Building Hope and Livelihoods for youth in Albania
In many rural areas of Albania, young people face significant structural barriers that limit their access to opportunities and support systems. Unemployment rates are high, vocational and higher education are often under-resourced or disconnected from the labor market, and there is a lack of meaningful support networks to help youth navigate personal or professional development.
Social exclusion, limited public investment, and migration further deepen these gaps, especially for vulnerable young people who experience economic and social hardships. Finding a job, launching a business, or simply feeling empowered to dream and act can feel out of reach. That’s where targeted, youth-centered projects like Power4AY become a life-changing opportunity — not just offering knowledge, but cultivating confidence, resilience, and support.
Mehmet is 21 years old and lives in the small rural village of Mjekës, in the Elbasan region of Albania. He shares a modest home with his father and grandmother and is the fourth child in a family of six. His story is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of timely support.
At the age of sixteen, just as he began vocational school in the nearby town of Cerrik, Mehmet lost his mother. Not long after, tragedy struck again when his sister passed away. The emotional weight of losing two beloved family members within such a short period was devastating. He became withdrawn, struggling with grief and uncertainty. “I felt broken,” he recalls. “I didn’t talk much. I was trying to hold myself together, but I felt alone and lost.”
Mehmet had just enrolled in the veterinary branch of “Mihal Shahini” vocational school, and it was there that he first encountered with Save the Children project in support of youth empowerment. What began as participation in some school-based activities slowly became something much deeper and more meaningful. Through Power4AY project, Mehmet was introduced to improved hands-on training in veterinary and updated curricula, and a series of awareness and empowerment activities that aimed to uplift young people knowledge and strengthen their personal and professional skills. For him, the project was a turning point. “Power4AY was not just about learning,” he says. “It gave me courage. It made me believe that I could dream again.”
As Mehmet advanced in his studies, the connection he had formed with his school community — teachers, peers, and the project staff — remained strong. After completing vocational school, he continued his education in Zootechnics at the Agricultural University in Tirana. Even with the physical distance, Mehmet never let go of the relationships and encouragement he had received back in Cerrik. “They kept encouraging me, telling me I had potential. That meant everything to me.”
So when the project announced a call for youth entrepreneurship grants, Mehmet applied without hesitation. Inspired by his growing knowledge, love for animals, and a desire to bring something positive to his village, he presented his business plan for a sheep farming in Mjekës. The idea was born out of both personal passion and practical foresight. He knew his background in veterinary and livestock knowledge would give him a unique advantage in running and sustaining such a business. With the support of Power4AY staff and technical experts from Save the Children, Mehmet began implementing his business plan in January 2024.
The beginning was humble. With the grant he received, Mehmet purchased just seven sheep and basic supplies to feed them. He transformed an abandoned military tunnel near his village into a temporary stable. He provided all the veterinary services himself, using what he had learned through school and the project. Today, just 20 months later, he proudly owns nearly 100 sheep. “I bought those first 7 sheep with the grant. I gave them everything — time, knowledge, and care. Today I have nearly 100 sheep.”
His everyday routine is packed and challenging. “I wake up at 5 every morning to take the flock out. Then I come back, clean up, and take the bus to Tirana for my university classes. It’s not easy — two hours round trip — but I do it because this is my passion and future”-said Mehmet.
Mehmet’s one-man business has grown into a small family enterprise. With the increasing number of sheep, he has brought in his father and brother to help with daily operations. “I’m proud that I’ve created something that supports my family,” he shares. “My father works with me now. We’re building something real together.”
His efforts have not gone unnoticed. Mehmet has gained the trust of his community, where people now seek his advice and assistance when their livestock fall ill or need treatment. He is recognized for his deep knowledge and careful attention to animal health. “People come to me for help when their animals are sick,” he says. “They know I care and that I’ve learned how to treat them properly.”
Looking ahead, Mehmet hopes to expand his flock to 200 sheep and build a modern, well-equipped stable to replace the temporary shelter he currently uses. After graduating, he plans to officially provide veterinary/zootechnical services in his region as well. He also hopes to become a resource for other young people, inspiring and mentoring them to believe in their potential and pursue similar paths. “I don’t want to leave my village,” he explains. “I want to bring value here. I want other young people to see that you can succeed, even in a small place like Mjekës.”
Reflecting on his path, Mehmet is clear about the role that Power4AY played in reshaping his life. “If I hadn’t joined this project, I don’t know where I would be. It gave me tools, but more than that, it gave me hope.”
In a country where rural youth often lack jobs and support, Mehmet’s case shows how resilience can help rebuild a life, start a business, and build a better future for himself and the community.
