Description

In the framework of the project "Commons in Practice" as a follow-up in Durrës, Albania were held 4 visits with students of 11th (eleventh) grade of the school "Ibrahim Kodra" in the Museum of the Albanian Railway. Participating in these meetings were also the caretaker teachers of the respective classes. During the visits, the participants had the opportunity to get acquainted with the history of the Albanian Railway. They were also introduced to the fact that this Museum is expected to open to the general public in November in the framework of the 75th anniversary of the Albanian Railway. The representative of the institution, Mrs. Eneida Elezi showed in detail all the development of rail transport in Albania during these years and the plans and projects that are expected to be implemented in the coming years.

The purpose of the meetings was to acquaint young people with the heritage and development of rail transport over the years. The way the meetings took place encouraged the active participation of young people and created opportunities for interaction. At the same time the explanation of the history of each object located in the museum gave the young people the opportunity to ask direct questions which were answered by the representative of HSH (AR). Promoted by Mrs. Eneida Elezi, the young people shared with each other ideas for the enrichment of the museum and was left with the task to submit within the next week their project proposals for the realization of ideas, described in A4 or A3 format. A part of the students chose to work in groups as there were others who preferred to prepare their work individually.

Representatives from the association "Udhëtim i Lirë - Liberi di Viaggiare" made available to students the best practices from the countries participating in the project as a guide for the realization of their work. At the same time the students received more information about the activities that have taken place within the "Commons in Practice" from the project expert Mrs. Miranda Mansaku. They were introduced to the possibilities of involving young people in the activities of the association at local, national and international level. Representatives of UiL-LdV invited young people to give their ideas for developing initiatives in the areas in which the association works. The young people participating in the meetings will also continue to be part of the activities that the Udhëtim i Lirë Association - Liberi di Viaggiare will carry out.

During the visits, the young people were also encouraged to show their expectations for rail transport, which is expected to materialize in the coming years. They were asked for an opinion as a direct user of this service. Based on the information received, the students began to compare the railway service in countries outside Albania with the railway service that would take place in Albania. In the end they appeared enthusiastic and optimistic about the development of HSH (AR).