For many young Albanians growing up in diaspora, the country of origin lives first in the stories of parents and grandparents. Originalally, it enables them to get to know him closely and establish their relationship with him through history, culture, people, and shared experiences.
What does it mean to have Albanian descent when you are born and grow up in another country? How do you build a bond with a country you know primarily from family confessions or vacation visits?
These questions stand at the foundation of OriginAL, the two-week programme that unites young diaspora people to recognise Kosovo and Albania and to understand more about their background.
GERMIN and the Global Albanian Foundation established the initiative and formally introduced it on May 6th 2022 in Tirana. The goal was to offer new generations space to build the report itself with Albanian roots, meeting people, asking questions and creating personal experiences.
The Albanian diaspora’s financial support enables organisation and growth of the programme. To date, OriginAL has combined 347 young people, while from the very beginning it has accepted over 1,000 applications. During 2026 alone, young people from 29 countries of the world have applied to become part of it.
An experience that combines history with life today
Over the two weeks, participants travel, visit historical sites, get acquainted with traditions, and meet people who contribute to their communities.
Visits to Prekaz and Great Krusha are familiar with the history and memory of the war in Kosovo. In cities like Pristina, Prizren, Gjakova, Kruja and Shkodra, they explore cultural heritage and daily life. Nature activities, cultural evenings, cooking and music create room for learning and getting closer to each other.
The programme also includes volunteerism with local organisations, discussions with local youth and visits to innovation centres. Through these meetings, participants also know the initiatives, ideas, and opportunities that are held today in Kosovo and Albania.
OriginAL welcomes young people from 18 to 24 years of age who have at least one parent or grandfather of Albanian descent and have lived in diaspora after the age of 13.
Perfect recognition of Albanian is no condition for participation. The programme values curiosity, motivation, and the desire to approach the roots.
This approach also gives youths who feel insecure about their affiliation. Some fear that they do not speak the language enough or that their experience differs greatly from that of their peers. Meeting with youths who share questions and similar experiences helps them to speak up about identity and build friendships beyond borders.
The Link Continues in Two Weeks
According to software data, over 90 percent of participants report a stronger link to the post – original country of origin. For some, experience has also influenced living decisions: five former participants have returned to live and work in Kosovo or Albania, while three have obtained Kosovo citizenship.
Others have started to learn Albanian, have engaged in Albanian communities where they live, or have returned to visit places and friends they recognised during the programme.
GERMIN continues to communicate with former participants and works on volunteerism, professional practice, co-operation and employment, according to their interests.
These links show what can begin during the two weeks of OriginAL. In the coming days, we will bring the stories of some of the young people who participated in the program, what they discovered about their background, and what they took with them after their return./Telegraphy/
