Shpresa Programme has always been a place of hope, a home for the community, and empowerment machine for individuals, particularly those who are facing the many challenges that come with migration.
What began as a vision by the late CEO, Luljeta, has evolved into a transformative journey for so many of us.
Now as we go through our third cohort of the Leadership Programme, we stand not only as leaders in delivering this programme but as proud ambassadors of a legacy that is living on and empowering new generations of leaders.
Luljeta’s vision for this leadership programme was simple yet profound: to empower leaders from within our community and to inspire new leaders to rise up and create positive change.
She saw the potential in every person who walked through Shpresa’s doors, recognizing that leadership is not just a position or title, but a responsibility to serve, guide, and uplift others.
The fact that the third cohort is being run by people who took part in the programme previously, speaks loudly about the significant impact of this programme.
The programme isn’t just about learning; it’s about paying it forward, sharing knowledge, and empowering others to do the same.
From a personal perspective – my experience with Shpresa and the leadership programme played an important factor into my success. And just the fact that I once was taking this programme, and now I am delivering this programme, showcases its power.
To me, and to everyone at Shpresa, the Leadership Programme is not just a training initiative, it’s a journey.
I saw this as a great opportunity to learn, to connect, and most importantly, to thrive. It pushed me to step outside the comfort zones, to challenge myself, to think outside the box, and to grow as a young leader in every sense of the word.
But, the beauty of Shpresa lies not just in the programme itself, but in the larger community it fosters. The Shpresa family is one that motivates, supports, and encourages you to improve and to strive to be the best version of yourself.
When I first arrived in the UK at 17, I felt overwhelmed. Coming from a small town in Albania, I was suddenly in the vast and unfamiliar city of London with no family, no friends, and very little English. I was an asylum seeker, alone, and struggling to find my place in a new world. The challenges felt like mission impossible.
However, Shpresa welcomed me with open arms. It was the support, dedication, and encouragement of the Shpresa team that helped me find my way. They didn’t just give me a helping hand; they helped me realize my own potential. I was able to build experience as a volunteer and lead initiatives in youth projects.
Shpresa became my family, and in that family, I began to grow and thrive. They also helped me with practical matters such as securing leave to remain in the UK, which opened doors I never thought possible.
Then I went on to pursue a degree in Finance, Investment, and Risk, and eventually landed my dream job in asset management as an Investment Operations Executive.
But the journey didn’t end there. As I became more involved in Shpresa, I went from being a user of the service to a volunteer, a young leader, and eventually a trustee on the Board and now the Treasurer of the organization.
The Leadership Programme played an important role in shaping my path, giving the skills, knowledge, and confidence to step into leadership roles.
Now, as I stand on the other side of the programme, I’m filled with a deep sense of pride and fulfilment. The opportunity to share my knowledge and experiences with the new cohort is a privilege.
As someone who once looked up to those who guided me, being able to mentor and support the next generation of leaders feels like a huge accomplishment. It’s not just about me as an individual – it’s about the impact Shpresa continues to have on people’s lives.
I am proud to be part of an organization that creates leaders, that nurtures growth, and that transforms lives. One of the most beautiful things about the Shpresa’s Leadership Programme is the way it continues to evolve and grow. Each cohort brings new perspectives, new ideas, and new energy to the table. But what remains constant is the commitment to developing leaders who are not just qualified but are also passionate about giving back to their community.
As I look around and see so many past participants taking on leadership roles, sharing their stories, and mentoring the new cohort, I am reminded of just how powerful this programme is.
The Leadership Programme is a true testament to Luljeta’s legacy. It’s a living part of the work she started, and through it, her vision is being realized every day.
She left us with so much more than just beautiful memories , she left the legacy of her whole life work and dedication.
I am so proud to be part of the Shpresa family. From a young migrant who had no idea what the future would hold, to a leader who is now passing the torch to the next cohort, this journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
And as I look forward to the future and the continuance of this leadership programme, I am filled with hope, excitement, and belief that, together, we can achieve even more…
