Through the stories of OriginAL alumni, guests had the chance to better understand the impact of the program. OriginAL is not simply a visit to our homelands. For many young people, it is a meaningful journey of identity, belonging, and connection to Albanian roots.

The New York City event marked an important achievement for OriginAL. During the evening, we raised $96,570 in support of the program. Following the completion of the June cohort, OriginAL now looks ahead to the upcoming cohorts in August and November, and to other young people still waiting for this opportunity.

For the 2026 program overall, we have now raised $131,000 toward our goal of $200,000, which will help support at least 100 participants.

Join Us in Reaching the 2026 Goal

We are deeply grateful to the key donors whose leadership made this evening possible and set a strong example of investing in our shared future.

Legacy Donors

$10,000 * 10 years / +4 scholarships * 10

Viosa and Richard Lukaj, Lukaj Family Foundation
Mark Kosmo
Miranda and Ardi Shita, Shita Family Fund
Elvin Guri

Generational Donors

$10,000 / +4 scholarships

Eglantina Kica, Kica Kraut Foundation
Mira and Dorjan Puka

Leadership Donors

$5,000 / +2 scholarships

Stefan and Liz Kochi
Guljed and Eni Birçe
Danny Blloshmi

Event Supporters

$2,500 / 1 scholarship

DK Construction One Corp.
Albanian American Muslim Community Center Waterbury
Florent Ilazi
Massachusetts Albanian American Society, MAASBESA
Albanians for America

We also thank the many additional supporters who contributed to the evening and helped move this mission forward.

You can revisit the night through the event photos here: [photos link]
And the event page here: [event page link]

Thank you for being part of this Global Albanian Network.

Join the 

Creating Change to Empower Albanian Youth

Every kid wants to be an all-star some day, and here is your chance to make that possibility come true for Albanian youth under the first program for Albanian youth of the newly formed Korçarët Ndihmojnë Korçarët Korce Community Foundation  — the first and only Albanian Community Foundation.

We are working together with Partners Albania for Change and Development, Smile.al and the Credins Bank Foundation, and Alphaplan and Code for Albania.

Together, we would like to raise $30,000 to:  

• What we are doing with partners #1
• What we are doing with partners #2
• Support 15 promising youth from less well-off families to participate in the Code for Albania Camp in Korce in 2026

So far we have raised about $15,000 as follows:

• $8,000 Partners Albania Giving Circle Gala in October 2024
• $5,000 Yvonne Naum
• $2,000 Global Albanians Foundation and Mark Kosmo

We see this as an opportunity to now embark on a new and more ambitious chapter to not only empower more Albanian youth with tech skills, but also to help identify and support future Albanian tech entrepreneurs and widen their engagement with the Albanian diaspora — and particularly Albanian Diaspora Tech Entrepreneurs.

We’re excited to see this program continue to grow and empower even more groups of young people who go on to create startups, succeed in universities, and make a real difference for Albania by 2030.

We would greatly appreciate your support.  Together, we can make a lasting impact on Albania’s youth and their future!

Thank you for supporting our mission, your support is invaluable and greatly appreciated.

OriginAL’s mission is to bring thousands of Albanian youth on a free trip to our homeland countries every year that will:

• Connect and strengthen their Albanian identity and belonging;
• Provide an immersive cultural and educational experience;
• Build bridges for Albanian youth worldwide to network and collaborate.

Every December, alpinists dressed as superheroes descend from the tallest buildings in Kosovo to bring joy, hope, and gifts to children who need it most.

This unique end-of-year tradition has become one of the most heartwarming events in our country — followed by thousands of families, volunteers, and supporters.

This year, with your help, we will bring the magic to even more children.

Around 150–200 children in each city will receive holiday gift packages, bringing smiles to those who need it most.

What Your Donation Supports:

• Deliver holiday gift packages to children in hospitals and low-income communities;
• Train over 50 alpinists and volunteers for safe urban rope performances;
• Organize public superhero shows in Prishtina, Ferizaj, Gjakova, Mitrovica, Podujeva & Skenderaj;
• Promote inclusion, joy, and a sense of belonging among children;
• Strengthen a beloved tradition that inspires philanthropy and community unity.

Superheroes 2025 – Event Dates:
• 05 December – Prishtina, Pediatric Clinic
• 13 December – Skenderaj
• 20 December – Ferizaj
• 21 December – Mitrovica
• 27 December – Podujeva
• 28 December – Gjakova

Together, we can bring light, excitement, and kindness to children across Kosovo this holiday season. Become part of the magic. Support “Superheroes for Kids 2025” today.