The Learning from the Past initiative is educating the younger generation on the country's historic past while fostering reflection on democracy and human rights. This is part of the Council of Europe's project Strengthening Democratic Citizenship Education in Albania, in cooperation with the Authority for Information on Former State Security Documents (AIDSSH).

150 students and 17 teachers from Eqrem Çabej and Sami Frashëri high schools in Tirana, Hamza Muça and Naim Frashëri schools in Durrës, and Aleksandër Moisiu school in Kajavë took part in the initiative during the months of November and December.

The initiative will cultivate a critical understanding of Albania's history, which will serve as a foundation for promoting democratic principles and tolerance.

Students took part in a series of awareness-raising activities, including meetings with experts, documentaries on key aspects of the country's past, dialogue sessions with students, teachers and community members, and testimonies. Furthermore, they delved into materials prepared by AIDSSH through reading sessions, effectively linking historical lessons to the values of democracy.

This initiative strengthens knowledge of Albania's history and fosters critical thinking, empowering young generations to leverage this knowledge to contribute to a democratic future. Next year, the activities will continue with a national competition encouraging youth to submit creative works in visual arts, writing, and video that reflect their learning and perspectives.

The Council of Europe project Strengthening Democratic Citizenship Education in Albania is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.