Beyond Barriers Association (BBA) is a youth NGO in Albania dedicated to inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunities for young people, founded in 2004. Since 2011, it has been serving as a Contact Point, working closely with the SALTO SEE network to promote Erasmus+ and ESC programmes across Albania and the region. Their mission is that Europe belongs to everyone, regardless of background, ability or identity.
🧑 Jon Kola – Profile 3 (Participant / Volunteer)
Jon Kola is a young man from Albania who first came into contact with the SALTO network through his work with Beyond Barriers Association. What started as a simple involvement quickly turned into a meaningful journey of learning, connecting, and growing within an inspiring international community.
1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and share how you first came into contact with the SALTO network and the programmes it supports (Erasmus+/ESC)? What role did they play in your personal and professional development?
I’m Jon, and I first got to know the SALTO network through my work with Beyond Barriers Association, the National Contact Point for Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps in Albania. What started as a simple involvement quickly turned into a meaningful journey of learning, connecting, and growing within an inspiring international community.
I’m truly grateful to both SALTO and Beyond Barriers, as they have shaped not only my professional path but also the way I see youth engagement and inclusion. They gave me opportunities to learn, to contribute, and to feel part of something bigger across Europe.
2. Take us back to the beginning – how did you first hear about Erasmus+ or ESC, and what made you decide to apply?
I first heard about Erasmus+ and ESC through Beyond Barriers Association, and I was immediately curious about the opportunities it offered. The idea of meeting people from different cultures and working together on shared goals really stood out to me. I decided to apply because I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and experience something new, while also contributing to initiatives that create real impact for young people.
3. How did the Contact Point or sending organisation support you in that moment?
Beyond Barriers Association was there from the very beginning, making everything feel accessible and clear. They guided me through the application process, answered my questions and really encouraged me to take that first step. What made a difference was their constant support and belief in young people’s potential, it gave me the confidence to apply and fully engage with the opportunity.
4. If you had to describe your experience with the CP or the sending organisation in a few words what would you say?
Supportive, empowering and genuinely motivating. It felt like being guided by people who truly care about your growth and want to see you succeed.
5. Which moment during the programme most clearly showed you the value of the experience, and why?
One moment that really stayed with me was working closely with young people from different countries and realizing how similar our challenges and aspirations were. It made the whole experience feel real and meaningful, not just an exchange but a shared space for understanding and collaboration. That moment showed me the true value of the programme as it’s not only about skills or opportunities, but about building connections that change how you see both yourself and others.
6. What changed for you professionally, and what changed personally, after participating in the programme?
Professionally, the experience helped me build confidence, improve my communication skills and better understand how international projects and youth programmes actually work in practice. It gave me a clearer sense of direction and motivated me to stay engaged in this field.
Personally, it made me more open-minded and aware of different perspectives. I grew more confident in myself and more comfortable stepping into new environments and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds.
7. Is there something you are doing today, or a version of yourself you’ve become, that wouldn’t exist without this opportunity?
I don’t think I would be the same version of myself without this experience. It helped me become more confident, more engaged and more aware of the impact young people can have in their communities. Today, I’m someone who actively seeks opportunities to contribute, connect and lead. And that mindset really grew from this journey.
8. Imagine your best friend is unsure about applying. What would you tell them from the heart?
I’d tell them it’s completely normal to feel unsure, but that this kind of experience has a way of surprising you in the best possible way. You don’t need to have everything figured out before applying, what matters is being open to learning and stepping into something new. From the heart, I’d say it’s an opportunity that can really shape how you see yourself and the world, and sometimes the most meaningful growth starts right where you feel a bit uncertain.
🧑 Blertina Koka – Profile 2 (Professional / Manager)
Blertina Koka works as International Networks and Partnership Manager at the NGO Together for Life. Her journey with Erasmus+ and ESC programmes began 8 years ago, when as a youth coordinator she attended an info session organized by the Beyond Barriers team. Today she coordinates and manages projects funded by various EU programmes.
1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and describe your professional journey in connection with the SALTO network and its programmes? How did you move from your first contact with the programmes to actively working with them today?
My name is Blertina Koka, and I currently work as an International Networks and Partnership Manager at the NGO Together for Life. In my role, I coordinate and manage projects funded by different EU programmes.
My journey with these programmes started about 8 years ago, when I was working as a youth coordinator. I attended an information session organised by the Beyond Barriers team, where I was introduced for the first time to the SALTO network and opportunities like Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. That moment really opened a new perspective for me, I realised there were so many opportunities for young people to connect, learn, and gain experience across Europe.
Later, in 2022, I took part in the TOSCA certified training under the European Solidarity Corps, organised by the Austrian National Agency in cooperation with the Spanish National Agency. That experience helped me better understand volunteering systems, both hosting and sending, and marked an important step in my professional development.
2. How did you first come into contact with Erasmus+ or ESC, and what role did the CP play in that process?
My first real introduction came through that information session. The Contact Point played a key role in making these programmes understandable and accessible. Before that, these opportunities felt quite distant and unclear, but through their guidance, everything became more concrete and achievable.
3. What did the CP help you understand or overcome when you were just starting?
At the beginning, I didn’t fully realise how many opportunities existed (trainings, exchanges, volunteering, job shadowing). The CP helped clarify these pathways and showed us that these opportunities are actually open and reachable.
4. Can you share an example of a project or initiative that would not have been possible without the CP’s support?
CP has supported us continuously, from understanding the programmes to actually applying for them. Our team has regularly participated in their information sessions, especially when new calls were opening. But the biggest impact came when we coordinated our first Erasmus+ project as a lead organisation. At that stage, their support made the process considerably smoother.
5. In what ways have Erasmus+ and ESC influenced your professional path or the way you work today?
These programmes have played a major role in my development. I started as a participant in trainings, then gradually became a coordinator and host of activities. Today, our organisation has implemented dozens of projects, as both lead and partner, under programmes like Erasmus+ (CBY), Virtual Exchange, KA220-ADU, CERV, and more. Personally, this journey has helped me grow step by step, from attending activities to now designing and writing projects myself. It has completely shaped the way I work and the direction of my career.
6. What specific skills, knowledge, or networks do you use today thanks to these programmes?
Beyond technical knowledge, I’ve gained strong project management skills, international collaboration experience, and a valuable network of partners across Europe. These connections and experiences are something I use every day in my work, whether it’s building partnerships, developing new ideas, or implementing projects.
7. When young people or organisations approach you for the first time, what are they usually curious or unsure about?
One very common misconception is that you need personal connections to be selected. We’ve sent many young people from Albania abroad through these programmes, and some of them were genuinely surprised to be selected without “knowing someone.” This shows that there is still a lack of awareness, young people don’t always realise that these opportunities are based on merit, which often makes them hesitate to apply.
8. What would you say to young people and organisations in the Western Balkans who are still hesitant about getting involved?
I would say: take every opportunity you can for learning and growth. Even if you are still in school, try to find time to participate in trainings, exchanges, or volunteering activities. These experiences are incredibly valuable, not only professionally, but also personally. Don’t wait until you finish your studies, and focus only on paid work from the beginning. Start by gaining experience, getting involved, and exploring. It’s truly one of the best investments you can make in yourself.
🧑 Ana Mullanji – Profile 1 (Strategic / Senior Voice)
Ana Mullanji is the Executive Director of Beyond Barriers Association, an organisation she has led for over 22 years. Her work is deeply rooted in creating opportunities for young people, especially those often left out. As a Contact Point coordinator for Erasmus+ Youth and the European Solidarity Corps, she is closely connected to the SALTO SEE network, contributing to capacity building, quality strengthening, and shaping a more connected and resilient youth sector.
1. Could you briefly introduce yourself, describe your role within your organisation, and explain your connection with the SALTO network and the programmes implemented through it? How have you contributed to the development of organisations, young people, and the youth sector in your country through these programmes?
I am the Executive Director of Beyond Barriers Association, an organisation I have had the privilege to lead for more than 22 years. Over this time, my work has been deeply rooted in creating opportunities for young people, especially those who are often left out, to feel seen, heard, and empowered.
As a Contact Point coordinator for the Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps programmes, I have been closely connected to the SALTO SEE network, contributing to building capacities, strengthening quality, and helping shape a more connected and resilient youth sector. For me, this role has never been just technical, it is about opening doors and walking alongside others as they step through them.
2. Looking back, how would you describe youth work and international cooperation in your country before, and how does it look today thanks to the SALTO network and the CPs?
Twenty years ago, youth work in Albania felt scattered and fragile. Opportunities were limited, and international cooperation was something only a few could access.
Today, the landscape is completely different. Through the support of the SALTO SEE and the Contact Point network, we see a sector that is more confident, more professional, and more connected.
What is most meaningful is that this change is not only structural, but also organisational. You can see it in the way organisations from our region plan strategically, build partnerships, and take ownership of their role within the wider European youth field.
3. How has the Contact Point concretely contributed to the development of your organisation and the youth sector in your country?
The Contact Point has been working “behind the scenes”, a quiet but powerful driver of change. When we started our work back in 2011, European programmes often felt distant, complex, and out of reach for many organisations.
Over time, the Contact Point helped bring these programs closer, making them more understandable, more accessible. The contact Point guides, mentors, encourages, and sometimes we simply reassure organisations that yes, they can do it. In that sense, our role has been to transform potential into participation, and hesitation into action.
4. What is the most significant change that Erasmus+ and ESC have brought to young people and organisations with the support of the CP?
The most significant change I have witnessed is a gradual shift in mindset, but this transformation has been collective. The realities of the youth sector and youth work in Albania have improved over time, supported by European programmes and the SALTO SEE, which have played a vital role in opening the sector to Europe. By creating opportunities to participate at European level, exchange practices, and build partnerships across the region, these programmes have strengthened the capacity and confidence of youth organisations.
Today, we see more organisations taking initiative, engaging in international cooperation, and contributing more actively to their communities. While challenges remain, there is a clear movement towards greater ownership and participation. For me, this gradual shift, from limited engagement towards more active involvement, is the real success story.
5. Can you share one concrete example where the CP made a real difference for a community and organisation?
I have seen small, local organisations, often with no previous international experience, take their first steps with a bit of guidance and belief.
Through Contact Point mentoring and training, they moved from their first Erasmus+ Youth projects to gradually building stronger cooperation in European level, opening the door to diverse programmes, partnerships. But beyond the projects themselves, what matters is what follows stronger communities, more engaged young people, and organisations that now believe in their own capacity. Sometimes, all it takes is one opportunity to change the direction of a whole organisation.
6. Why does it matter to have a local Contact Point – someone people can talk to, ask questions, and rely on?
Youth work in Albania today is very different from what it was years ago. It has grown, matured, and become more ambitious, but with this growth come new challenges such as higher standards, more complex processes, and the need to ensure that no one is left behind. This is exactly where a local Contact Point matters. We are present, we listen, and we respond. We don’t just guide, we help organisations make sense of change and move forward with clarity and confidence. Because in a changing reality, support needs to evolve as well.
7. If you had to describe the importance of the CP network for the Western Balkans in one sentence, what would you say?
The Contact Point network is a bridge that connects the Western Balkans to Europe, not only through opportunities, but through trust, shared values, and a sense of belonging.
8. Looking ahead, what would you love to see the CP network achieve in the next 20 years?
In 20 years, I imagine youth work as a borderless ecosystem, driven by innovation, powered by collaboration, and able to reach young people instantly, wherever they are.
🌐 Contact (Website & Instagram): beyondbarriers.al / beyondbarriersngo