Durrës, 8 July 2025– The closing ceremony of the national competition “Learning from the Past – Acting for the Future” was held, an event that engaged young voices to reflect on Albania’s history and promote active civic engagement.
Konkursi u zhvillua në kuadër të projektit të Këshillit të Evropës “Forcimi i Edukimit për Qytetari Demokratike në Shqipëri”, në bashkëpunim me Autoritetin për Informim mbi Dokumentet e Ish-Sigurimit të Shtetit dhe me mbështetjen e Agjencisë Suedeze për Zhvillim dhe Bashkëpunim Ndërkombëtar (Sida).
The ceremony brought together representatives from the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Ombudsman, the Municipality of Durrës, the Children’s Cultural Center in Durrës, along with teachers, parents, and students, in an event of remembrance, creativity, and responsibility.
From November 2024 to April 2025, over 520 students from 30 schools in 10 cities—including Tirana, Durrës, Elbasan, Prrenjas, Shkodër, Vlorë, Bulqizë, and others—participated in the informative and reflective tour “Learning from the Past,” aimed at encouraging awareness and reflection on the country’s historical past.
During this journey, the students were introduced to:
· publications by the Authority such as “Sunrise in Spaç”, “Spaç – The Story of a Revolt” and “Broken Borders”;
· the documentary “3 Days of Freedom in Spaç”;
· testimonies from survivors of political prisons;
· the fundamental concepts of human rights and their violations during the dictatorship.
In her speech, the Chairwoman of AIDSSH, Ms. Gentiana Sula, praised the courage, critical thinking, and originality of the students:
“This is not just a competition, but a step towards increasing civic awareness. We invite young people to learn from the past not only to remember it but to use it as a guide for a freer and more democratic future.”
The ceremony continued with the awarding of prizes for 17 outstanding works in poetry, prose, essays, visual arts, and multimedia. More than 80 submissions in total showcased the talent of young people and their sensitivity to historical and democratic themes.
This activity marks an important step in efforts to empower young people through education and culture, ensuring that the lessons of the past serve as a foundation for building an aware and democratic society.
M.D
