American Woman Creates Albanian Organization, Owing Her Life to its Culture

October 22, 2014 (PRLEAP.COM) Entertainment News
Atlanta, Georgia – October 22, 2014 – "The Albanian concept of Besa, saved my life in the Dominican Republic two years ago." Explains Ashley Wood, Executive Director of Albanian Voices. Ashley was doing research for her Ph.D, interviewing residents of a small town when she mistakenly found herself surrounded by a group of dangerous men. "The mood went from normal to scary in seconds and before I knew it I was being dragged towards a car."

As luck would have it, just a few days earlier, she had crossed paths with a group of four Albanian men who happened to see this event taking place. "It was like a scene right out of a movie. I couldn't believe what was happening. The Albanians started defending me for no other reason other than that they considered me their guest." One unique cornerstone of the Albanian culture is the concept of Besa; which states that one must value the life of a guest above all.

"I was so inspired and touched by this unique culture that I created Albanian Voices in hopes of sharing this culture with the rest of the world." Ashley adds.

The Albanian Voices organization promotes the preservation of the Albanian oral history tradition (most of which had remained unrecorded until well into the 20th century) through its story collection and interview initiative as well as educational content promoting digital media literacy. More information is available on the organization's website at http://albanianvoices.org - as well as on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

The organization is currently running an indiegogo fundraising campaign. It can be found at http://igg.me/at/albanianvoices

Contact:
Ashley Wood
Albanian Voices
P.O. Box 190586
Atlanta, GA 31119

Ph. +1-770-827-8431

info@albanianvoices.org

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