From Kosova to Europe – Inspiring Results from Diaspora Volunteers 2025!

Solidarity Action Day, an initiative that has won the hearts of many young people and created opportunities for unique experiences and active engagement, after two years filled with successes and inspiring stories in Kosovo, took flight once again – this time towards London and Brussels.

In June 2025, the Albanian diaspora came together with the same spirit that has made this initiative so special: the desire to give and to build connections between generations and communities, by working for one day in local businesses and donating their wages to a meaningful cause.

The atmosphere of Solidarity Action Day was filled with energy and enthusiasm in London and Brussels, where young Albanians in the diaspora joined local communities to create a day rich in engagement and solidarity. Through collaboration with two Albanian diaspora organizations – ALSA UK and VLERA – the spirit of solidarity became a bridge connecting younger generations with society, inspiring them to give their very best.

In London, ALSA UK – an organization that believes in the power of young people supports them in building their future through collaboration, peer-to-peer learning, and networking through technology. With projects that break barriers and promote inclusion, ALSA UK is nurturing a resilient, diverse generation ready to change the world.

Meanwhile in Brussels, VLERA – the Albanian student organization of Belgium, has become a refuge for Albanian culture, language, and spirit abroad. Through activities, workshops, and unifying events, it strengthens the connection between students and their roots – from cultural weeks and evenings featuring traditional food, to conferences that bring the Albanian community together in the heart of Europe.

The force that made the Solidarity Action Day special was the coordinators, who with dedication and passion guided the volunteers and connected them with businesses, turning each working day into a story of solidarity and cooperation.

In London, the implementation of the Solidarity Action Day was carried out by Gjovani Cinari, Louisa Dedi, and representative Arisa Reka, who coordinated the activities, built strong connections with local businesses, and inspired young people to give their best. Meanwhile in Belgium, the coordinating role was undertaken by Fiollë Koci, Rinesa Bytyqi, and Rinor Shala, who worked closely with the local community and businesses, ensuring that every volunteer experienced an unforgettable day and that every contribution was transformed into real and tangible support for community development.

When the Solidarity Action Days arrived, on June 20 in London and June 25 in Brussels, the energy and passion of our volunteers filled local businesses with a spirit of cooperation and solidarity. Over the course of these days, a total of 31 volunteers were engaged, working with dedication in 14 local businesses and turning an ordinary workday into an extraordinary experience by transforming their efforts into actions that created direct impact and inspired the community.

In this journey filled with energy and cooperation, businesses owned by Albanians played an extraordinary role – opening their doors and their hearts to young people. Thanks to their support, it was possible to create a fund amounting to 6,128.67 euros.

A special thank you goes to the businesses that took part in these days and demonstrated that together we can create new opportunities for young people:

ㅇLondon: Naked Chips, Three Sixty Finance, ALSA UK, Merx Marketing Ltd, Leonita Metaj, Honest Land Solutions.

ㅇBelgium: Innovative Solutions, ShqipVille, Master Frites, Snack Tatayet, Lola at Lea – Le Cercle, Gérant – Fritland, Boucherie Sainte Alix, ADIDEN FINANCES, Mon Chéri, Altina Ademi.

Through the hard work of volunteers and coordinators, together with the generosity of businesses, the funds raised were transformed into support for the “Lulëzojnë” Scholarships, an initiative aimed at empowering young people in their personal and professional development.

This is the first edition of the scholarships, offering concrete opportunities to nurture the talent and ambitions of young Albanians. The scholarship provides financial support to young people from families facing economic hardship, with a particular focus on girls and those from rural and provincial areas. It helps young people develop their potential through education and civic engagement.

Beyond June in London and Brussels, in August of this year a new energy filled the streets of Kosova as the Solidarity Action Day turned its focus to the diaspora.

Within the framework of the OriginAL program, in collaboration with the organization GERMIN, 39 young Albanians from the diaspora came together to create change in the community – each bringing their own story, energy, and desire to reconnect with Kosova. They came from North Macedonia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, the United States of America, Norway, Canada, and Sweden, turning the Solidarity Action Day into a true meeting of cultures and hearts beating to the same rhythm.

The funds raised were used to support an award within the Volunteerism Awards Campaign – an initiative aimed at honoring and recognizing individuals who make an outstanding contribution to the community, while inspiring others to follow the same path of solidarity.

This year demonstrated the true power of solidarity: streets were filled with smiles, businesses opened their doors, and young people from around the world brought their energy and dedication. Every effort was transformed into concrete action, positively impacting the community and creating stories that will remain in memory for a long time.

In the future, the Solidarity Action Day aims to grow and expand to other countries, turning this initiative into a tradition that brings together younger generations and communities, and demonstrates that solidarity knows no borders.

We are deeply grateful to London, Brussels, and all members of the diaspora who stood in solidarity – their work and their hearts have united us in these remarkable successes. For even though far away, they proved that the bond with Kosova knows no boundaries – it is reflected in every step of cooperation and in every idea that is transformed into real change.