For the third year in a row, RYCO had the pleasure of welcoming a group of Harvard students in Tirana, for an open and engaging conversation about youth, reconciliation, and regional cooperation in the Western Balkans.
The session, held on May 21 at Beta Plan Coding Bootcamps, began with Teodora Stolevska, RYCO’s Head of Programs, offering a glimpse into how RYCO started, with a vision to heal post-conflict divisions and how it has grown into a regional platform that connects young people across the region. Kreshnik Loka, Head of RYCO’s Local Branch Office in Albania, brought that vision into the present, sharing how local projects are helping young people become active participants in their communities.
What followed wasn’t a lecture, but a conversation. The students asked bold, thoughtful questions, about activism, civil society, trust-building, and the role of youth in shaping political narratives.
One moment that stood out came from a student named Anastasija Djordja, who shared that her connection to RYCO began years ago, long before Harvard, when she joined a youth project as a high school student. That experience sparked her passion for regional cooperation.
“Being back here, with all that I’ve learned since, feels like coming full circle,” she said.
The session ended with a brief presentation by Program Assistant Mariza Rama, who highlighted RYCO’s current cross-regional projects and shared a short video capturing youth stories from around the region.
For many students, the visit offered something more than just a better understanding of the Western Balkans. It was a reminder that moments like these, grounded in open dialogue and shared experiences, are what make international cooperation real and impactful. This visit reaffirmed the value of cross-cultural exchange in fostering a more connected and empathetic community, while paving the way for meaningful dialogue and lasting regional collaboration.
