How we work
How we work: A political education office
We’re not a traditional grant or donor organization. As part of a political foundation, hbs Tirana focuses on education initiatives rather than funding programs. Our role is to develop and co-create educational activities with like-minded actors who are eager to explore and expand political education. We work with partners to create engaging political education initiatives, from printed materials to large-scale public campaigns. Our goal is to make knowledge more accessible, creative, and impactful. At hbs Tirana, we see political education as a way to spark critical public debate. That’s why we work closely with civil society, activists, artists, and cultural workers, bringing together different voices to shape conversations that matter. Beyond creating educational content, we connect people. Through networking opportunities and international exchanges, we help civil society actors share ideas, grow their impact, and strengthen their work both conceptually and organizationally. Ultimately, we aim to build a strong platform of progressive voices, working toward gender justice and a socio-ecological transformation in Albania and beyond.
Living our Values: A Green Office in Action
At hbs Tirana, we like to call ourselves a green office, not just because we represent a green political foundation, but because we truly live by those values. We constantly rethink the way we work to reduce waste, minimize our impact, and make more sustainable choices. One of the simplest yet most effective changes we’ve made is ditching single-use plastics. The same mindset applies to the way we handle food. Our catering menus include locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, and we prioritize vegetarian and ready-made dishes to cut down on unnecessary packaging. If there’s extra food, we encourage takeaways in carefully chosen eco-friendly containers. We also rethink visibility materials: Everything we produce, whether it’s notebooks, calendars, or flyers, is designed with both aesthetics and impact in mind. We use RISO printing, an eco-friendly method that relies on soy-based ink and consumes less energy. Our printed materials are made from recycled paper, and we’re always looking for ways to reuse test prints and leftover materials, embracing imperfections as part of the creative process. For us, being a green office isn’t just about policies—it’s about thoughtful, everyday choices that can add up to meaningful change.
Our approaches
Rethinking education
We believe education is more than just the transfer of knowledge—it is a catalyst for emancipation and social transformation. Our educational approach integrates green and radical education, combining environmental awareness with a commitment to justice and active engagement. Green education is a transformative learning process that goes beyond environmental awareness, encouraging individuals to understand how ecological issues connect with political, social, and economic systems. Radical education, on the other hand, challenges passive learning, fostering a mindset of curiosity, critical thinking, and action. In this spirit, we see education as a practice of freedom, one that encourages students to engage critically with reality and take an active role in shaping change. Through our educational programs, we nurture this capacity, empowering students and young people to become active participants in shaping a gender-just and sustainable future.
Art as a catalyst for critical education
Beyond aesthetics, artistic interventions engage with political and social realities in ways that traditional education often cannot. We see art as a transformative force, encouraging individuals to question dominant narratives, explore alternative perspectives, and rethink power structures. Whether through visual arts, performance, film, or interactive installations, art fosters moments of reflection and critical engagement, allowing audiences to connect with complex issues both intellectually and emotionally. Art also plays a crucial role in reclaiming public space, turning shared environments into platforms for expression and dialogue. By bringing creativity into everyday spaces, art challenges the idea that public spaces are purely functional or commercial, encouraging collective discussion and social participation. For these reasons, we integrate artistic practices into our political education efforts, creating inclusive, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences that inspire critical thinking and active participation.
Film Literacy as a tool for critical education
We believe film should not only be appreciated as an art form but also examined critically, encouraging audiences to question the narratives they consume. In today's world, media shapes much of what we know and believe from our daily interactions and public debates to how we understand history and culture.Films, in particular, are more than artistic expressions or mere entertainment—they reflect social realities, cultural shifts, and power structures. The way stories are told, whose voices are amplified, and what messages are conveyed all influence public perception. By integrating film into political education, we aim to deepen understanding of media’s impact on society and public discourse. Through screenings, discussions, and workshops, we create spaces where film becomes a catalyst for reflection and dialogue.
