From Sidelines to Empowerment
Valon Mëziu’s unforgettable journey
Born with a disability and raised in a rural area where educational and, more importantly, employment opportunities for youth are scarce, Valon Mëziu’s life defies the odds. Hailing from Skenderaj, one of the poorest regions in Kosovo, Valon, 27, has emerged as a remarkable leader.
“I never thought my life could change so drastically. It felt like I was relegated to the sidelines, isolated, and devoid of opportunities because of my disability. However, unbeknownst to me, the winds of change were about to sweep me off my feet,” reveals Valon.
Everything changed during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic when he participated in a USAID-supported training program.
In Kosovo, a country where over 40% of the population is age 25 and under, opportunities for growth and development are limited, especially for marginalized groups such as youth, women and people with disabilities. To address this, USAID is working to empower vulnerable youth and engage them in creating positive change in their communities, promoting inclusive democratic and economic participation.
Valon is among 339 youngsters who have joined youth-tailored leadership training throughout nine Kosovan municipalities, empowering them to voice community and youth needs, and advocate for the implementation of initiatives benefiting all citizens.
As part of these initiatives the youth of South Mitrovica, Vushtrri, and Skenderaj revitalized the school environment and facilitated the delivery of modern school equipment in three schools, thus infusing new energy into schools by turning them into vibrant and dynamic learning spaces.
This transformative experience equipped Valon with the skills necessary to advocate for actions that would not only benefit himself but also uplift the community he calls home.
“As I absorbed the knowledge and guidance provided, I could feel a newfound sense of purpose stirring within me,” he said. “Their comprehensive explanations and genuine respect made me feel important, and I began to understand the power of my voice in creating positive change. “
Through the Up to Youth activity, USAID is empowering youth vulnerable to social exclusion by mobilizing and engaging them to create positive change in their communities. Furthermore, the activity prepares youth with necessary life and soft skills to engage with their communities and increase their employability at the same time. USAID worked to provide skills such as critical thinking, social media literacy, problem solving, decision making, leadership training, negotiation and tolerance, so the youth have skills and tools to engage on issues that impact them and their communities.
Alongside his team, Valon took on a significant challenge — aiming to improve the infrastructure and facilities, and ease access for people with disabilities in the municipality of Skenderaj, such as the Municipal Youth Center, which is meant to provide space for every youngster to fully engage in activities and community events. However, the current facilities, without ramps or accessible entrances, are far from welcoming to those who use wheelchairs.
“It wasn’t easy, but we were determined. We believe that everyone deserves equal access and opportunities,” he said. “So, we spoke up, we advocated, and we made sure our concerns were heard.”
While the municipal authorities haven’t responded positively to address access to the youth center or provide funding to these infrastructure changes, Valon and his group are committed.
“We haven’t seen the changes we were hoping for just yet. But you know what? That’s not going to stop us.
“We’re going to keep voicing the concerns of people with disabilities because we know it’s the right thing to do. Change takes time and we won’t rest until we see a more inclusive and accessible community for everyone.”
The training also helped nurture Valon’s entrepreneurial spirit, and he recently developed a business idea centered around recycling plastic bottles and caps. Although still in its early stages, he believes this venture holds the potential to create a sustainable and eco-friendly future for the community.
About the Author
Xheraldina Cernobregu is a senior communications specialist for USAID/Kosovo. Follow her @DinaCernobregu and keep up with the Kosovo mission @USAIDKosovo.
