>Shkoder
Likely to be the most difficult decision of the whole trip. Ervis and Saimir greet us , very happy that we came there and finally showed some importance. We discussed longly. They are not integrated in the network, not fulfilling criteria, demanding impossible support . It should not have been so difficult. What\u2019s the reality? They cannot make their members pay any membership fee. Why should our members pay, for what? \u2013 they ask.. They can\u2019t travel. The average income of an Albanian family in Shkoder is 120 euro per month, the cheapest flight to Europe over 100 euro. Visa problems are huge. The only places they can reach easily are Kosovo and Rep. of Macedonia.
What is there on the other side of the medal? If there is somewhere where AEGEE can still make THE difference it\u2019s here. Furthermore, if there is a way AEGEE can work in Shkoder it\u2019s with those guys. They are already part of a youth center, have a nice PLACE where to meet, know languages and what youth work is about. Internet, though, it\u2019s still a luxury for Albanian houses. The communication, indeed, can be much improved. We set up new goals and a cooperation with Jehona and AEGEE-Prishtina. Timeframe for our plans: Agora Kiev, where my successor should evaluate whether the progresses are real or there is just no hope.<\/p>\n
Tirana
We leave some hope where there was none. Finally, it was managed to meet the \u2018old\u2019 people, Erlis in primis, together with some new guys who got interested in AEGEE but never managed to step in touch with AEGEE-Tirana (which does not come as a surprise, as it was practically inexistent). We leave them with more knowledge, some material, a couple of oldies to whom to refer to. And a subcommie who speaks their language and who would come to their elections, to be held in a matter of weeks. But they need a big, big push\u2026 Train them and make them experience AEGEE. Sending as many people abroad via Youth in action. Better, a youth in action exchange with a strong local. Does YOURS want to do it?<\/p>\n
Albaniaalbania\u2026
Should we be realistic or should we believe in the ideals which drove AEGEE to where it is now? Should we conclude Albania is not ready for AEGEE or AEGEE is not ready for Albania? Can we give the key to Europe to someone for whom this is so hard to get, yet so needed? Can we build bridges on a river which looks more like a sea? Didn\u2019t we do the same 15 years ago with the western Balkans, was it less difficult or we just don\u2019t care in the same way anymore?
When driving away from Shkoder I still do not have the answers. When driving away from Albania I do, and it\u2019s a \u2018yes we can\u2019 sneaking in me. Painfully aware that until we don\u2019t figure out how, all this is just na\u00efve hope.<\/p>\n