Albania PLGP: YOUTH EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SELF-DEFENSE

The program was tailored for young women and men from six Youth Boards (YBs) in PLGP's partner municipalities of Bulqizë, Cërrik, Dibër, Kamëz, Librazhd, and Pogradec. Two hundred and thirteen youth participated in the ESD Program, which included awareness-raising activities on different forms of violence and empowerment through the development of simple, easy-to-use, self-defense techniques. The ESD Program combined awareness, assertiveness, and verbal confrontation skills with safety strategies and physical techniques to protect those at-risk of becoming victims of violence. Participants learned to enhance their relationships with positive and fulfilling interactions by being confident with their personal space, boundaries, and physical skills. The program also aimed to increase Youth Board members' self-esteem and confidence as they learned strategies and practiced tools to respond to situations using the ethic of inflicting least harm in resolving conflicts. The ESD Program had numerous benefits for both the youth and their communities. Participants showed greater acceptance and trust of themselves and one another, and continued to cultivate improved relationships among YBs and their peers. The program also reduced the fear associated with potential attacks and equipped them with techniques for effective self-protection, extending the circle of safety that is crucial to build resiliency in youth and communities across Albania. Participants reported feeling stronger and safer after completing the program, and expressed gratitude for the experience. The ESD Program was an innovative approach to addressing violence and abuse in Albania, and its impact was evident in the testimonials from participants. The program's focus on empowerment, self-defense, and conflict resolution skills helped to build safer environments for youth and communities. By equipping young women and men with the skills and confidence to protect themselves and others, the ESD Program made a significant contribution to promoting youth empowerment and community resilience in Albania. The ESD Program's success was attributed to its experiential approach, which combined theoretical knowledge with practical skills and hands-on training. Participants learned to recognize and respond to threatening situations, and developed the confidence to assert themselves and set boundaries. The program's impact was not limited to the individual participants, but also extended to their families and communities, who benefited from the increased safety and resilience that the program helped to create.