By Jona Fani (YES 2014-2015, Albania, placed with PAX in De Pere, WI)

On February 25, the YES alumni community in Albania got together online for their monthly Networking Zoom Talk. This monthly Zoom meeting is the virtual adaptation of their monthly Networking Breakfast, which they can no longer organize in person due to COVID-19 social distancing measures in the country. Every month, a successful professional from Albania presents about his or her career path and provides professional development tips to attendees.

The theme for the February Zoom Networking Talk was “Theater in Albania.” Ten alumni joined the meeting to listen to Rita Gjeka, a well-known actress and the director of Migjeni’s Theater in Shkodër, Albania. During their discussion, Rita Gjeka talked about her time as an actress, while looking back at some of her most successful plays. As a group, they also talked about how art and culture impact society, in particular how they help to promote social discourse, dialogue, and critical thinking. The YES alumni in attendance enjoyed the webinar and were inspired by Rita to create their own youth theater groups in their home cities as a youth development project.