I finally had the chance to come back... by Diellza

My name is Diellza Muriqi. I come from Peja and I am currently studying at UWC Adriatic in Italy. I joined the YMCA in 2015 when it came to my city and opened the leadership program. Teamwork, breaking stereotypes and prejudices, and critical thinking were among the things I learned throughout my experience at the YMCA, and from that point on, I created an inseparable link to this organisation. I finally had the chance to come back to this place, and along with 4 of my international friends who also study at UWC Adriatic, I led a session about gender equality. 

The idea lead a gender equality session came as a result of the current situation in Kosovo and the lack of information about this issue. However, in Gjakova we encountered a different reality. It did not take long to notice that we were dealing with students who respect others’ opinions, have a great sense of critical thinking, and have indeed discussed about gender equality before. Stephanie (Canada) and Leone (Belgium) were so pleased by how engaged the young people were during the workshop activities and by their willingness to discuss and share their ideas with the group. Despite having done the workshop at other youth centres and schools, the students in Gjakova YMCA brought new ideas and also exercised our critical thinking and understanding of what gender equality means. Viktoria (Poland) appreciated the fact that in Gjakova there were more boys participating compared to other places that we visited, which, according to her, showed a greater interest and awareness of boys about the problems of gender equality. For Laura (Catalonia), the discussion was very fruitful and she realized how much the struggles faced by women in her country are related to the struggles here in Kosovo despite the very different cultures. That, according to her, makes one’s perspective about gender equality grow further.

Diellza  speaking with youth during the session

The YMCA in Gjakova has created a safe space for many young people who enjoy participating in many programs that this organisation offers. This Youth center seems to apply the theory of “Pay it Forward” very well, where once a youngster is involved, s/he makes sure to spread the word and get his/her peers involved as well. I must admit, every time I have encountered a young person from that city, s/he told me that at some point they was involved with the YMCA in some way. And what is the result of all this? Open minded youngsters who influence the city with their creative and bright ideas. Youngsters who have an active role in their schools, families, and social groups.

Diellza and her friends with the Gjakova participants

My friends and I were indeed very much surprised in a good way with our experience at the YMCA Gjakova, and we look forward to coming back someday in the future and see how much more the city has developed.

I, personally, will graduate from UWC Adriatic this May, and I am still accepting offers from universities around the world. Even though I may not always be close to my country, I still try to contribute in one way or another. Gender equality is not my only interest as I am also an animal activist and I believe that Kosovo has to work a lot in this area. Therefore, I believe that I will soon come back with other projects of different topics, but it is for sure that the youth will be involved in them!