Connection Partner
€2,500
1 scholarship6 reception invitations
Make one young person's OriginAL journey possible.
An Evening for the Next Generation
One Connection Changes Everything
An evening bringing together local and diaspora business and philanthropic communities to invest in the next generation of global Albanians.
- Friday, November 20, 2026
- 18:30 – 22:00
- Klan Arena, Prishtinë, Kosovë
Why This Evening Matters
Investing in the Next Generation of Global Albanians
For young Albanians growing up around the world, a meaningful connection to their heritage needs more than stories passed down through generations. It needs opportunities to experience our homelands firsthand, understand their history and present-day realities, and build relationships that last beyond a single visit.
On November 20, we invite Kosova's business and philanthropic community to help make these journeys possible for more young people. Supporting OriginAL is an investment not only in cultural identity and belonging, but in a new generation of globally connected Albanians who can contribute to our communities for years to come.
Impact
OriginAL by the Numbers
327
Young people connected to their heritage and one another since launch
403
Applications received in 2026, out of 2,000 in total
25
Countries where participants come from
90%+
Participants reporting a deeper connection to Albanian identity, values, and their homelands
- 1,200hours contributed to local organizations
- 137alumni engaged with local organizations/companies after the program
- 5alumni who relocated to their homelands (2 Albania; 3 Kosova)
- 3alumni who obtained Kosova citizenship following the program
In Their Words
Alumni & Donor Testimonials
Like most people who grew up in the Diaspora, there was always a part of me that felt stuck in the in-between, never fully here or there.
Through OriginAL, and through the meaningful relationships I built and the unforgettable memories I shared with my cohort, that feeling began to fade. I no longer feel alone in the in-between.
Wherever I am in the world, I know there is someone from OriginAL who understands my story, and reminds me that belonging can exist across borders.
Erza Gashi
US Alumna, Cohort 2 · Moved to Kosova in '23
To anyone in the Albanian diaspora, I can't recommend the OriginAL programme enough.
It's a life-changing experience that will leave you with a deeper understanding of your roots, lasting friendships, and a renewed sense of pride in your heritage.
I'm forever grateful for this journey, and I know it has shaped the person I am today. 🇦🇱❤️
Gjovani Cinari
UK Alumnus, Cohort 5 · Moved to Shkodër in '25
“I can think of few worthier initiatives than mobilizing the Albanian “mërgata” to support and advance our nation's interests. I am particularly pleased (and proud) to support OriginAL. It is by far the most promising, farsighted Albanian initiative I have seen in the past twenty years.”
Elvin Guri
Philanthropist & Entrepreneur
“As members of the diaspora ourselves, our family knows how difficult it is sometimes to feel connected and understand our cultural and ethnic heritage. We are delighted to work with this organization to spark the alignment with their roots for so many young people starving to understand and appreciate their heritage.”
Richard Lukaj
Philanthropist & Financial Executive
The OriginAL Experience
One Journey. A Lasting Connection.
One scholarship. One young person. A connection that can last a lifetime.
OriginAL offers immersive journeys of approximately two weeks that connect young Albanians living abroad with their heritage and with contemporary life in their homelands.
- Cultural & historical learning
- Cities & heritage sites
- Language & educational workshops
- Volunteering & community engagement
- Local youth & diaspora peers
- Institutions & community leaders
Corporate Scholarship Partnerships
Help Make the Next Journeys Possible
Every OriginAL journey begins with a scholarship. Each scholarship gives a young Albanian from the diaspora the chance to walk the streets of our homeland, learn the history and language, and return with a connection that lasts a lifetime.
On November 20, we invite the business community to help us raise €100,000 — to open the door for at least 50 young people next year.
Roots Partner
€5,000
2 scholarships12 reception invitations
Help two young people build a deeper connection to their heritage.
Community Partner
€10,000
4 scholarships18 reception invitations
Connect four young people to their homelands and a global Albanian community.
Leading level
Legacy Partner
€25,000
10 scholarships30 reception invitations
Make a substantial investment in the next generation of Global Albanians.
Can't join us on November 20?
You can still help a young Albanian from the diaspora experience the homeland. Every gift, of any size, goes toward OriginAL scholarships.
Continuity
Previous Events
June 2026
NYC Evening 2026
An evening in New York that brought the diaspora together for the next OriginAL journeys.
2024
NYC Evening 2024
A special gathering of OriginAL friends and supporters in New York.
2022
Inva Mula in Concert
Where the journey began — a launch night with the iconic soprano Inva Mula.
The Evening
What to Expect
A standing reception where the community mingles, listens, gives and tells stories.
Drinks and Selected Food
Drinks and a selection of food, served throughout the evening.
Live Music Performances
Live music performed during the evening.
Silent Auction
A silent auction, held alongside the evening's fundraising.
Storytelling
Stories shared live, among the guests.
Event Details & Participation
One Connection Changes Everything
- Date
- Friday, November 20, 2026
- Time
- 18:30 – 22:00
- Format
- Fundraising Reception
Interested in attending or partnering? Our team at GERMIN will be glad to help.