NAR in California.

My story began when I came to the United States in 2016. Since then, I have built my life in San Diego, started a family, and opened my own business. Over the years, I have met many Albanian families, parents, children, and individuals through my business and through personal community connections. What I have seen clearly is that here has a real need for an organized Albanian community, where people can connect, support one another, and preserve our culture for the next generation. I am originally from Korça, Albania, (I’m assuming you already know) a city with deep historical importance in Albanian education and culture. This mission is also personal to my family history. My great-grandfather, from the Terpo family, donated his house to help open the first Albanian school (the well known ABC school). Knowing that my own family played a role in supporting Albanian education makes this work feel even more meaningful to me. It feels like a continuation of that same responsibility: to protect our language and our culture, especially for the next generation. I have been an immigrant for most of my life. I lived in Greece for 12 years, then in Rome, Italy for about 14 years, and now I have been in San Diego for almost 10 years. Because of that journey, I understand deeply what it means to carry your roots with you while building a new life in a new country. I also understand how important it is for children and families to feel connected to their traditions and identity. Being also involved in the St Spyridon, a Greek Orthodox Church community, has shown me how powerful a strong cultural and community structure can be. Being a board member of the Parish Council and currently leading two committees, I have seen how people thrive when they have a place to gather, teach their children, preserve traditions, celebrate together, and support one another. That experience created a strong desire in me, almost like a flame, to help build something similar for the Albanian community in SD. In recent years, I have met more Albanian families who share the same concern: they want their children, like mine, to stay connected to their roots. They want opportunities for Albanian language learning, storytelling, history, cultural dancing, traditions, and a sense of belonging. Right now, there is no strong organized structure for this in San Diego, and I believe the time is right to begin. Even before learning about this opportunity, I had already taken action on my own. I have registered a nonprofit organization called Albanian Language and Cultural Center of San Diego. My goal is to begin with what we have, even if it starts small, a few children, a few adults, a found a teacher, and a group of families who believe in the mission. From there, I believe we can grow further. In the first 90 days, I would focus on identifying interested families, connecting with potential teachers and volunteers, building communication and different programs/ groups, and organizing the first language and cultural activities. I would also reach out to local Albanian families, business owners, parents, and other community supporters who can help us create a strong foundation. My business also gives me a unique opportunity to meet many people in the community. Through my work, I have already connected with Albanian customers, families, and local supporters. I believe those relationships can help bring people together and create momentum for something meaningful. People who can vouch for me include local Albanian families, customers, community members, business contacts, and people from the church, who know my work ethic, commitment, and desire to serve. I believe I am the right person to help start this because I have lived the immigrant journey, I understand the need personally as a father of three, I come from a family history connected to Albanian education, and I have already begun taking real steps to build something lasting for the Albanians in San Diego.