About Us

Our Mission

Balkan Youth Activism (BYA) is a youth, dynamic, community-based non-profit organization founded in Korçë, Albania in 2018 by a group of young students inspired by the values of the Erasmus+ Programme.

Our mission is to empower, mobilize, and connect young people across Albania and the Western Balkans, fostering civic participation, human rights, education, innovation, and intercultural dialogue.

As a representative (non-profit) structure, we cooperate with young people in Albania and beyond. Our organization aims at mobilizing, self-organizing, and empowering the role of youth in society, encouraging young people to become part of the integral life of society through: Human Rights, Citizen Participation and Democracy, Education, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Employment, Art, Sports and Culture, Health, Tourism, Cultural Heritage, Environment, Training and Multimedia.

We engage in lobbying and active advocacy to support youth issues at local, national, and international levels.

Our Vision

We envision a society where young people are empowered, valued, and fully engaged in social, economic, and democratic life.

BYA aims to harmonize different target groups to create a human and peaceful vision for a better future of Albanian and Balkan youth. We are coherent with the implementation of global objectives through two key points: volunteering and social inclusion, to integrate young people into being an active part of active citizenship in every aspect.

It is a space where every young person finds themselves, including those in rural areas, from minorities, with different abilities, social disadvantage, exclusion, abused persons, and vulnerable groups.

CORE VALUES

The principles that guide our youth-focused mission

These fundamental values shape our approach to youth empowerment and drive every initiative we undertake across the Balkans.

Core Values

∞

Young Lives Impacted

Empowerment

Giving young people the tools and confidence to become change-makers in their communities.

Inclusion

Creating spaces where every young voice matters, regardless of background or identity.

Diversity

Celebrating our differences as strengths that make our youth movement powerful and unique.

Action

Turning ideas into impact through hands-on projects and community initiatives.

Innovation

Bringing fresh ideas and creative solutions to challenges facing young people today.

Sustainability

Building lasting change that protects our planet and creates opportunities for future generations.

Our Team

Meet the dedicated professionals behind our impact.

MSc. Gurali Haxhillari

Executive Director, Co-founder, Teacher and Journalist

Graduated in Master of Science for "Culture, Media and Edition". Accomplished project leader with over a decade of experience in youth and Roma NGOs.

Accomplished project leader with over a decade of experience in youth and Roma NGOs. Expertise in project management, advocacy, and lobbying, complemented by robust educational background.

Proven ability to develop impactful youth initiatives, with eight years in project coordination and three years teaching. Skilled in engaging marginalized populations, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

MSc. Eriketa Kocollari

Youth Worker/Coordinator

Graduated in History-Geography and Ethics & Leadership. Multidisciplinary professional with over a decade of experience in hospitality, tourism, and education.

Multidisciplinary professional with strong academic background in History–Geography and Ethics & Leadership, complemented by extensive experience in hospitality, tourism, and education. Proven expertise in hotel management, tour guiding, training, mentoring, and service-sector innovation.

Strong advocate of informal and non-formal education, excelling in youth empowerment and multilingual communication. Actively engaged in public discourse addressing unemployment, social inclusion, and workforce development. Recognized for ethical leadership and commitment to community development.

MSc. Dejvi Hoxha

Youth Worker & Youth Policy Professional

Graduated with Master of Science in Finance and Bachelor's in Management. Experienced youth policy professional with background in municipal governance and community development.

Experienced youth policy professional with strong background in municipal governance and community development. Currently Head of Korça Youth Centre, leading programs engaging 500+ young people.

Former Elected City Council Member (2019–2023) with experience in youth policy development and civic engagement. Skilled in youth empowerment, media communication, and institutional coordination. Committed and results-oriented professional.

PhD. Ilir Shyta

Lecturer, Writer, Journalist and Trainer

PhD in Literature with expertise in Balkan Literature, Albanian Poetry, and Media Studies. Lecturer at "Fan S. Noli" University and Broadcast Manager at Sot7 Television.

PhD in Literature with extensive expertise in Balkan Literature, Albanian Poetry and Prose, Aesthetics, Theater and Film, Media History and Media Genres, Elements of Modern Aesthetics and Bibliographic & Textual Studies. Lecturer at "Fan S. Noli" University and Broadcast Manager/News Speaker at Sot7 Television.

Author of 20+ scientific papers and 17+ publications in national and international journals. Active as Trainer, Speaker and Moderator in youth media projects. Focus on integrating youth into current labor market demands through education and media engagement.

MSc. Milena Zhuti

High School Teacher and Community Advocate

Graduated with Master of Science in "Social Philosophy". Accomplished educator with 18+ years teaching experience and 20 years volunteer work.

Accomplished educator with 18+ years teaching experience in Korça Region schools, specializing in Philosophy and Sociology. 20-year volunteer experience with youth organizations including "World Vision Albania" and "Junior Achievement of Albania."

Proven leader in community initiatives and national projects. 7+ years mentoring students to top competition placements. Skilled in educational programs, career development, and legal awareness. Proficient in multiple languages and social media management. Arts advocate with 8 years training in violin and piano.

Esmerald Xhafa

Lawyer and Senior Legal Professional

Graduated in Law with 15+ years experience in Institution of Execution of Criminal Decisions. Expertise in criminal law and legal administration.

Experienced legal professional with 15+ years in Institution of Execution of Criminal Decisions, specializing in criminal law and legal administration. Strong commitment to justice and human rights protection.

Served as Head of Legal Service and Chancellor of Korçë Judicial District Court. President of Union of Judicial Chancellors of Albania. Practicing lawyer in criminal, civil, and administrative cases. Founder of Xhafa Travel SH.P.K. Recipient of "TOGA E ARTË" award from Association of Criminal Lawyers of Albania.

Igniting Potential, Building Tomorrow

15+

Countries

10K+

Youth Impacted

50+

Partners

Through powerful strategic alliances, we're sparking a movement of transformation across the Balkans! Our partnerships blend local wisdom with global innovation, creating an extraordinary force that empowers thousands of young minds to break barriers and craft the future they envision.

TRANSFORMATION INNOVATION EMPOWERMENT GROWTH

We value your privacy