What happens when 36 young Albanians from 13 countries come together to explore the lands of their ancestors? You get OriginAL — a two-week journey filled with connection, discovery, and moments that stay with you long after the suitcases are unpacked.
It all kicked off in Prishtina, where the energy was contagious and the anticipation high. On the campus of RIT Kosovo, participants were welcomed by familiar faces who believe in this mission — from Ms. Liza Gashi of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, to Mr. Lavon Bajrami of RIT, and Mr. Xhelal Derguti of GIZ. GERMIN’s Co-Directors, Sihana Bejtullahu and Lirim Krasniqi, set the tone with a reminder: this is more than a trip, it’s a chance to rediscover who you are.
From the first team-building games at Innovation Centre Kosovo to laughter-filled rope-pulling competitions in Gërmia Park, bonds started to form quickly. “I didn’t think I could feel so close to people I met just yesterday,” said one participant. But that’s OriginAL. It creates instant belonging.
The journey took a deeper turn in Prekaz, where the story of the Jashari family came alive through Sala Jashari’s powerful words. Silence fell as participants laid flowers at the memorial, each one reflecting on sacrifice, strength, and what it means to be free.
In Gjakovë and Krushë e Madhe, they met women who rebuilt their village from the ashes of war through a powerful agricultural cooperative. In Pejë, they stepped into the House of Judo, where Kosova’s champions are made. “It made me proud in a way I’ve never felt before,” someone shared.
Then came Prizren — colorful, historic, and unforgettable. Walking through cobbled streets, climbing the fortress, visiting the League of Prizren museum, and hearing from Veton Nurkollari of Dokufest, participants saw how tradition and innovation coexist.
Week two brought new energy as the journey continued into Albania. In Shkodër, participants walked through the Museum of Memory, where stories of political persecution during communism offered space for reflection and important conversations about freedom and justice. In Durrës, they explored the city’s ancient Roman Amphitheater, stood by the Venetian Tower, and stepped inside the Turkish Hammam, experiencing layers of history that still shape Albania today. The day ended with music, dancing, and a seaside cultural dinner.
In Vlorë, the group boarded a boat and sailed along the Ionian coast, visiting Haxhi Ali’s Cave and the Karaburun Peninsula, where Albania’s natural beauty unfolded in full. From the water to the mountains, the next stop was Berat, where participants climbed through the white-walled neighborhoods of the castle and heard stories passed down through generations. A traditional lunch rounded out a day rich in history and hospitality.
In Krujë, they followed the footsteps of Albania’s national hero, Skënderbeu, through the castle grounds and into the museum that honors his legacy of resistance and unity. The journey ended in Tirana, where the group explored the capital’s energy, joined a creative workshop with BetaPlan, and shared one last celebration during Albanian Night. Laughter, music, and farewells filled the air as the participants looked back on two weeks that shaped their view of home and each other.
Two weeks. Two countries. One unforgettable experience. OriginAL 2025 wasn’t just about where they went, it was about who they became — together.
