Together for a Better Korçë!

Welcome to Your KNK Community!

Thank you for joining the community of the Korçë Community Foundation “Korçarët Ndihmojmë Korçarët” (KNK), Albania’s first community foundation.

Through this monthly newsletter, we will share stories, initiatives, achievements, and opportunities to get involved in the life of the Korçë community.

The Story of KNK

Established in April 2025, the Foundation seeks to give a new form to Korçë’s long-standing tradition of philanthropy by bringing together citizens, the diaspora, businesses, and organizations around a shared goal: to contribute to a better Korçë.

The initiative was conceived by Dr. Yvonne Naum, who was born and raised in the United States and has pledged a portion of her estate to the Foundation. It was developed together with the founding group, with the support of the Global Albanians Foundation in the United States.

“Korçarët Ndihmojmë Korçarët” is more than an initiative—it is a call to turn solidarity into action for all of us who can proudly say that we are “pe Korçe”—from Korçë.

What Will KNK Do?

The Foundation connects people who want to contribute to the community with initiatives that need support.

Our work will focus on three key areas:

Young People

Supporting education, skills development, ideas, and meaningful youth participation.

Older Adults

Supporting a life with greater care, dignity, and inclusion.

The Urban Environment

Promoting initiatives for a cleaner, greener, and more functional Korçë.

What We Have Done in 2026

We launched and implemented the project “Empowering the Future Technology Leaders of Korçë,” through which young participants completed three months of advanced training in React Native and Human-Centered Design. They gained practical, up-to-date skills in mobile application development, culminating in the creation of “Drita,” an application designed to help older adults easily manage and organize their daily needs. Supported with $7,000.

We launched and implemented the project “Young Creators of the Future from Korçë,” designed for young people aged 14–22 with creative ideas and an interest in developing prototypes in various fields of science and technology. Supported by Partners Albania with $8,000.

We supported the creation of the Forest Corridor of the Korçë Hills Park, with the goal of planting 3,000 trees across 53 hectares during 2026 and 2027, as well as caring for the trees after planting. Supported by the Global Albanians Foundation with $6,000.

What Comes Next?

In the coming months, we will continue implementing “Life Has No Age,” a project focused on providing treatment and rehabilitation services to older adults experiencing mobility difficulties.

During November, we will support the development of the “Niko Nikolla” Caricature Biennale, which will take place in Korçë, with the aim of establishing a summer school for talented children and young people interested in this visual art form.

During November and December, we will take part in the nationwide initiative “Albanian Online Giving Week,” as part of a meaningful philanthropic effort engaging Albanians wherever they live.

Who We Are

Leonard Olli — Executive Director and Founder Ardit Konomi — Chair of the Board and Founder Dr. Yvonne Naum — Board Member and Founder Alda Nikollori — Board Member and Founder Klajdi Pllaha — Board Member Mark Kosmo — Advisor, President of the Global Albanians Foundation Daniel Hyseni — Advisor, Global Albanians Foundation

We would be very grateful if you would share this newsletter with your friends and acquaintances and encourage them to subscribe to receive the KNK Newsletter.

Thank you very much for being part of our community and for helping us build a stronger, more caring, and more connected Korçë.

With gratitude,

Leonard Olli (Nardi) Executive Director