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Thirty young Albanians from across the diaspora arrived in Prishtina to begin their OriginAL journey as part of Cohort 9, the first cohort of 2026. What started with introductions at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K.) quickly grew into a meaningful experience filled with learning, reflection, friendship, and a stronger sense of belonging. From the first day, participants […]

Thirty young members of the Albanian diaspora arrived in Prishtina to begin their OriginAL journey as part of Cohort 9, the first cohort of 2026. What started with introductions at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K.) quickly evolved into a meaningful experience filled with learning, reflection, and the formation of new friendships. Throughout their first week in Kosovo,

In just a few days, a new group of young Albanians from across the diaspora will arrive for the June 2026 OriginAL cohort. For participants, the experience often begins when they step off the plane. For the OriginAL team, however, the journey begins months earlier. Every cohort is the result of countless conversations, planning sessions,

In November 2025, participants of OriginAL Cohort 8 traveled to Manastir, to visit the Museum of the Albanian Alphabet, widely known as the Shtepia e Alfabetit. For many participants, this was an encounter with one of the moments that helped shape Albanian identity across regions, religions, and generations… Inside this building, history feels close. The

Every story that changes lives begins with people who choose to believe in something before the rest of the world can fully see it. OriginAL is one of those stories. What started as an idea in 2022, to reconnect young Albanians from the diaspora with their roots, identity, and homeland, has grown into a movement

June 10, 2026 Hosted by Fadil Berisha There are moments in life when something awakens inside you… A feeling you cannot fully explain… A voice calling you back to your roots, your story, your people. OriginAL was born from that feeling. What began in 2022 as a simple idea has now become a movement that

Growing up between cultures can feel like living in two worlds at once. For many young people in the Albanian diaspora, identity is not always simple. You speak different languages, move between different traditions, and sometimes feel like you belong everywhere and nowhere at the same time. But in that space, there is something powerful,

When participants join OriginAL, they do not only visit places of historical and national importance. They also experience Albanian culture in ways that feel personal, joyful, and alive. One of those memorable moments is Albanian Night, an interactive cultural evening in the heart of Tirana. Located near Skanderbeg Square, this experience gives participants the chance

At first glance, this part of the OriginAL journey may look like another chapter of movement across cities, places, and historical landmarks. And yes, participants traveled to Tetovë, walked through Shkup, and stood in Manastir, at the place where the Albanian alphabet was unified. For many, these were names they had heard before, places tied

At first glance, the OriginAL program may look like a journey across cities, landmarks, and places that carry history, culture, and national meaning. And yes, participants walk through Prekaz, stand in Prizren, explore Tirana, and experience places they may have only heard about before. But what truly defines OriginAL does not happen only during these