From the 6th to the 9th of June, our representatives had the honour and privilege to visit YMCA Albania to have a better understanding of the realities and challenges on the field – and meet the team delivering the programs at the grassroots level.
A second objective of our journey has been to visit the YMCA Digital Community Hubs established in Tirana and Berat, and subsequently support the official opening of the digital hub in Tirana.
Digital Community Hubs in the West Balkans is a YMCA initiative, powered by HP to accelerate digital equity in the regions, by helping YMCAs in Kosovo, Albania, Serbia, and North Macedonia to expand existing or create new digital community hubs. Learn more about this initiative.
Our first leg of the trip was in Tirana, where, guided by Secretary-General Eglantina Lula, we discovered and observed the community they are serving, and the incredible impact and growth opportunities of the digital hub programs. Supported by representatives of HP Inc, the team continues an ambitious and relevant mission to develop digital competencies, accelerate digital equity and reach out to vulnerable young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The highlight of our meeting in Tirana represented the strategic planning and organising of a sustainable framework for delivering the services. Ensuring the logistical details and the working conditions are suitable for young people, and together, creating a strategy for better outreach and communication.
The highlight of our second day has been the Official opening of the Digital Community Hub joined by Ina Progonati, Global Lead for Partnership and Programs, Social Impact and Sustainability at HP Inc and members of the Civil Society Organisations Network, representatives from the Municipality, and experts in the field of digital education.
The event reinforced the commitment of the local YMCA to step up its STEAM and digitalisation game, continuing to be a beacon of change towards accelerating digital equity in the region.
Subsequently, our journey led us to visit one of the oldest and most picturesque cities in the country – Berat, where the YMCA Hub is a real game changer for so many young people in the city and from the villages nearby. The work of this incredibly talented and committed team inspires the local youth and elderly to discover, learn more, and explore digital courses.
The visit to the digital hub in Berat also represented the beginning of a new chapter for the team, as they officially opened the YMCA Berat branch, making the town a real digital hotspot for delivering the YMCA’s mission and vision of offering growth opportunities for youth and local families. And with this news, we are looking forward to bringing a real impact, one pixel at a time, in our digital equity-building journey in Albania.
The recent visit to YMCA Albania has reinforced the importance of digital equity in today’s society. Access to digital resources and opportunities is no longer out of reach, but a necessity for individuals to thrive and succeed in an increasingly digitalised world.
Companies like HP Inc investing in social responsibility and partnering with organizations like YMCA help to bridge the digital divide and empower disadvantaged communities. By advancing digital equity, HP Inc is driving social change by making a positive impact in the lives of individuals and communities. Together, we are building an inclusive future where everyone has equal access to the transformative power of technology.
Photo album available here.
