The town of Puka is situated in the northern part of Albania, at an elevation of 838 meters above sea level. The journey to Puka is quite lengthy and winding, approximately 140 kilometers from the capital. As you find yourself encircled by unspoiled nature and dense pine forests, it dawns on you that you are approaching Puka. The city’s initial impression is undeniably captivating, as it maintains its original character amidst the modernization that has transformed other Albanian cities in recent decades. Puka is distinguished by its uncomplicated architecture, religious sites serving both Muslims and Christians, orderly streets, and verdant scenery. The captivating nature of Puka intertwines with three recently revitalized facilities, all aimed at youth. To empower the youth of Puka by providing quality services and enhancing facilities, the European Union has funded three significant projects through the “EU for Municipalities” grant program: the establishment of the Innovation Center, the refurbishment of the “Migjeni” school gym, and the reconstruction of the Sports Center. The overall budget for these infrastructural projects and youth-oriented activities is 210,000.00 euros, of which the European Union contributed 189,000.00 euros. The Municipality of Puka utilized this funding to complete the renovation of these objects, which benefited around 800 young individuals and children residing in the municipality and its administrative divisions. Lorenc Seferi, a 22-year-old Information Technology (IT) graduate and a frequent visitor of the Sports Center, emphasized the importance of the facility’s refurbishment for the social advancement and well-being of the community.
“The youth in Puka have now an enhanced space to engage in recreational activities and sports,” says Seferi.
The establishment of the Innovation Center as part of this project aims to offer youngsters the opportunity to utilize technology and enhance their career development.
Ilda Latifi, a law graduate and Innovation Center attendee in Puka, emphasizes the positive impact of the Innovation Center on youth access to technology and their development in online promotion, marketing, and innovation, particularly for young entrepreneurs. The library has undergone reconstruction along with the Innovation Center, housing a modest selection of books penned by both Albanian and international writers.
Another part of the “Municipality for Youth” project involves the refurbishment of the “Migjeni” school gym. Only Migenean verses can describe the condition of the gym’s previous state.
The school gym today has undergone significant changes and now provides suitable facilities for 300 students, including 6th-grade student Kledis Laci. Kledis expresses his joy, stating, “We, the students of ‘Migjeni’ school, are thrilled about the refurbishment of the gym. This upgrade has afforded us a designated location for physical education sessions, a selection of sports, and recreational activities.”
We believe that the allocation of resources to the Municipality of Puka extends beyond simple intervention and infrastructure restoration; it represents an investment in the youth and the future.