councils in the two beneficiary municipalities of the project: Divjakë and Fushë-Arrëz.

This package and the respective acts were finalized after two phases of meetings conducted by ISD in both municipalities. The participants included members of the Youth Councils, representatives of the Municipal Council, as well as young individuals engaged in youth organizations or within the structure of the Youth Councils.

During the focus groups held in the first phase, participants identified existing issues and challenges within their councils. Based on the needs identified for drafting internal regulatory acts that facilitate the functionality of the Youth Council, legal experts, in collaboration with local experts, prepared a comprehensive regulatory framework package.

This package and the respective acts were presented and discussed during the activities of the second phase of meetings with members of the Youth Councils in the municipalities of Divjakë and Fushë-Arrëz. Participants provided necessary comments and suggestions.

The complete package and final drafts aim to provide young people, through their representatives in the Youth Council, with a fully supportive and organizational system. This system enables them to express themselves and contribute effectively to the life and development of their communities.

On October 13-15, the EU Policy Hub/Integration Policy Forum held the Leadership Academy on European Integration. Over three days, through sessions with lecturers in the field, the youth expanded their knowledge about EU institutions, its history, and key policies:
They familiarized themselves with different models of leadership in the European Union, the costs and benefits of Albania’s membership in the European Union, and ways in which young people can be more proactively involved in the European integration process.