It started with a 9 year old girl
In the summer of 2022, nine-year-old #MayaGerdes visited TUMO Tirana and was moved by a BBC news report on the challenges faced by Albanian youth. Wondering, ‘Why not empower them to earn through technology right where they are?’, she sparked a transformative idea. Responding to her curiosity, the MaNaBu Movement, in collaboration with Maya, initiated the Youth Virtual Assistance Program.
Empowering Young People in the Balkans with Skills and Opportunities
The mission of the MaNaBu Movement Youth Virtual Assistance Program is to empower teenagers and young adults in the Balkan area with remote working skills, tools, and internationally recognized certifications. It is an opportunity for young people to learn about and develop in-demand skills while being supported in their transition from school to work so they can find the right balance in their lives.
This project aims to bring hope and new possibilities to the Balkans. It seeks to prevent the vilification of immigrants and the exponential rise of those who flee to developed countries and embark on dangerous journeys in search of a better life.
Pilot Phase in Albania and Expansion to Kosovo
The MaNaBu program, led by Lumjana Shehu and Tihana Pavic Smitran, launched a pilot with 12 youths in Tirana, Albania, in partnership with the Virtual Excellence Academy and TUMO Tirana.
After a successful pilot phase, the initiative received backing from GIZ Kosovo, courtesy of the German Federal Government, leading to an expansion into Kosovo. This expansion was preceded by a fact-finding trip to Kosovo and a subsequent meeting between Tobias Seiberlich from GIZ and Andreas Wil Gerdes in Bansko, setting the stage for 25 young adults in Kosovo to commence their transformative journey with the program.
Program outlines
Outcome
Photos
Program Methodology
Self-paced digital course with videos, audio, worksheets, and ongoing live events to enhance their learning journey within a large, engaged peer group. The youth program is accompanied by on-the-ground support for day-to-day accountability, mentorship and guidance. Each module is designed with bite-sized action steps so that students can get immediate feedback and see the results of their learning. They can immediately put into action what they have learned.
Student testimonials
Alba Shala
Meet Alba Shala, a results-driven software engineer specializing in AI optimization to enhance operational efficiency. With a sharp focus on innovation and scalability, Alba's technical capabilities are top-notch. Her expertise in creating AI-powered solutions showcases a unique blend of technical knowledge and a keen understanding of industry demands, making her a standout professional in her field.
Motivated to bridge the gap between technical skills and client interaction, Alba joined the Manabu Movement Youth Virtual Assistance Program. Her dedication and drive were quickly apparent, as she secured her first client within two weeks of starting the course. This early success was a direct result of her driven attitude coupled with her application of the skills acquired through our program.
Arbias Shahini
Meet Arbias Shahini, a former goalkeeper turned coding champion. After a game-changing injury at 13, Arbias transitioned from sports to software, mastering HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and back-end technologies like React.js and PHP. His knack for blending technical skills with social media savvy has driven his success across various digital platforms.
Arbias’s commitment to perfecting his freelancing business through the Manabu Movement Youth Virtual Assistance Program paid off quickly. His proactive approach and consistent engagement in the program led him to secure two clients before even completing the course, highlighting the direct impact of our training on his immediate professional success.
Alkid Shuli
Meet Alkid Shuli, an artist with a passion for design, photography, and videography. Alkid's creative prowess is matched only by his strategic mindset. With our Virtual Assistant certification, he has transformed into a visionary artist capable of designing logos that resonate and formulating social media strategies that leave a lasting impact.
Discover Alkid's journey by connecting with him on Linkedin and exploring his Professional Instagram page and Portfolio.
Support our mission
Donate to Youth VA program
Leadership
Tihana Pavic Smitran
Tihana, an entrepreneurial spirit and innovative leader, advocates for sustainable development and empowers youth globally through innovative tech and life-centric learning. Her ventures reflect a commitment to a regenerative economy, balancing profit with planetary and people's value.
Shaped by wartime challenges, her resilience as a pianist and athlete inspired her dedication to supporting and uplifting children in adversity. Honored as Croatia's 'Best Startup Female Entrepreneur' in 2017, she is a recognized US State Department Professional Fellow and alumna of prestigious tech and innovation programs, holding an MA in Finance and multiple leadership certifications.
Andreas Wil Gerdes
Andreas Wil Gerdes, a pioneer in the digital nomad space, revolutionized remote work technology and made his mark in the telecom sector. By 20, he had sold his first venture, which evolved into a part of Orange PLC, and was later honored among the 'Elite of the Future' by top European firms. Featured in '101 Leaders of the New Economy,'
Andreas's true passion lies in advocating for a 'life-centric' approach to parenting, championing quality time with children over traditional norms, a vision shared by fellow digital nomad parents like Lona Alia and Lizz Quain.
Lumjana Shehu
Passion-driven Youth Empowerment Advocate and Marketing Manager focused on leveraging social media and new tech to drive positive change and reshape our world.
With a background as an Albanian refugee, she has lived across Greece, Canada, and the U.S., confronting numerous challenges as an immigrant but gaining invaluable experiences.
Her personal narrative of resilience fuels her mission to empower the next generation to shape their destinies how they want.
Enes Petromilo
Enes Petromilo is a vibrant young professional from Tirana, Albania, with a deep-seated passion for blending communication and creativity. His passion has always been engaging in projects that merge these interests, both professionally and personally.
As a dynamic communicator and creative thinker, he’s committed to driving positive change and fostering an environment where potential meets opportunity.
Partners
Hannah Dixon
CEO, The Virtual Excellence Academy: VA & Freelance Coach, Recruiter, 30k+ Global Learners, DEI Integral, Youth VA Training Lead, MaNaBu (NPO)
German Federal Government
The Program is organized with the support of the German Federal Government through GIZ Kosova.
GIZ
As a service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education work, we are dedicated to shaping a future worth living around the world.
TUMO Tirana
TUMO is a new kind of educational experience at the intersection of technology and design.
At TUMO, teens take charge of their own learning, gaining cutting-edge skills in the fields that matter today.
Teens combine self-learning activities, workshops, and learning labs, picking and choosing from whatever piques their interest.
Digital Nomad's Kit
Digital Nomad Kit’s mission is to provide tools, entrepreneurship, and self-leadership training to inspire a diversity of individuals worldwide in building virtual assistance businesses, unlocking global opportunities and personal freedoms.
Virtual Assistants meaning HERE.