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 …
Rooted Together: The OriginAL 2025 Journey Across Kosova and Albania Read More »
OriginAL has become more than just a trip for the fourth year since its inception – a call to return to the roots, a personal journey to discovering oneself. The 2025 application cycle again demonstrated this, as hundreds of young Albanians worldwide expressed a clear goal: to connect with their ethnic and cultural heritage. That …
OriginAL, a joint initiative by GERMIN and the Global Albanians Foundation, emerged as a transformative program connecting young Albanians worldwide to their roots in Kosovo and Albania. With over 1,000 applications received and participants from 25 countries, OriginAL has grown into a global platform fostering cultural connection and pride. Over the past three years, the …
By Gjovani CinariBorn and raised in England, with Albanian roots in Shkoder, Albania Growing up as part of the Albanian diaspora in England, I always felt connected to Albania, visiting often and proudly embracing my roots in Shkoder. But when I embarked on the OriginAL programme, I realised there was so much more to discover. …
Discovering My Albanian Roots: A Journey with OriginAL Read More »
On October 17, a special evening will be organized in New York City to support OriginAL, a program dedicated to reconnecting Albanian Diaspora youth with their cultural roots. Through immersive cultural, educational, and volunteering experiences across Albania, Kosova, and soon North Macedonia, OriginAL offers young Albanians the chance to rediscover their heritage and form connections …
Come to Support Diaspora Youth in New York, October 17 Read More »
We had the privilege of interviewing Mark Kosmo, founder of the Global Albanians Foundation, a member of the Board of GERMIN, and a passionate donor to the OriginAL program. With a unique perspective as a “Born-Again Albanian,” Mark shares his inspiring journey, his deep connection to his heritage, and his unwavering support for a program …
Over 100 young Albanians from the diaspora will start their journey to our homeland through the OriginAL program in 2024. The first group of young people, aged 18 to 24, will begin their adventure on May 31 from Prishtina and will conclude in Tirana after two weeks, with visits to places of historical and cultural …
Over 100 Young Albanians from the Diaspora on a Journey to Discover Their Roots Read More »
On May 3, at the Embassy of Kosovo in Paris, GERMIN hosted a collaborative event with Maison de l’Albanie and the IPKO Foundation, which proved to be an enlightening and productive session. Among the other initiatives, GERMIN presented the OriginAL program, to empower young Albanians in the diaspora and foster connections with their roots. The session …
Find Your Roots: OriginAL Program Presentation in Paris Read More »
Are you a young individual of Albanian origin, aged 18 to 24, looking to explore your cultural roots and connect with your heritage? The OriginAL program offers an extraordinary educational and cultural journey designed to deepen your understanding of Albania’s rich history and traditions. With a focus on connecting young Albanians from the diaspora with …
Embark on A Journey to Your Albanian Roots with OriginAL: Applications are now OPEN! Read More »
In an inspiring leap forward for cultural connection and heritage exploration, OriginAL proudly announces its expansion into North Macedonia. This significant move aims to unite young Albanians across the globe, fostering a sense of unity and shared identity. The program, renowned for its dedication to connecting the Albanian diaspora’s youth, is introducing one of its …
OriginAL Expands to North Macedonia: Connecting Albanian Diaspora Youth Across Borders Read More »
Application will open on May 25th, 2022.
Aplikimi hapet më datë 25 Maj, 2022.