One Year of Challenges and Community Engagement in Korça

A journey rooted in the remarkable tradition of Korçë’s philanthropy—pioneering not only in Albania but also across the wider region—has taken shape through the first community foundation, “Korçarët Ndihmojmë Korçarët,” which has now completed its first year of activity.

During the event themed “One Year of Challenges,” held at the “Thimi Mitko” Public Library and attended by representatives of NGOs operating in the Municipality of Korça, local government officials, teachers, and young people who have collaborated with the foundation over this period, a concise overview of the work carried out during the year was presented.

In his address, Leonard Olli, Executive Director of the Foundation, emphasized that despite the relatively short period of operation, KNK has taken modest yet solid steps in establishing its activity. He highlighted the successful achievement of several key objectives, including:

* cooperation with local NGOs to better assess social needs and priorities in Korça;

* building close and effective partnerships with the community, local entrepreneurs, and the diaspora in order to secure broader and more sustainable support for projects.

Expressing his gratitude to Yvonne Naum, board member and principal donor of the foundation, Olli reiterated that her initiative and financial support have been a fundamental pillar in overcoming the challenges faced during this first year. He also extended sincere thanks to the Global Albanian Foundation, based in Boston (USA) and led by Mark Kosmo, for both financial support and expert guidance provided in strengthening KNK’s institutional capacity.

Speaking about the projects planned for the coming year, Olli expressed appreciation for the Credins Foundation, which through the Smile.al platform has supported the project “Empowering the Future Technology Leaders of Korça,” aimed at outstanding students in the field of innovative technology. The project is inspired by the “Korça ICT Academy & Code for Albania” program, implemented by alphaPlan Center, with the support of the Municipality of Korça and World Vision Albania.

He also presented the project “The Future Young Creators of Korça,” supported through the **Giving Circles** platform organized by Partners Albania, with generous contributions from the Credins Foundation, Vizion NGO, Kredo.al, Youth 4 Society, National Commercial Bank, Grant Thornton, Mentor Kikia, and Shefqet Avdullari, as well as more than 45 individual donors—named or anonymous—via the Smile.al platform.

Olli expressed strong confidence that these projects will provide meaningful support to young people in Korça, their families, and the wider community.

Also present at the event, Mr. Petrika Tollkuçi**, Chairman of the Korça Regional Council, congratulated the initiative, emphasizing that the institution he leads remains committed to supporting the community through ongoing projects such as the **Handcrafted Products Auction**, designed and produced by elderly participants of the community center *Epoka e Artë*, in cooperation with the Emanuel Mission, alongside other initiatives currently being implemented. He also expressed the Council’s readiness to support projects that benefit the community as a whole, with particular focus on youth and the elderly.

Ardit Konomi, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, highlighted that one of KNK’s important areas of focus is environmental protection. He noted that the foundation has supported several significant environmental initiatives, including the reforestation of hills in the upper parts of the city, areas along the road leading to Mount Morava, as well as a project for lighting this area. Konomi reaffirmed that KNK will continue to prioritize environmental projects that significantly improve quality of life and preserve the city’s ecosystem.

In her remarks, Mrs. Xheni Prenda**, Executive Director of the Dorcas Foundation, praised the work accomplished so far by KNK and expressed confidence that increased cooperation among organizations will further strengthen community spirit and lead to even more positive developments in the future.

Meanwhile, Klajdi Pllaha, a teacher at Preka College and a close friend and valued collaborator of the foundation since its early days, stated that he feels most fulfilled when everyone becomes part of initiatives that support young people and the community as a whole. He expressed his belief that cooperation between civil society and the community will not only enhance solidarity but will also have a tangible impact on improving life in Korça—continuing the city’s long-standing tradition of civic engagement and philanthropy.

#CommunityEngagement

#OpenCooperationWithNGOsAndCivilSocietyActivists

#CooperationWithLocalAndCentralInstitutions