Maryame has taken the lessons learned from her exchange year to make a difference in her community.
On April 22, 2013, to commemorate Global Youth Service Day and Earth Day, YES alumni in Albania were invited to take part in an environmental activity at the “Zyber Halluli” Orphanage in Tirana. This activity was sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Tirana.
Marsid Nuho and Krsitina Marku, ’11, along with Elvana Qeli, Olta Myslimi, Arber Dumani, ‘12, and I planted flowers, rosebushes, and trees in the front garden of the orphanage with the children who live there. The younger children who live there drew postcards related to Earth Day.
U.S. Ambassador to Albania Alexander Arvizu stopped by the event to greet the children and the alumni. He spoke to them about the importance of Earth Day, stressing the need for a clean environment and noting that the actions we take today will affect the lives of future generations. “The Earth was not given to you by your parents–it was loaned to you by your children,” said the Ambassador, quoting a Native American proverb. He asked everyone to remember Earth Day and think about or planet.
We all had a great time and more photos are available at the U.S. Embassy Facebook page.
Article by Linda Barda, ’11, Alumni Coordinator for Albania