By Sara Kënuti, Young European Ambassador Albania

There are some days that leave a mark on your heart. For me, this was one of them.

A few days ago, Olta, Paola, and I had the privilege of visiting two very special institutions in Tirana: one for Children with Hearing Impairments and the other for Children with Visual Impairments. It wasn’t just a visit,  it was a warm hug filled with love, creativity, and strength.

The visit started at the Institution for Children with Hearing Impairments. At first, I wondered what our communication would look like — how we would connect and understand one another. But as soon as I walked in, I realized that the languages of the heart, a smile, and the eyes speak louder than any words. Some of the children showed us their alphabet in sign language, along with a few expressions and simple words – and you know what? By the end, we were able to have a mini conversation with each other, and there was no experience more moving than that. We learned how to applaud, how to ask “How are you?”, how to say “I love you,” and many other beautiful things.

During the visit, we felt not only inspired but deeply aware of the importance of inclusive education and the impact of EU support on these children’s everyday lives. Through the `EU for Inclusive Teaching` project, this institution now has a fully equipped photography lab where students get to learn how to take photos and edit them using professional cameras and software. The kids happily showed us some of their pictures and told us all about their exhibitions. They had made two already, sharing their unique stories and talents with everyone. We even got to watch a fun moment where they showed us how they take photos — it was amazing to see their creativity and excitement up close! 

What the children were most excited about was that, for the first time, they can have their hearing tested on-site in the brand-new Audiogram Room — another EU-funded addition. This space, under the supervision of the institution´s doctor, brings healthcare closer and more accessible. Ola, the director of the institution, showed us that teachers and staff have also benefited through training in Sign Language and inclusive education techniques, delivered by Finnish specialists, enhancing their capacity to support each and every child.

After such a moving experience, we thought our day couldn’t get any more emotional — but we were wrong.

Our next stop was the Institute for Children with Visual Impairments, and from the moment we stepped inside, the feeling shifted into a quiet, grounded one. There’s something incredibly powerful about being in a space where sight isn’t the main guide — where people lead with touch, with sound, with kindness, and with presence.

Thanks to the EU, as Emiliano, the director of the institute, told us, their place is no longer just an institution – it’s transforming into a national resource center. We visited the new training hall, which will train assistant teachers from all over the country. These educators will go on to support students with visual impairments in regular schools across Albania. Everything, from the knowledge and materials to the methodology, will start here.

The EU didn’t just renovate a hall – it built a bridge: a space where change begins. With new infrastructure, better equipment, and a clear mission, this training hall is now a launchpad for inclusive education across Albania. Here, the goal isn’t just to support the children in one building. It’s to empower schools everywhere, so that no matter where a child lives, they’ll have a teacher who understands them, supports them, and believes in their potential.

As the visit was coming to an end, I found myself thinking about everything we had seen, heard and felt. From the quiet strength of the students who communicate through signs, to the gentle confidence of those who read the world through touch, one thing was clear: these children are not defined by what they lack, but by the incredible potential they can create, imagine, and achieve when given the right tools and support.

And speaking of support, what the European Union changed goes far beyond bricks, furniture, or equipment. It’s about investing in dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. It’s a powerful message to every child: “You belong. Your voice matters – in whatever form it takes.”