Soap Creation for Hygiene and Girls’ Leadership — Konispol, Albania - Hailey Hunt & Alfred Serjani

Using locally produced olive oil and the school’s new science lab, students in Konispol participated in a hands-on project to create their own olive oil soap. Through the project, students gained practical experience in science while developing skills in teamwork, entrepreneurship, and small business development. The project also encouraged students to consider how locally available resources can be transformed into useful products that benefit their community. Alongside these activities, students learned about the importance of proper hygiene and handwashing, combining science education with lessons in public health and community engagement.

Girls Leading Our World with Code (GLOW Code) — 10 Communities Across Albania

GLOW Code is a two-week technology and leadership program that empowers girls ages 12–17 through hands-on coding education, leadership development, and community problem-solving. With the support of Friends of Albania, 10 GLOW Code camps in communities across Albania helped participants develop foundational programming skills while building confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills. Throughout the program, participants learned HTML, CSS, and SQL and worked in teams to identify a challenge in their community and develop a technology-based solution.

Funded sites and project teams:

• Bushat — Luciana Thomas & Fabjola Gjonpalaj

• Erseke — Aimee Coronado & Ristana Gjergo

• Golem — Jack Weinstein & Joana Papoj

• Gramsh — Maria Topolski & Artan Fejzo

• Kucove — Adrell Mable & Miranda Gaxho

• Kukes — Benjamin Roe & Lavdrim Shehu

• Lushnje — William Farber & Tanushe Muhametaj

• Peshkopi — Abigail Wright & Marjana Tusha

• Prrenjas/Librazhd — Rylie LaRue & Elona Kllogjri

• Puka — Paul Philpy & Lindita Hyseni