When a passion for social development goes hand in hand with will power of people who share similar viewpoints, a vision for the future is naturally born and set in motion.
H.A.N.A Youth Center is the only space for non-formal learning and youth activism dedicated to young people aged 13-29 in Lezhë. In an area of 250 m2, divided into service corners, the Center offers short courses in storytelling, multimedia, political studies, theater and artistic recycling; functions as a cinema, as an indoor play center and an incubator of civic youth initiatives.
H.A.N.A Youth Center was designed to awaken youth interest to get acquainted with the social, political and economic current affairs of the country, as it was, as it is and as it should be. To understand, live and contribute as a European citizen in a European country, aspiring to become part of the EU family. To achieve this goal, H.A.N.A approaches professional and impartial bodies or individuals to provide information and discussion sessions with young people
During 2020, the Center has conducted 39 activities focusing on discussing gender inequality and the underestimated role of girls and women in Albanian society, especially in Lezhë. Activities such as video projects that shed light on young people’s perceptions of the phenomenon as well as institutional reactions, structured debates among young people in front of institutions / professionals, preparation of theatrical performances, youth clubs to discuss behaviors that lead to violence and TED-X like events and discussions by / with professionals.
We are busy bees, all the time buzzing with activities; youth are always the protagonists!
H.A.N.A was shaped when individual efforts of a few people challenged a mindset of civic apathy in the communities in Lezhë through a number of youth initiatives.
Our mission is to serve as a liaison to the potential of communities, especially young people, and their opportunities for development through new ways that encourage meaningful participation in the social, cultural, economic and political life of society.
“H.A.N.A is the most innovative initiative in the northern towns of Albania. Everything that is taught in Tirana about democracy, activism, rule of law and inclusion, Lezhë youth receive it through the fantastic work of H.A.N.A.”,
I welcome and salute the initiative of H.A.N.A Centre to gather around and converse with youth because indeed you can learn by reading books but you learn also through exchanging ideas and posing questions.
“H.A.N.A. Center is a tremendous chance for me, my generation, and all youth to learn and interact socially on a variety of topics such as storytelling, multimedia, politics, art and entertainment!”
"I like to attend this center because it opens new paths for me. I expand my vocabulary and knowledge from the lectures given by skilled professionals, philosophers and pedagogues. I make new friends, I express my opinion, I listen to different opinions, we debate and I enjoy the free time where we have so much fun with my friends using the indoor games at the center.”
The founders of H.A.N.A are, Besmira Lekaj, Edisona Xhani, Lorenc Daja and Minju Kim. H.A.N.A is the abbreviated form of the phrase "Hand to Hand Against Nation Apathy" in English language. It will be shortly read/pronounced HANA (as hëna in Gegë dialect; moon in English).
