On 20 November 2025, in Zherovjane, something more than an ordinary workshop took place. The village buzzed with ideas, stories and creative energy. At the “Liria” Primary School, local content creators, activists, teachers, doctors, professors and residents gathered for one purpose: to share their challenges and their pride—stories that will later become the “raw material” for media features portraying coexistence, tolerance and gender equality through the eyes of the very members of this community.
Organized by the “Lice v Lice” Platform, in cooperation with the local organization of “Nisma,” the “Liria” Primary School and the Local Community Office of Zherovjane, the workshop demonstrated how essential it was to hear the voices of small communities—especially those that carry the most authentic and powerful stories.
Zherovjane: A Place Where Sports, Art and the Taste of Ice Cream Build Bridges
The participants opened the door to many local topics that promised strong and inspiring media stories.
“Liria” Volleyball Club – 54 Years of Sports for Coexistence
Founded back in 1970, the “Liria” club is a sports symbol of the village and a true example of multiethnic cooperation. Players come from different communities and from across the country, and the mixed cheering stand always supports them as one. Here, sport is more than a game—it is a way to connect, accept and build long-lasting friendships.
“Saranda” Ice Cream Shop – A Summer Stage of Tolerance and Gelato Culture
Their homemade ice cream, prepared according to a traditional recipe, has long gone beyond the role of a summer treat. “Saranda” has become a place where the community “blends together” just like the flavours: young and old, women and men, locals and visitors from all over the country. The ice cream shop has grown into a cultural hub where people connect through gastronomy—proof that sometimes a cup of ice cream can contribute more to coexistence than national policies.
Besarta Murtezani – A Powerful Operatic Voice from a Small Village
Art in Zherovjane also has its own hero—or rather, heroine. Opera singer Besarta Murtezani, who has performed side by side with world-renowned soprano Ermonela Jaho, is living proof that talent knows no borders. Her story inspires young people to believe that even the smallest places can produce great artists when passion and support are nurtured.
When Car Windows Break and Toll Fees Multiply – The Village’s Real Challenges
Although Zherovjane holds many positive stories, participants also raised the issue of isolation. Without a private vehicle and without an adequate local road, residents are cut off from nearby villages and towns. For just a few kilometers, drivers must pay three tolls.
“My car window broke from paying tolls,” one participant joked.
But behind the humour lies a serious issue: transportation is the biggest challenge, particularly for women from Zherovjane and surrounding areas. This sparked a discussion about how infrastructure affects inclusion, mobility and equality.
From Workshop to Real Media Stories
All collected ideas, testimonies and narratives will be transformed into new, authentic stories published on the “Lice v Lice” Platform. The goal is to give voice to local heroes and to stories that drive coexistence and tolerance, yet often remain “invisible.” At the same time, the project aims to show that life outside big cities is full of richness worth sharing.
The Zherovjane workshop is only the beginning. More stories, more voices and more local heroes are yet to shine.
The event was part of the official programme of the 2025 Media Literacy Days (17–25 November 2025), held under the theme: “Using Critical Thinking to Counter Disinformation at Home and Around the World.”
