Teaching Scratch in Elbasan 🇦🇱
Last week, I had the opportunity to join iStep for a volunteer project in Elbasan, Albania, where we introduced children and teenagers to the basics of programming using Scratch.
It was my first time taking part in a project like this abroad, and I honestly didn’t know what to expect. New people, a new environment, a completely different daily routine. From the very first day, though, I felt welcome. The team was supportive, and the kids brought so much energy and curiosity with them.
#Coding with Scratch, Step by Step
We held our workshops in a local school and worked closely with the neighboring A2B Center, run by the organization A2B – Hope for the Future. The center is a warm, supportive space for children and teenagers, many of whom come from difficult backgrounds. It was clear from day one how much this place means to them. Some kids eat here every day, others come to do their homework, and a few even use the showers because they don’t have one at home. Some use the center’s computers to print and prepare important documents, the kind of thing many of us take for granted.
Together with Maxim, we guided the participants through daily sessions. We began with a short bit of theory from our Scratch guide, then moved into hands-on exercises. One of the highlights was watching the kids solve challenges by building small games, one step at a time and often with their own creative touches.
#Seeing Progress and Excitement
It was incredible to see how fast the kids picked up the concepts. Most of them had never coded before, yet after just a few days they were confidently building games with logic and interaction. Their enthusiasm was contagious, especially the joy on their faces when something finally worked.
One of my favorite moments was watching a student proudly show his game to the group. His character was jumping, collecting items, and responding to the keyboard, and the whole room lit up.
#More Than Just a Course
While the Scratch course was the main focus of our week, the experience went far beyond that. We learned a lot from being on site, talking to the kids, and listening to the team at A2B. Their dedication is inspiring. They don’t just support young people, but also seniors and others in need across southern Albania.
A2B runs other social projects too, like delivering warm meals to elderly people who receive little or no pension, organizing community prayer meetings, and bringing food to families who can’t leave their homes. Their work goes far beyond education. It brings dignity, stability, and connection into people’s everyday lives.
In our free time, we also had the chance to explore a bit. We often had dinner together with the iStep team, and one afternoon, Maxim, Petre, and I went on a short hike in the surrounding hills. It was a calm, beautiful moment that helped us understand a little more of Albania’s culture and nature.
#What Stays With Me
What stayed with me most this week was the kids' gratitude. Many of them don’t have much, but they show up with open hearts, ready to learn, laugh, and share. Their appreciation for the smallest things reminded me how much we take for granted, and how much it means when someone believes in you.
This week wasn’t just about coding. It was about connection. About sharing what we know. About learning from others. And about seeing the real, everyday life of people here.
I'm incredibly thankful I got to be part of this, and I hope we left something behind, even if it was just a small seed for the future.
Want to support projects like this?
Check out iStep’s Website or donate here. ❤️