Empowering Alumni Through Erasmus+ Networking
Twenty young changemakers from across the Western Balkans gathered in Prizren on 5–7 June 2025 for an inspiring Erasmus+ alumni networking and development event aimed at boosting regional collaboration, peer mentoring, and future project planning.
The event, titled “Erasmus+ Alumni Empowerment: Networking and Professional Development”, took place in the vibrant city of Prizren, Kosovo, from 5–7 June 2025. It brought together 20 Erasmus+ alumni and youth changemakers from the Western Balkans in a collaborative space designed to inspire new ideas, reflect on past experiences, and build strong professional ties.
Organised under the framework of the Erasmus+ Student and Alumni Networks (WP3.1.4), the activity was led by Njomza Sallauka, WBAA Kosovo Board Member, with the support of fellow Board Members from Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro.
The event was built around a carefully structured agenda, balancing alumni presentations, thematic workshops, and interactive formats including structured networking, colour-coded group rotations, and a creative Erasmus+ Memory Game. Participants shared stories of their Erasmus+ experiences – ranging from study exchanges and internships to volunteering opportunities and academic collaborations – in a way that celebrated diversity while promoting shared values of inclusion, youth engagement, and European identity.
Key speakers included Dr. Dejan Galovski, Suhel Ahmeti, Milan Babic, Leotrime Maxharraj, Ylber Salihu, and Altin Gashi, who also served as the event moderator. Each session highlighted the long-term impact of Erasmus+ mobility on careers, community engagement, and regional cooperation.
In addition to personal reflections, the event created opportunities for collaborative planning.
Through a structured networking session, participants identified synergies and committed to future partnerships, including joint projects within the WBAA framework. High-quality photo documentation was carried out throughout the event, including LinkedIn-style portraits and a wrap-up video summary.
The atmosphere remained highly professional, yet welcoming and empowering, with a consistent emphasis on creating lasting impact. The initiative successfully met its objectives and demonstrated the value of Erasmus+ alumni engagement in driving regional development, solidarity, and cross-cultural understanding. It also served as a model for future grassroots initiatives led by alumni networks across Europe.
Prizren, Kosovo, 10 June 2025
Njomza Sallauka – njomza.sallauka@western-balkans-alumni.eu
Edited by the Erasmus+ Support Service Team
