Rising Above Adversity: Armand´s Quest for a Better Future
“All the life skills sessions have been very valuable, but the ones that have had the most impact on my daily life is self-evaluation, which has helped me a lot with self-esteem and valuing myself above everything. I used to be worried about things happening to me, but after the sessions my reflection is that I will have self-control and build a stronger personality.” Armand, 20 years old
In Albania, many young people face tough choices: work in difficult conditions, leave their country searching for better opportunities, or try to make a difference at home despite the challenges. High unemployment, inadequate education, and limited opportunities can trap young people most impacted by inequality into a cycle of poverty.
Armand, 20-years-old, grew up in poverty and has experienced dangerous work helping his father support their family inside the mines of Bulqiza, a town in Northeast Albania. There, his family lived in a humble, isolated and humid house from where he walked one hour to school in difficult weather. “In my family, poverty increased every day, I tried to work in the dangerous chrome mines to help my family. During the day I went to school and in the afternoon to the chrome stocks. I worked together with other friends and there were times when we were hurt by landslides. We worked illegally and everyone had their working areas occupied. We knew the risks, but we had no other choice but to work for 3 euros per day just to cover our daily bread”.
Despite the harsh circumstances, Armand remained determined to create a better future. “Life is beautiful but it was very tough for me and my family” says Armand, reflecting on his experience. “I grew up in dire situations lacking the basic means for living. My father at that time had no choice but to work in the mines under life dangerous conditions or seek employment in Greece. So, he moved abroad, and for a decade, my mother, sister and I had to support ourselves”.
After a decade of immigration, when his father returned home with aspirations of establishing a business, those aspirations were swiftly dashed, compelling him to return to working in the mines. His father resolved to utilize his savings and borrowed funds to purchase a house in the town, only to fall victim of fraud. This predicament exacerbated the family’s struggles, leading to housing instability and menacing threats, necessitating frequent relocation and instilling a constant sense of fear. However, through sacrifice and hard work, venturing into agriculture, raising poultry and livestock the family eventually started a small farm which ameliorated their financial circumstances.
It was in this difficult situation that Armand´s life took a turn when he enrolled in a Professional High School in Peshkopi to be formed in Social and Health Services. It was here that he was introduced to the POWER 4 AY project where training provided not only equipped him with valuable life skills but also instilled in him the confidence to pursue his dreams. “My decision to enroll in the school and join the project brought signifi cant changes to my life,” Armand refl ects.
Fostering his entrepreneurial spirit and introducing him to a network of young potential entrepreneurs the POWER 4 AY presented an opportunity to realize his own business dreams. Mentored by the project´s team, Armand developed a business plan to combine farming and tourism and successfully secured funding to kickstart his venture. His dream of expanding his mini-farm and establishing a tourist camp not only promises economic growth but also aims to showcase the cultural heritage of his community.
“My dream has always been to grow my mini farm in the village, and with the growth of the business, to establish a tourist camp to promote the values and culture of the area,” he shares. “I want to build a better future for myself and my family without having to work in dangerous conditions in the mines or emigrate abroad,” he says, optimistic about the future.
Armand’s story is one of hope and determination. Despite facing numerous obstacles, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of a brighter future for himself and his family. His message to his peers is one of encouragement: “Never give up on your dreams, no matter how difficult the journey may seem. There are opportunities out there; you just have to be brave enough to reach for them.”
As Armand embarks on his entrepreneurial journey, he not only strives for personal success but also seeks to create a legacy of opportunity for his community. Through his resilience and determination, Armand embodies the potential for positive change, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, a better future is possible.