From the scenic hills of northern Albania, a powerful success story has emerged—one that speaks to determination, passion, and the life-changing impact of the right support. Meet Albani, a young man from the quaint village of Katundi i Vjetër in Rrëshen, who turned his dream of owning a traditional food shop into reality, thanks to the support of Caritas Albania’s YourJob program.
Albani always had a passion for agriculture and natural food production. Over the years, working on his family land, he mastered the craft of cultivating organic fruits and vegetables and producing natural dairy products. What set Albani apart was his vision: to create a shop offering only fresh, chemical-free village products—cheese, eggs, vegetables, honey, and even homemade ice cream made from cow’s milk during the summer months.
However, turning this vision into a business wasn’t easy. With no startup capital, Albani’s dream remained just an idea—until he heard about YourJob, a Caritas Albania initiative supporting young people with training and funding opportunities. Inspired and hopeful, Albani reached out, participated in entrepreneurship training, and applied for a grant.
Step by step, he navigated the program and was eventually selected as a grant winner. What once seemed impossible quickly became a reality. With the financial and technical support from Caritas Albania, Albani opened his shop, equipped it with proper infrastructure, and began sourcing not only his own products but also those of other farmers in the community.
Today, his store stands as a vibrant hub for authentic, locally sourced food. Located in a region known for its culinary tourism, Albani has seen remarkable growth in its business. Though still in the early stages, he and his wife manage the shop with dedication, earning recognition both from locals and visiting tourists.
Albani’s story is more than a personal success—it’s a shining example of how young entrepreneurs can thrive with guidance and opportunity. He is now a role model in his community, proving that with hard work and the right support, dreams can indeed become reality.