This summer, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the UNICEF Albania office with the Education team. The hospitality of the office created an environment where I could expand my knowledge of educational advocacy while contributing meaningfully. Whether assisting with data analysis, reviewing national strategies, or attending meetings with partners, I observed how international frameworks, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, are translated into policy. The experience highlighted Albania’s progress in widening access to education, alongside persistent challenges, rural-urban divides, resource limitations, and the urgent need for teacher training, which continue to hinder equity. Most importantly, I witnessed how collaboration among governments, NGOs, and international organizations is essential to ensure not only that every child attends school, but that they receive a quality education capable of breaking cycles of poverty and fostering inclusive growth.
Contributions and Engagement
A major highlight of my experience was mentoring groups at the AI Hustle Lab Workshop. Over two days, high school students worked in teams to develop creative yet realistic business ideas and presented them to a panel of mock investors. While only three groups were officially recognized as winners, all participants emerged motivated, confident, and eager to continue developing their skills.
The workshop underscored the importance of global educational opportunities. Nearly 50% of Albanian youth identify a lack of professional or academic opportunities as their greatest challenge (U-Report Albania). While mentoring, I spoke with students who felt underrepresented and overshadowed by peers internationally, yet through the workshop, they flourished, creating innovative ideas and learning to utilize AI. The universal nature of a young scholar became notable. Through their works, I saw firsthand that whether in New York or Tirana, students are passionate and deserving, but some journeys are cut short, reminding us that potential needs pathways, not just promise. Programs like the AI Hustle Lab and UNICEF initiatives such as UPSHIFT deliver those pathways, showing that when youth voices are heard and knowledge recognized, opportunities multiply. I met students who, through a single opportunity (Adolescent Advisory Board, UPSHIFT, or other), were able to catapult their careers and contribute meaningfully back to their communities.
The Importance of the Voice
U-Report played a central role in my UNICEF journey, advancing youth outreach and engagement. Since the youth voice, when amplified through platforms like U-Report, becomes more than opinion, it becomes action and policy. Presenting U-Report to students at AI Hustle Lab, I realized how eager they were to share their experiences and create change. Over 37 million youth globally, including many students in Albania, use the platform to submit polls and advocate for policies that affect their futures. In a country where government corruption often leads to overlooked individual voices, U-Report provides students with the tools to demand change in issues that will define their education and careers.
