In the first week of December, the closing activity of the 6-month project (June–November) was held. This project has significantly contributed to improving the well-being, health, and psycho-social empowerment of the youth, the development of their personal skills, and their preparation for active engagement in work and community life.
Key moments of the meeting
✔️ Opening greeting
The meeting opened with the greeting of the Association’s Director, Luigj Mila, who emphasized the importance of sustainable investment in creating equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. He expressed gratitude to all collaborators and supporters who made the full implementation of the project possible.
✔️ Presentation of project progress
The project coordinator, Suela Ndoja, presented a detailed summary of the work carried out in the mini-laboratories, evaluating the progress of the youth, the growth of their practical skills, and the lasting impact of the program on their daily lives.
✔️ Experiences from staff and volunteers
The staff and volunteers shared personal reflections on their engagement in the project, highlighting collaboration, dedication, and the positive emotions generated through working with the youth.
As a sign of appreciation, they were awarded volunteer certificates and symbolic gifts.
✔️ The voice of the youth
Representatives from the mini-laboratories among the beneficiary group shared their impressions of their experience in the laboratories, expressing:
• joy for the opportunity to learn new skills,
• confidence gained through practical work,
• satisfaction from being part of a supportive group,
• the desire to continue engaging in activities and creative work.
Their words brought emotions and clear testimonies of the project’s importance in their everyday lives.
Mini-laboratories developed during the project
During the project, four practical mini-laboratories were carried out, involving 49 youth, with a key focus on 29 of them, divided according to their interests and abilities:
• Pyrography – 6 youth
• Gardening – 8 youth
• Handicrafts – 8 youth
• Creative/expressive work – 7 youth
The activities were conducted continuously and in a structured way, following a monthly plan focused on strengthening practical skills, creative expression, and increasing the autonomy of the participants.
An important part of the work took place at the Daily Activation Center “Antonio Bozza,” a dedicated space for development, education, and social integration of the youth.
Main results of the project
✔️ Pyrography Mini-Laboratory (6 youth)
• Acquired basic and advanced pyrography techniques, creating personalized works.
• Improved concentration, patience, and the ability to follow technical steps.
• Built self-confidence through presenting their work and receiving positive feedback.
• Developed aesthetic sensitivity and creative skills with potential for future self-employment.
✔️ Gardening Mini-Laboratory (8 youth)
• Learned basic techniques of cultivation, planting, plant maintenance, and organizing green spaces.
• Improved motor skills and developed consistent responsibility for environmental care.
• Increased ecological awareness and teamwork abilities.
• Some participants showed interest and potential for ongoing practical engagement in gardening or urban agriculture.
✔️ Handicrafts Mini-Laboratory (8 youth)
• Acquired various artisanal techniques (recycled-material crafts, handmade items, souvenirs, decorative works).
• Strengthened manual dexterity and the ability to create unique, marketable products.
• Learned to plan and complete small projects, increasing responsibility and satisfaction with their work.
• Enhanced communication and collaboration skills during creative processes.
✔️ Creative/Expressive Works Mini-Laboratory (7 youth)
• Through art, they expressed themselves freely, increasing self-confidence and self-esteem.
• Improved emotional communication and developed a positive approach toward themselves and their group.
• Increased creativity, imagination, and the ability to express thoughts and feelings artistically.
• Showed noticeable growth in motivation and consistent engagement during sessions.
Summary of overall results
1️ Increase in motivation, self-confidence, and self-esteem:
The youth gained confidence in their abilities, participated regularly, and showed greater readiness to engage in new learning and practical processes.
2️ Development of skills for active inclusion in the community and labor market:
Skills acquired in pyrography, gardening, handicrafts, and creative work can serve as a basis for further professional orientation, practical engagement, or income-generating activities at the community level.
Currently, 8 youth are registered as job seekers at the Regional Employment Office. Two of them have started working in garment factories in the city of Shkodra.
3️ Encouraging independence and preparing for a more sustainable and autonomous life:
Through structured activities, the youth learned to take initiative, organize tasks, and build consistent routines, significantly increasing their level of independence.
Acknowledgments
• The project was implemented thanks to the support of the Credins Foundation and the contribution of many collaborators and supporters. We express our deepest gratitude for their continued trust and dedication.
Conclusion
• Together, we are building bridges toward a more inclusive, fair, and opportunity-rich society for everyone.
