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Author: WeBalkans

Ilir Kiçmari

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Kosovo

Interests: Science, Business and Entrepreneurship

My name is Ilir Kiçmari, and I am 23 years old, hailing from Kosovo. Mathematics has always been a profound passion of mine. During my high school years, I had the opportunity to participate in the National Mathematical Olympiads and the Team Selection Test for the International Mathematical Olympiad. I was also honored to be selected for the Math Kangaroo Contest in Kosovo.

Currently, I am working on my Master’s Thesis in the Department of Mathematics, where my focus is on Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Throughout my academic journey, I have been fortunate to receive three merit-based scholarships from the University of Prishtina and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology. My studies also took me abroad for an exchange semester at Riga Technical University, an experience that broadened my perspective and enriched my education.

Beyond my academic pursuits, I have been deeply involved in student activism. I served on the student council in the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, and I established the organization Student Initiative for Novation 68. Additionally, I was a member of the governing body of the Student Activism Congress in Prishtina on two occasions. In these roles, I have passionately advocated for increasing the quality of higher education, fostering student activism, and promoting the digitization of university processes.

Currently, I am employed as a Project Manager and Programming Instructor at the Digital School (Shkolla Digjitale) in Prishtina. This role allows me to merge my love for mathematics, teaching, and technology, while also contributing to the education and development of future generations.

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Dimitrije Prokopović

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Serbia

Interests: HUMAN RIGHTS, EU INTEGRATION

My name is Dimitrije Prokopović, I am from Leskovac and I am a 25-year old senior year Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Niš, Serbia.

As one good politician from Serbia once said: “None of us are as good as we could be if we tried harder.” I think the same, and I am continuously trying to go another step forward each day, forward to a better future. I think that in the 21st century most valuable are ideas, time and contacts since we live in times of a global environmental crisis, in time of a global covid pandemic and since both of them are leading to yet another economic crisis I believe that we need to connect and share our ideas so that we can overcome it all asap. That is why two years ago, in 2019, I started being active in the field of Youth activism. I have been volunteering in the international non-profit student organisation – Erasmus Student Network (ESN) at local level, I have also participated in some of the local EU events as a volunteer and I truly believe that we can be stronger together and united in diversity.

In my free time, I like to read books, one of my favorite ones is “1984” by George Orwell, I also like watching movies, spending time in nature while hiking, I love meeting new people and having long and good quality conversations. Even though I study mechanical engineering, political science, human rights and freedom of speech are also some of my big passions. As Oscar Wilde would say: “To define is to limit.”

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Maja Trajkovic

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Serbia

Interests: Arts and design,Film and photography,Music,Youth activism,Sport

My name is Maja Trajkovic and I’m a fourth-grade secondary-school student. I’ve been involved in activism for five years now and I’m extremely motivated to continue working with NGOs and trying to make some positive changes.
I’m a member of the UNICEF advisory board for mental health, where our primary goal is to help young people express themselves more regarding mental health. I’m also a member of the board called “Savet mladih” in “Prijatelji dece Srbije”, where I learned how to write a number of project proposals and organise events (such as debate tournaments and charity events).The main topic I’ve always focused on is human rights, which is why I’m a member of the DX club (Informative and Cultural service for children) in the Centre for children’s rights, where we’ve held multiple seminars and made movies to educate young people about the importance of knowing their rights. I’ve also recently become an official member of EYP Serbia (European Youth Parliament).

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Elica Matevska

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: North Macedonia

Interests: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, EU INTEGRATION

My name is Elica Matevska, I am from Skopje, North Macedonia and 26 years old. I am having a Master in the field of Intellectual Property Law. Taking into consideration my five year career experience as a legal officer it has taught me a vast amount of things that are just a proof of a big addition that the law is my passion and my true choice of nature.

In high school I took part in many projects who contributed to the community and our generation who portray my youth activism.  The university gave me the basis of the law and it opened my doors to infinite amount of options and chances that the field itself has, so I chose to share my impressions with the youth and that is why I took part in the workshops from “Ucime Pravo” (Youth Educational Forum).

The long walks with my best buddy – my dog, that’s where I draw all the positivity and feel most energised to go thorough the rest of the day in this fast paced world. The moments I would like to freeze time are the ones spent with my lovely friends and family, the parties, the joy of good food and wine. 

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Bojana Maraš

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Montenegro

Interests: Media, arts and culture, Human Rights

My name is Bojana Maraš and I graduated in art history and theory, and also specializied in carpets and kilims. Currently I’m doing specialization in communicology and media.
I write and publish art reviews and poetry, and have moderated a number of literary and art events. I do research and write about East Asia and Middle East cultures and history, as well as studying Chinese and Arabic, beside English, Italian and Spanish in which I’m fluent. I attended a camp in Changsha and Beijing in China as a scholar of language institute and organized numerous events on thematic of Asian studies.
I am an activist for human rights and have been dedicatedly working on this topic for the last few years.

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Stjuart Islamaj

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Albania

Interests: ARTS AND CULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

“Hello! I’m Stjuart Islamaj, hailing from the sunny south of Albania. Armed with a bachelor’s in Communications and Journalism, I channel my passion for storytelling into my role as a Social Media Manager for the European Union’s Delegation to Albania. Beyond the office, you’ll find me crafting compelling narratives as a content creator, influencer, and freelance communication campaigns specialist.
Since my middle school days, I’ve been an ardent advocate for human rights and environmental causes, always ready to lend my voice to important issues. Off-duty, I’m all about creating sparks of joy, fun and energy in almost everything I do, bringing a touch of playfulness to engage and inspire mostly change :)”

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Maria Zharanjaku

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Albania

Interests: International Relations, Environment

“I’m Maria Zharanjaku, from Albania, on a mission to save the planet—one eco-friendly step at a time!

Awareness-raising activities which create a social impact, protect, empower and educate on the freedom and rights of citizens, have always been a mission of my interest.
I would consider myself as a people person, extremely communicative, adventurous, creative and empathetic. I love meeting new people and learning about their lives, their culture and their backgrounds.
One of my biggest passions is traveling and my biggest pleasure is discovering new cultures, while reminding everyone that the planet is our ultimate travel buddy—let’s not leave it stranded!”

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Enes Pućurica

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Montenegro

Interests: Media, arts and culture, health and sustainability

“Hey there! I’m Enes, a passionate person who believes in the power of communication to connect and inspire. Whether I’m diving into a new language or bringing people together to build vibrant communities, creativity and open-mindedness are at the core of everything I do. With a touch of analytical thinking, I believe I’m a natural leader and always ready to speak up. With a deep respect for diversity and a commitment to fighting for what’s right, I approach each day with a positive attitude and a determination to spread happiness wherever I go.
“To live is to risk, to love is to dare, and to dream is to reach for the stars.”

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Anđa Stanojković

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Serbia Interests: Human Rights, Arts and Culture

Final-year international law student at University of Belgrade, with a strong interest in EU and international law, human rights, international criminal law, and gender equality. Since 2021, I have been a Young European Ambassador for Serbia, actively promoting EU values, youth participation, and civic engagement. I am also involved in the Our Voice, Our Future campaign, advocating for youth empowerment and equality. My experience includes internships at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Higher Court in Belgrade and in law firms, providing practical insight into diplomatic and legal practice. Alongside this, I have engaged in academic research and conferences, particularly focusing on women as victims of international crimes, gender-based violence and combating hate speech.

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Damjan Zlatanovski

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: North Macedonia

Interests: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, ARTS AND CULTURE

“Hi there, I’m Damjan, a Macedonian YEA and a student.

I’m currently pursuing my Telecommunication and Information Technologies studies at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies (FEEIT) in Skopje. Within the university community, you’ll often find me at the heart of the action, whether it’s as a member of the Faculty Student Assembly, volunteering in FSA committees, or representing students’ interests on the Teaching-Scientific Council.

As a YEA and an activist, I’ve devoted myself to causes close to my heart: environmental sustainability, arts and culture, and empowering youth voices. Together with young changemakers, I’ve played a role in shaping the National Youth Strategy 2023-2027. As a YEA I’ve had the privilege and the honor of sharing the stories of Macedonian youth’s activism as a speaker at the European Parliament during EYE 2023 in Strasbourg.

The YEA network has allowed me to expand my network and develop my skillset as a part of all sorts of events, workshops, and discussions, but more importantly, it has given me the platform to act, and do it now. Me and my fellow Macedonian YEAs have successfully engaged youth from all corners of society, raised the most stressful topics of today, and given the spotlight to young people. I believe that only united we can play our part in achieving the 11 European Youth Goals.

Recognition, such as the YEA Award for Team Player and Natural Leader at the YEA Summit 2023, is both an honor and a reminder of the responsibility I carry. Aside from the network I have joined the Global Shapers Skopje Hub, and the SUSI Student Leaders from Europe 2024 program.

Beyond academia and activism, I am a regular editorial opinion writer for Youth Association for Creative Expression “Kultura Beta”. My poetry was included in the “New Birth of the Word: an Anthology of Young Macedonian Poetry”. I also enjoy painting, for which I have a small online gallery shop. And amidst it all, I cherish life’s simple pleasures—cooking, a good cup of coffee with the closest people, spending time with my five dogs, and embarking on adventures to new horizons.

I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next!”

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