Storytelling
MELI Project Closing Event – Reflecting on Progress and Charting the Future
On September 28, 2022, the MELI Project came to a close after months of intensive community work, advocacy, and environmental action. But instead of a final farewell, the closing event was a celebration of progress, a moment to reflect on what had been accomplished, and a call to keep pushing for long-term change. Held in the
Teaching Democracy in Action – How Youth Can Lead Change Locally
On a warm July 2, 2022, in the heart of Laknas, something different was happening. Instead of a traditional indoor workshop, RESU took learning out into the field, gathering with young people and local residents in a space where the problem was real—and so were the solutions. This wasn’t just a lecture. It was
Local Government, Residents, and Youth Unite for a Historic Cleanup on Earth Day
On April 22, 2022—Earth Day, something remarkable happened in Laknas, Tirana. For the first time, local authorities, residents, and youth activists stood side by side, united by one mission: to clean up one of the largest illegal dumping sites along the Ishmi River. What had once been a neglected and polluted area was
RESU Presents Waste Crisis Report to Kamëz Municipality – A Push for Action
On April 19, 2022, a crucial meeting took place at Kamëz Municipality—one that could change the way waste management is handled in Laknas. For years, illegal dumping had polluted the Ishmi River and surrounding areas, impacting the health and daily lives of local residents. Community frustration had grown, but action from local
A Closer Look at Waste – What’s Really Happening in Laknas?
For years, residents of Laknas, Kamëz have lived alongside growing piles of waste, watching as their riverbanks and open spaces became illegal dumping grounds. Some tried to report the problem. Others simply adapted, forced to live with the pollution. But how bad was the situation? And more importantly, who was responsible, and what
Community on the Move – Taking Action for a Cleaner River
The sun had barely risen when the first residents of Laknas, Tirana gathered by the river. They weren’t waiting for government action. They weren’t expecting someone else to clean up the mess. They were here to take matters into their own hands. With gloves on and trash bags in hand, they stood beside RESU
Guardians of the River – Youth Taking the Lead
The river had always been there, flowing through their town like a silent witness to time. But over the years, something had changed. Plastic, old furniture, even construction waste had turned its banks into a dumping ground. It was easy to look away—until a group of young people decided they
From Classrooms to Action – Teaching the Next Generation to Protect Nature
The school bell rang, but this wasn’t an ordinary lesson. There were no textbooks, no exams—just a simple but powerful question: What can we do to protect the environment? In the framework of the MELI Project, supported by Leviz Albania and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the RESU team
Walking the River – A Youth-Led Search for Answers
A group of young volunteers, guided by the RESU team, set out along the Ishmi River—not just to look, but to learn. They weren’t scientists or experts. They were students, activists, and locals who cared about their community. And they had one big question: Why is this river so polluted,
MELI Project Kick-Off – A New Start for the Ishmi River
On 27/12/2021, the MELI Project was officially launched, bringing together local leaders, residents, activists, and experts for a critical discussion on the growing waste crisis along the Ishmi River. This meeting wasn’t just about presenting a new initiative—it was about setting the stage for action, mobilizing the community, and making it clear that environmental