When in times of doubt, become WISE-er!
Some opportunities arrive when you least expect them but need them the most. That was the case for me and the WISE Program. I have always had a complicated relationship with the region. I deeply value the traits we share such as our passion, warmth, and strong sense of community yet I remain critical of the politics that hold us back from integration. I’ve long believed that keeping cooperation at a surface level limits the Western Balkans’ full potential, both economically and socio-politically.
My professional path and personal ambitions were perfectly aligned with WISE. Having already engaged in regional projects and collaborated with colleagues across the Western Balkans, the missing piece was experiencing life and work in another WB country. Thus, WISE Program gave me exactly that perspective shift by placing me for three months in Sarajevo, where I worked with Humanity in Action Bosnia & Herzegovina. As an executive assistant, I was entrusted not only with administrative responsibilities but also with content development and leadership tasks. I facilitated sessions, contributed to organizational strategy, participated in regional and international partner meetings, participated in training of trainers on working with highly polarized groups, facilitated the 2025 Sarajevo Fellowship, and managed the organization’s social media presence. I grew professionally because I was trusted, challenged, and mentored in an environment that encouraged me to take ownership and showcase my skills. I also had the opportunity to:
-Connect with international experts and expand my network. -Gain insight into how an international NGO operates (its culture, principles, advocacy, and branding strategies.) -Strengthen my facilitation and networking skills. -Deepen my analytical lens for understanding societies shaped by conflict.
Most importantly, I learned how complex conflicts truly are, and how their consequences continue to manifest in subtle but profound ways in today’s reality. This awareness reshaped the way I choose my perspectives, how I interact with others, and how I design educational programs. I walked away with sharper observational skills and a more nuanced approach to fostering democratic resilience and civic engagement.
Through WISE and the experience provided at the Humanity in Action, I took my advocacy for stronger democracies beyond Albania, situating it within an international and cross-cultural context. This experience strengthened not only my professional competencies but also my conviction that the Western Balkans can achieve more if we look beyond cooperation and strive for deeper integration.
Dragana Kurti, participant of the WISE Program
