The Activists’ Club gathered for an inspiring session on creative activism. The meeting introduced innovative ways to advocate for change, emphasizing the power of art, satire, and unconventional protest methods to raise awareness about issues in education and governance.
Creative activism combines artistic expression with advocacy, using unique and unexpected methods to capture attention and inspire action. Unlike traditional protests, these approaches engage the public in ways that provoke thought, spark discussions, and challenge the status quo.
During the session, members explored various forms of creative activism that could be adapted to address educational transparency and accountability in Lezhë. Some of the standout ideas included:
Fake Public Auction – Organizing a symbolic auction in the city center to “sell” items in order to raise money for underfunded schools. This action would highlight the lack of investment in education and expose misplaced government priorities.
Mock Political Billboards – Designing satirical electoral posters featuring local politicians promising “European-standard schools in Lezhë,” while listing real failures such as broken chairs, leaking roofs, and missing security staff.
Puppet Theater Performance – A satirical play featuring puppets representing politicians manipulating the education system, exposing how political influence overshadows student needs.
Silent Protest with Empty Chairs – Lining up empty chairs in front of government buildings, each labeled with a real issue faced by schools (e.g., “No security guards,” “No heating in winter”). This powerful visual statement forces passersby to confront the reality of underfunded education.
Report Cards for Politicians – Publicly displaying “report cards” grading government officials on education funding, transparency, and political influence in schools—a clear and direct way to hold leaders accountable.
At the end of the session, members selected one creative action to implement in the coming weeks. The next steps include preparing materials, organizing logistics, and executing the campaign to maximize impact. The club also discussed documenting and anonymously sharing their activism online to raise awareness and engage a wider audience.
This meeting marked a new phase of youth activism in Lezhë, empowering young people to challenge injustice through creativity. The Activists’ Club is ready to bring bold, thought-provoking actions to the streets—because education deserves more than empty promises!
This intervention is supported by the BAT Monitor Program (Budget Accountability and Transparency), implemented by the Institute for Democracy and Mediation (IDM) and funded by the European Union .
