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 a hands-on experience in democracy.
In the framework of the MELI Project, supported by Leviz Albania and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the workshop “Participative Democracy – How to Act at the Local Level” was designed to equip young people and local ambassadors with the tools to engage in decision-making and fight for their rights.
The Workshop Itinerary: A Lesson Beyond Words
Instead of sitting through long presentations, participants walked through the reality of their community—learning from what they could see, touch, and experience.
1️⃣ Meeting with Local Ambassadors – Youth from the community who had already taken an active role in environmental advocacy shared their experiences, challenges, and hopes for change.
2️⃣ A Visit to Polluted Sites – Participants saw firsthand three illegal dumping sites still active in the area, followed by a visit to three locations that had already been cleaned through community efforts.
3️⃣ Gathering in Laknas Forest – A moment to reflect. Here, the discussion turned to the power of youth engagement and how to build momentum for local action.
4️⃣ Understanding Participative Democracy – Led by Anila Salianji, an expert in advocacy and local governance, this session focused on:
✔ How communities can legally challenge pollution and government inaction.
✔ Ways to engage with institutions and demand accountability.
✔ The role of civic movements in pushing for better policies.
5️⃣ Youth as Decision-Makers – Mariglend Pepmarku, a project management expert, discussed how youth-driven initiatives can bring real solutions. He highlighted that small actions lead to big impact—and that young people should see themselves as key players in local governance.
From Words to Action
One participant, a local resident, stood up and said:
“We always say we want change, but we never ask how to make it happen. Now I know where to start.”
This workshop was more than an event. It was a shift in perspective—turning everyday people into advocates, and young people into leaders.
By the end of the day, participants left not just with knowledge but with a plan. A plan to:
🔹 Hold local institutions accountable.
🔹 Use legal tools to demand environmental protection.
🔹 Take ownership of their communities.
Because democracy isn’t just about voting—it’s about participating, questioning, and making sure that the right voices are heard.
This was just the first step. The future of local action was now in their hands.