Sharing the spirit of inclusion: YEAs’ visit at the Jonathan Center

At the end of 2025, Young European Ambassadors from Albania organized a Christmas visit to the Jonathan Center, spending meaningful time with children and young people with disabilities. The visit created an opportunity for YEAs to engage directly with the center’s community, including social workers, speech therapists, physiotherapists, young people, and their parents. Through open discussions, they learned more about the center’s mission, its empowerment and labour market programs, and the wide range of therapeutic and social activities organized throughout the month to support inclusion and personal development.

A key part of the visit was dedicated to conversations with the social worker and parents, who shared valuable insights into the realities they face and the support systems available to their families. These discussions highlighted the importance of social inclusion policies, especially considering that children and young people with disabilities remain among the most excluded and marginalized groups in society. By listening to firsthand experiences, YEAs gained a deeper understanding of both the progress made and the persistent gaps in social protection, access to services, and long-term opportunities for young people with disabilities.

During the visit, YEAs also spent time with the children, observing therapy exercises and engaging with them in a warm and festive atmosphere. Witnessing these activities firsthand made the experience both insightful and deeply fulfilling, leaving a lasting impact on them. The visit sparked important reflections on the need to further strengthen social protection systems to ensure better, more inclusive support for children and young people with disabilities and their families, reaffirming the role of youth advocacy in pushing for more equitable and compassionate societies.