Voices & Stories

Real experiences. Real impact

Many years ago, when I served as a soldier with KFOR in Kosovo, I experienced a country still deeply shaped by the consequences of war. It is all the more impressive to see the progress that has been achieved since then. What remains crucial for the future is that children and young people are given real opportunities. Initiatives like ZA Aktiv make an important and hopeful contribution to this.

Mike Schubert

Former Mayor of Potsdam

I, Petrit Halilaj, through my work on various projects, and above all through my focus on childhood, schools, and the Abetare project, have had the opportunity to closely observe just how much the world of children needs attention, care, and support. It is there that hopes for the future reside. It is there that freedom lives. It is there that imagination, dreams, and the beauty that inspires us all begin. I witness this in drawings, in messages, and in the scribbles on school desks, in Runik, in Kosovo, and across the Balkans. These are small traces, yet profoundly powerful ones, reminding us how important it is to listen to the world of children and to take it seriously. We know that education must be liberated, opened up, and developed with greater care, love, and imagination. Therefore, initiatives such as this one by ZA Aktiv e.V. and Resmije Kurbogaj-Ajeti are truly encouraging for all of us.

Petrit Halilaj

Visual Artist

I am a fashion design graduate currently pursuing my master’s degree, and I truly believe in the power of children’s and young people’s voices. For me, ZA is a space where we can be heard, grow, and feel supported. I joined ZA because I want to learn, contribute, and be part of meaningful change. I imagine a community where every young person feels valued, included, and empowered to shape their own future.

Esra

Believing in the Power of Youth Voices

I am a trained musician, and I see ZA as an answer to a real need: a safe, supportive environment where young people can build confidence and develop their talents. I hope ZA becomes a strong VOICE for all children and youth who don’t know how-or cannot express themselves. I believe that ZA can create a culture of collaboration, motivation, and inclusion; one that brings long-term positive change to our community.

Frederik

Creating a Safe Space for Expression

With an MA in Music Education and experience as a lower secondary school teacher, I know how important it is for young people to feel heard and supported. For me, ZA represents a guiding space that offers opportunities for creativity, learning, and personal development. I believe ZA will encourage cooperation, responsibility, and a culture of inclusion, becoming a positive force in our community.

Vesa

Guiding Youth Toward Growth

I am a medical student and a former member of the Respect Our Rights youth group, and I believe that every young voice has the potential to create change. For me, ZA is the place where ideas meet action. A space where we can transform our energy and creativity into real impact. I hope ZA inspires collaboration, innovation, and projects that truly reach people. I believe young people shouldn’t just wait for the future; we should be active shapers of change today.

Viola

Turning Ideas Into Action