TIRANA,ALBANIA: The Art of Living added another country to its global footprint with the conclusion of its first-ever programme in Albania last month. A special programme for youth was held under the patronage of Albanian Prime Minister Dr Sali Berisha and was conducted through its sister organisation, International Association of Human Values (IAHV).
Seventy bright students and young professionals took part in the six-day YES!+ work- shop held at the University of Tirana, Faculty of Economics.YES!+ is the acronym for Youth Empowerment Seminar Plus and it imparts unique leadership, stress management and communication skill training. An international team of trainers from Switzerland, Bulgaria and Croatia conducted the workshop.
The Albanian government has welcomed the Art of Living’s initiative to bring to the country its globally acclaimed self-development and stress elimination programmes that promote ethics, human values and social responsibility.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome the International As- sociation for Human Values to Albania and look forward to cooperating with this institute,” said Dr Petraq Milo, advisor to the Prime Minister.
Appreciating the effectiveness of the training, Professor Sidita Dibra of the faculty of economics said,
“I have seen participants in many courses around the world, but this workshop has been different. It is practical, direct, effective and definitely worth attending. I thank the organizers from my heart, this really made a difference.”
The youth who attended the programme have also lauded the Prime Minister for bringing the programme to the country through letters of gratitude written to him.
“YES!+ was a really valuable ex- perience for us because it opened new windows of opportunities and perspectives. During this training, we were able to practice our knowledge, give ideas to solve social problems in Albania, and implement projects in this field. We are grateful for your support in this activity and hope for similar projects in the future,” wr0te a participant.
“Through this letter we would like to express our gratitude for the opportunity created for us, due to your contact with IAHV. During this training, we found the needed inspiration to upgrade ourselves qualita- tively as the generation that will maintain the successful European future of Albania,” wrote another.
“It was amazing for us to experience the dynamism, enthusiasm and great skill of the youth in Albania,” said Christoph Glaser, workshop trainer and a member of the IAHV board.
YES!+ is an innovative and dynamic educational and life skills programme that offers tools for young people to learn how to navigate through life’s challenges.