The Secretariat
Executive Director
Dafina Peci
Dafina Peci holds the position of the Secretary General for National Youth Congress of Albania, an umbrella organization of 112 youth organizations. She holds a Bachelor degree on Political Sciences and another one on International Relations and a Master of Since degree in Regional Policy and Security.
She as well has realized a specialization on Post Conflict Security Establishments, Peacebuilding and Mediation. Since 2017 she is as well engaged as a professor assistant on the Classic and Contemporary Political Philosophy in the University of Tirana.
Dafina has also been engaged in the working group to establish Regional Youth Cooperation Office since in the very first steps and she held for 3 years the position of Albanian youth representative in the Governing Board of this structure.
Communication Officer
Shila Parllaku
Shila Parllaku holds a Bachelor degree in Administration and Social Policy at the University of Tirana, Faculty of Social Sciences. She holds the position of the Communication Officer for the National Youth Congress of Albania, and the position of the Assistant Project Coordinator for the program with the German Foundation Hanns Seidel. As a Communication Officer she is responsible for assisting in the communications strategy, updating and maintain the social media accounts of NYC. As the Assistant Project Coordinator of German Foundation Hanns Seidel project, she is responsible for the implementation of the activities in the framework of the program.
She has been part of the organization for two years contributing to various youth projects and forums. She has been part of many workshops organized from Friedrich Ebert Stifung, participated in OFAJ/DFJW – Franco-German Youth Office youth exchange program, holding the position of the program coordination for the exchange, also participated in the International PRTR week, organized by UNECE and OECD in cooperation with UNITAR and UNEP. She held the position of coordinator for the 7th General Assembly of the National Youth Congress of Albania.
Policy Advocacy Officer
Klajdi Priska
Mr. Priska holds a bachelor’s in computer science and holds diplomas on several professional courses in economics and political sciences. Part of his education is also a series of non-formal learning means in Erasmus+ programme along with international seminars and conferences.
Previously he has worked in the Albanian Parliament in collaboration with the NDI, assisting MP’s on administrative and public work. He has worked as a moderator for multiple foundations including UN agencies, and assisting projects part of the international foundations. He has been part of policy making groups in youth employment and education and acted as foreign affairs coordinator in Albanian political youth forums.
In his career, he has engaged in numerous capacity building processes (trainings and holding workshops around Europe). He has volunteered in the Civil Society continuously and worked with CSO’s to promote their activities on increasing youth engagement and empowerment, social security and amongst other things better educational system and inclusive labor market.
Currently he works as Policy and Advocacy Officer at the National Youth Congress of Albania, organizing and attending in stakeholders’ meetings, documenting, and following up with important actions and decisions from the meetings, and developing project strategies as well as undertaking project tasks as required. At all times, the work is aligned with personal, national, and European values.
Research Officer
Enxhi Lipa
Enxhi is a graduate of Political Science and International Relations at Epoka University. She is an activist of civil society since 2015 engaged mostly in the areas of: active citizenship, environment, volunteering, gender equality and youth policies. She is competent in two languages: English and Italian.
Passionate about youth and policy-making she has completed several internships in local and national institutions such as: Durres municipality and Albanian Parliament with the aim to represent youth and transmit the youth voice near the ones who have the right mechanisms to improve the life of citizens and especially of youth. Enxhi is engaged in several projects that have to do mainly with: EU integration process, regional connectivity, advocacy and youth. She states that a better country can be done if we decide to do so and that results will be more visible if we are more in number.
Governing Board
President
Ana Gjoka
Ana Gjoka, is graduated in Bachelor Degree in Political Science and has done her Master degree in regional Studies. She has been certified as a “Policy Maker” at the Elite Professional Academy. Apart from being just a student, she is actively engaged in civil society to strengthen the role of young people in society. Ana is part of National youth Congress for 7 years as representative of her NGO “Youth in Charge”. She has participated in various training and conferences organized by national NGO as FES, NDI, KAS, World Vision UK, MCW, Erasmus+, EMA. etc.
Ana spends most of her time volunteering for various causes. She volunteered in cities like Thumane and Lezha to help people affected by the earthquake in November 2019. She also volunteered during the pandemic Covid– 19 in Lezha city, distributing 500 masks.
GRETA TOPJANA
Greta Topjana është diplomuar në Shkenca Politike në Universitetin e Tiranës.
Përgjatë bachelorit ka studjuar në Universitetin e Pavias në Itali falë bursës së përfituar nga Erasmus+. Studimet master I nisi në Shqiperi për Studime Rajonale Politike dhe më vonë nisi një master të dytë shkencor me një bursë nga PoSIG në Universitetin e Salzburgut në Austri, për “Qeverisje dhe Integrim.”
Falë studimeve jashtë vendit dhe praktikës në Institute of Regions of Europe, në Salzburg, ajo tashmë është emeruar si koordinatorja lokale për Shqiperinë në këtë institut kërkimor I fokusuar në studimet politike.
Greta Topjana është aktualisht gazetare në televizionin Euronews Albania dhe njëkohësisht kërkuese shkencore në projekte kombëtare dhe ndërkombetare.
Si një Erasmus Alumni I është bashkuar Zyrës Kombëtare të Erasmus+ në 2018, duke informuar studentet shqiptarë mbi programin e Komisionit Europian, Erasmus+, për më shumë se një vit.
Që prej disa vitesh është aktive në shoqërinë civile me projekte, artikuj shkencorë, dhe trajnime. Ajo ka përfaqesuar Shqipërinë në konferenca të shumta ndërkombetare rinore duke dhënë kontributin e saj të bazuar në edukimin dhe eksperiencën e saj të pasur në këtë fushë.
Prej vitesh është certifikuar dhe trajnuar në fushën e të drejtave të njeriut, politikave të BE-së, lidershipit, dhe ceshtjeve që prekin Evropën Juglindore, sistemeve elektorale, brënda dhe jashtë vendit. Ka bashkepunuar me shumë organizata ne Shqiperi dhe rreth dy vite më pare ka bashkethemeluar dëgën e një organizatë ndërkombëtare në Shqipëri, WorldYouth Alliance, ku madje është certifikuar për të qenë trajnere për “Human Right Curriculum”.
Prej disa kohesh shkruan artikuj shekncorë, dhe është bërë pjesë e projekteve kërkimore, por edhe ka bere peer reviews të librave në arenën ndërkombëtare me tema me fokus demokracinë, partitë e djathta populiste, Evropen Juglindore etj.
Mario Prendi
Mario Prendi holds a BA in Law from the European University of Tirana and a master’s degree with honors on Scientific Criminal Law from the Faculty of Law, University of Tirana. He is licensed as an Attorney at Law and is a member of the Albanian Bar Association. Following his passion regarding rule of law and promoting human rights protection, Mario has been practicing and improving his legal skills starting from the 2nd year of BA studies, by participating in different court sessions. He has participated in moot courts organized by European Law Students Association as well as in different youth NGO-s, offering legal advice and support on drafting and proposing youth policies with a focus on youth empowerment, youth participation in the decision-making processes and youth collaboration in the domestic and regional level.
Mario has also been occupied in law-oriented NGO-s in which he has offered legal expertise in implementing projects with the aim of approximating the domestic legal framework with the EU’s Acquis, as an essential component of the Justice Reform in Albania.
Mario has been improving his professional skills during his previous work experiences by working as a lawyer assistant in “TP & Partners” and “Premier Consultancy Group”, legal studios focused mainly in civil and corporate law/criminal law, in which he has mainly offered contractual, litigation and consulting services.
Currently Mario holds the position of the Junior Legal Officer in the Regional Youth Cooperation Office, an intergovernmental organization focused on facilitating and enhancing the reconciliation, collaboration and interconnectedness process of youth residing in WB6.
Mario, as a member of the Governing Board of the National Youth Congress, is constantly active in offering his expertise concerning draft-laws and policies which affect the Albanian youth, as well as in working closely with his colleagues in offering innovative and pragmatic solutions, aiming at the youth empowerment.
Aleksandros Metaj
Përshëndetje! Quhem Aleksandros Metaj dhe jam një i ri energjik nga Kuçova.Aktualisht jam duke ndjekur vitin e dytë të gjimnazit,dhe pres që vitin tjetër të vazhdoj edukimin tim në SHBA si një nga 20 Finalistët e Programit YES. Prej tre vitesh jam aktivist në shoqërinë civile. Aktivizmi rinor është një nga pasionet e mia më të mëdha.Puna dhe pjesëmarrja ime e vazhdueshme në aktivitete/trajnime/workshope dhe projekte të ndryshme është vlerësuar dhe evidentohet në emërimin tim si President jo vetëm të Qeverisë së Nxënësve të Gjimnazit ku unë studioj, por edhe në Qendrën Rinore Kuçovë prej shumë kohësh. Unë nuk lë asnjë mundësi “të më shpëtojë nga duart” dhe inkurajoj çdo të ri për të bërë të njëjtën gjë!
Board Member
Anxhela Xhaka
Board Member
Silvia Dervishi
Board Member
Steljana Lapa
Local Coordinators
Local Coordinator, Shkodër
Engjell Gjugja
Engjell Gjugja was born on December 1, 1989 in the city of Gjakova, in the Republic of Kosovo. He completed primary and secondary school in the city of Gjakova, while he completed his university studies at the Papal Salesian University in Rome, Faculty of Philosophy.
He has been engaged as a professor of Philosophy / Ethics at the non-public Gymnasium “Maria Ndihmtare” in Shkodra. The desire and dedication to work with young people served as a springboard for his employment in various organizations who implemented projects with a focus on this target group.
Experience inside and outside the country influenced the improvement of services of public and non-public institutions through innovations that created a welcoming climate for the youth of the city.
He has been the president of the National Youth Congress and currently works at the Municipality of Shkodra as a coordinator of the Atelie Youth Center, under the administration of the Municipality of Shkodra.
Since 2018, Engjelli holds the role of local coordinator of Shkodra, within the program dedicated to youth policies at the local level for three years developed by the National Youth Congress in cooperation with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Tirana Foundation.
Local Coordinator, Roskovec
Marina Hysenaj
Marina Viktoria Hysenji graduated from the University of Tirana, at the Faculty of Foreign Languages for French Civilization and Civilization and then continued her Master of Science studies for teachers. In 2018-2019 he continued his professional master studies for “Conflict Resolution and Disputes through Mediation”, at the Faculty of Social Sciences.
In addition to work experiences as an activist at several associations in Fier, she has conducted a series of trainings on various topics and different fields.
Since 2018, Marina holds the role of local coordinator of Roskovec, within the program dedicated to youth policies at the local level for three years developed by the National Youth Congress in cooperation with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Tirana Foundation. Practicality at work, communication with others, good organization, achievement of objectives and correctness are what characterize the Navy. For this reason, our cooperation will continue to bear fruit in other initiatives and activities that await us.
Local Coordinator, Tiranë
Enxhi Lipa
Enxhi Lipa holds a degree in Political Science and International Relations from Epoka University. She is a civil society activist since 2015 engaged mainly in the fields of active citizenship, environment, volunteerism, gender equality and youth policies.
Passionate about youth and policy making, she has completed several internships in local and national institutions such as the municipality of Durrës and the Albanian Parliament with the aim of representing the youth and transmitting the voice of young people to those who have the right mechanisms to improve the lives of citizens and especially the youth.
Since 2020, Enxhi is the local coordinator of the city of Tirana, giving her contribution to the construction of the Employment Master Plan for the Municipality of Tirana, a project implemented by the National Youth Congress in cooperation with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Tirana Foundation. Together with Enxhi Lipa, we have a lot of work and other initiatures, many activities in cooperation with FES, with the Municipality and active local youth organizations and initiatives.
Local Coordinator, Përmet
Dorjan Meraj
Mr. Dorjan Meraj has been active in civil society for more than 10 years as an activist in the environmental protection and environmental issues, volunteer in various initiatives, project management, trainer in capacity building, etc. He has a degree in economics and has attended a series of trainings and capacity building programs conducted by the EU, TACSO, AICS.
Dorjan has given his contribution and consultancy to some of the main organizations in the south of Albania such as Cesvi, Vjosa Explorer, MUP, Convivumi Slow Food Përmet and is currently engaged in the function of Local Coordinator for the National Youth Congress in the implementation of Local Youth Action Plans and Youth Employment Master Plans in Përmet Municipality. He knows very well the situation and youth issues in the country and is fluent in foreign languages English and Italian
Local Coordinator, Lezhë
Majlinda Toma
Majlinda Toma graduated from the University of Shkodra at the Faculty of Education Sciences in the branch of Psychology, then continued Professional Master Studies in Counselling Psychology at the University of Tirana, at the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Since 2008 she has worked as a school psychologist at the Gymnasium “Hydajet Lezha” in Lezha as well as a civil society activist where she has given a relatively long contribution.
Good organizational skills, relatively long experience in working with young people and a positive approach to them are some of the characteristics of Majlinda, who holds the role of local coordinator of Lezha, in the program dedicated to youth policies at the local level for three years developed by the National Youth Congress in cooperation with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Tirana Foundation.
Local Coordinator, Kamëz
Mariza Rama
Mariza Rama graduated from the European University of Tirana at the Faculty of Law in 2019. She then continued the cycle of Master of Science studies in “Private Law and Business” at the European University of Tirana.
In addition to various work experiences, Mariza has been actively engaged for about 5 years. The passion for lobbying for various social issues, and the desire to contribute to their improvement in the city of Kamza, has led me to participate in various trainings, mainly related to local government, legal approach, culture, and youth.
2020 was the first year of Mariza as local coordinator of Kamza, within the program dedicated to youth policies at the local level of three years developed by the National Youth Congress in cooperation with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Tirana Foundation.
Local Coordinator, Kukës
Merita Brati
Merita Brati graduated from the University of Tirana, Faculty of Social Sciences, in the field of Social Work.
Since 1998 she has worked as a technical consultant for the establishment of the student government in the gymnasium “Havzi Nela” and in the 9-year school “Riza Spahiu” Kukës.
From 2000-2010 she is part of Troç and for 7 years coordinator of the Kukës Regional Youth Council and also coordinator of the Vore Youth Platform.
A civil society activist with a focus on youth and capacity building, Merita holds the role of local coordinator in Kukës since 2018, a project implemented by the National Youth Congress in cooperation with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Tirana Foundation.
Local Coordinator, Vlorë
Saniela Xhaferi
Saniela Xhaferi graduated from the University of Tirana, at the Faculty of Social Sciences, in Political Science / Political Theory during the period 2007-2012, “Bachelor” and “Master of Science” cycles. Currently, he is awaiting receiving the degree of “Doctor of Science” in Political Science.
Saniela has been a lecturer / lecturer at the University College “Independence Vlora” since 2013 onwards. Also, since 2013 he is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Tirana. She is known in the academic world by participating in various conferences and has published a number of academic papers in scientific journals. Her research interests focus on political science, political economy, public administration, research methods and governance systems in European countries. Since 2018, Saniela Xhaferi holds the role of local coordinator of Vlora, within the program dedicated to youth policies at the local level for three years developed by the National Youth Congress in cooperation with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Tirana Foundation.
Local Coordinator, Elbasan
Sanije Fatkoja
Sanije (Haxhihyseni) Fatko graduated in Natural Sciences, Department of Biology-Chemistry, specializing in Biology. He then graduated in Humanities, Law, law. In 2008 – 2009 he completed his studies at the Albanian Political School, master level in political science.
For a period of 20 years he has contributed to teaching in general secondary schools and at the University “A Xhuvani” in Elbasan.
She has contributed to the Public Administration at the local level in leading positions as Chief of Cabinet of the Mayor of Elbasan, Director of the Directorate of Properties and Tenders in the Municipality of Elbasan, Legal Director in the Legal Office of the Elbasan Region.
Sanije has stood out for her contribution to Civil Society since 1999 in defending the rights of women, children and especially young people. She is the leader and the most active person from the beginning and throughout the activity of the local association “For the psycho-social and cultural development of children and youth.” It is part of networks such as the Albanian Youth Council, Youth Parliament, Resolution 1325, National Youth Congress, etc..
Since 2018, Sanije holds the role of local coordinator of Elbasan, within the program dedicated to youth policies at the local level for three years developed by the National Youth Congress in cooperation with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Tirana Foundation.
Local Coordinator, Korçë
Violeta Tici
Violeta Tici is a specialist in political science and law and specializes in social psychology and communication. She has been active and part of civil society since 1996. She has been the leader of the Social Club association since 1999 and part of numerous civil society networks over the years, as a member of the network of the Albanian Youth Parliament, the Albanian Youth Council, the Youth Congress National, Regional Network of Associations of the Korça Region, Network of Women’s Associations, Resolution 1325, etc.
She has also been part of the public administration and Head of the Training-Qualification Sector in the Korça Regional Education Directorate. Violeta Tici is the author & co-author of several study texts.
Since 2018, Violeta holds the role of local coordinator of Korça, within the program dedicated to youth policies at the local level for three years developed by the National Youth Congress in cooperation with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Tirana Foundation.
Violeta has been trained and has participated in many meetings, trainings organized by the National Youth Congress, supported by FES. He has also been active in important discussions and advocacy as part of Congress on youth law, volunteerism, etc.
Local Coordinator, Urë Vajgurore
Zoica Bardhi
Local Coordinator, Dibër
Eva Koltraka
Arsimimi: Diplomë Bachelor Marketing dhe Menaxhim Finaciar Uniniversiteti Nderkombetar i Struges
Master ne Kontabilitet dhe Raportim Financiar, pran Universitetit Europian i Tiranes
Eksperiencat: Angazhimi im si vullnetare pran Shoqates Ekspertet e Rinj Mjedisor (SHERM Albania) eshte qe nga viti 2016 e ne vazhdim, Duke dhe nje kontribut te suksesshem prane kesaj NGO me zhvillimin e aktiviteteve ne terren u be e mundur qe stafi i SHERM te me perzgjedhe dhe punesoj si Koordinatore Projektesh, qe nga viti 2018 e deri me sot. Puna ime prane kesaj shoqata ka pasur rezultatet e saj te perkthyera ne ndryshime bashke me komunitetit, per forcimin e kapaciteteve, edukimin qyteter, sensibilizim/ ndergjegjesim per mbrojtjen e mjedisit, angazhimin dhe nxitja e tyre per tu bere pjese e vendimarrjes mjedisore duke kerkuar llogari dhe transparenc, organizimi ne grupe per marrjen pjese ne mledhjet e keshillit bashkiak. Se fundemi jam angazhuar si eksperte lokale per Hartimin e Planit Lokal te Veprimit per Rinine ne Bashkine Diber 2020-2023.
Duke qene nje ze i fuqishem ne komunitetin ku un jetoj vendosa te kandidoj per Anetar Bordi prane Kongresit Rinor Kombetar per te perfaqesuar zerin e te rinjeve ne Qarkun Diber, per problemet qe ne hasim gjate dites si nga mungesa e transparences, perfaqesimit ne keshillin bashkiak, mungesa e qendres rinor etj, per te lobuar prane pushtetit vendor per zgjdhjen e tyre.