Young Albanian gives insights into culture and inclusion

On Wednesday, 24 September, EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt, together with the German-Albanian Society Bocholt, invites you to an online lecture on Albania. It will start at 7 pm. The event will be held in English and is free of charge. Registrations can be made via EUROPE DIRECT Aachen at ogy.de/albania-2025.

The evening's guest is Redi Asabella, born in Korça in south-east Albania. After studying administration and social sciences at the University of Tirana and a further degree in French and Spanish literature at the University of La Sapienza in Rome, he became involved in numerous projects in the field of inclusive education, cultural dialogue and youth development.

The Giufà project, which uses theatre and storytelling to promote social inclusion, was particularly influential for him. Asabella and his team have worked with more than 2,000 people in over ten countries. In 2022, the project was awarded the European Charlemagne Youth Prize for Italy.

Asabella is also active in civil society organisations that support young people in shaping inclusive policies. He is currently preparing for the international Erasmus Mundus Master's programme "Inclusive Education Sciences" in France, Italy and Switzerland. He is a member of the board of the European Charlemagne Youth Prize Alumni Network and has participated in programmes of the Swedish Institute, the World Bank and the British Council.

As part of the event series "My Europe", Asabella will first give an overview of Albania and its culture - especially in the context of its EU candidate status. He will then talk about inclusion as an ongoing process, his work in the field of non-formal education and his vision of a Europe that is more inclusive of young people's voices.

"We are delighted that a young speaker from Albania will be giving insights into his country", says Sonja Wießmeier from EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt. "Just this summer, a youth group from our twin town of Vlora was a guest at the European Youth Camp in Bocholt. Many members of the German-Albanian Society are also involved here."

Freelance journalist Henri Schlund will moderate the event.

The event series "My Europe"

"My Europe" is a digital dialogue series that offers young people from all over Europe a stage. They talk about their personal topics, experiences and perspectives. The topics range from politics and society, culture and science to commitment for more tolerance and solidarity. Participants can help shape the course of the discussion and ask their own questions via a live vote.

The series is organised by a network consisting of the Institut Français Aachen, the Charlemagne Prize Foundation, the Charlemagne Prize Academy and the EUROPE DIRECT Centres in Aachen, Gütersloh, Dortmund, Duisburg, Essen and Bocholt.

About the EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt

EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt is based in the Mayor's office and sees itself as a central point of contact for questions relating to the European Union. It informs citizens about European policy issues, provides support with questions about the EU and promotes local European involvement.