Founded by BBC World Service Trust

Promoting media, culture, civic engagement and democratic values

Rruga me Pisha Foundation is an Albanian non-profit organisation working at the intersection of media, culture, civic engagement, democratic values, public communication and community empowerment in Albania and beyond.

Rruga me Pisha CD visual
ACTUAL ONGOING PROJECTS

Current projects, digital revival and online listening access

Rruga me Pisha Foundation is currently advancing a set of ongoing initiatives in media, culture, civic engagement and democratic values, including the digital revival and public online access of the historic Rruga me Pisha radio programmes archive.

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Rruga me Pisha Digital Revival

Digital revival, curation and renewed public access to Albania’s landmark social-educational radio soap opera.

A proven track record in media, culture and democratic engagement

Over more than two decades, Rruga me Pisha Foundation has consistently delivered meaningful initiatives in media, culture, civic engagement, democratic governance and social inclusion across Albania and the Western Balkans.

800+
social and educational radio drama episodes produced and broadcast through Radio Tirana and the BBC World Service, reaching nationwide audiences and fostering public dialogue.
40+
large-scale theatre outreach roadshows implemented across the country, promoting civic engagement, community participation and social awareness.
150+
professionals engaged across media, performing arts, creative industries, civil society organisations, youth workers, educators, journalists and community facilitators.
60+
projects implemented promoting and safeguarding democracy through media literacy, freedom of expression, cultural participation, social cohesion, youth empowerment, and inclusive civic engagement.
Multi-donor
Sustained cooperation within multi-donor funding frameworks, including partnerships with international organisations, public institutions, and regional networks.

About us

A platform for media, culture, civic participation and community development since 2001

Rruga me Pisha Foundation was established in July 2001 as an Albanian non-profit organisation founded by the BBC World Service Trust. It works under Albanian legislation, is managed by an Albanian team and has developed initiatives in media, culture, civil society, communication and public education.

The foundation serves as a platform for local, national and international cooperation in areas such as media literacy, cultural heritage, creative industries, civic engagement for democratic values, community-based development and institutional capacity building.

Rruga me Pisha Studio poster

Dashboard

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What we do

Our areas of work

Media and Public Communication

We design and implement media, communication and public-awareness initiatives that promote informed participation, dialogue, civic engagement and democratic values.

Culture and Creative Industries

We support cultural cooperation, creative industries, audiovisual development and initiatives that strengthen cultural expression and intercultural exchange.

Research, Think Tank and Advocacy

We carry out research, analysis and advocacy on issues related to media, culture, civil society, local development and democratic participation.

Capacity Building and Partnerships

We help organisations, institutions and communities build skills, partnerships and practical capacities for project development and long-term impact.

Portfolio

Selected portfolio 1998–2026

This portfolio section brings together the Foundation’s key project references, programme history, communication campaigns, audiovisual production work, public-interest media initiatives and regional cooperation actions. The section combines selected posters and visual references with a structured record of projects and institutional roles.

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Selected visual references and project posters
November 2025 – Running

Digitalisation and Online Revival of Rruga me Pisha, the First Albanian Social-Educative Radio Soap Opera

Ongoing initiative focused on the digitalisation, content preparation, online relaunch, and business planning for Rruga me Pisha. The action includes development of a sustainable digital distribution model, audience and revenue analysis, digital publishing, and preparation for long-term online access in Albania and abroad.

Donor / Supporter

Patreon; Public Media Alliance; EU Digital Europe Programme

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation acts as project owner, content rights holder and implementing organisation, leading digitalisation, concept development, online distribution planning and sustainability strategy.

June – December 2025

Service Contract under the RisiAlbania Project

Mapping Media Albania developed and produced several audiovisual programmes addressing youth employment, employability skills, career guidance and labour market opportunities, helping inform and engage young audiences while contributing to wider public awareness and dialogue on youth inclusion and socio-economic participation.

Donor / Supporter

HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation Albania / RisiAlbania

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

2023–2024

Second-Phase Communication Campaign in 3 Regions – Social Assistance Modernization Project (SAMP)

Design and implementation of a regional communication campaign in Tirana, Durrës and Elbasan supporting Albania’s disability assistance reform, including social media spots, brochures, mini-maps and visual materials.

Donor / Supporter

World Bank

Partner Role / RMP Role

Implemented by Rruga me Pisha Foundation in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.

June 2023

Audiovisual Production Services for e-Governance Academy Foundation

Provision of professional audiovisual services under an authorisation agreement with the e-Governance Academy Foundation, including production of a short documentary.

Donor / Supporter

e-Governance Academy Foundation (Estonia)

Partner Role / RMP Role

Implemented by AP Consulting / Arben Papadhopulli.

Apr–Jun 2022

Production of Documentary Film under the FACE UP Project

Production of a 25–30 minute documentary film, subtitled in English, on stories of victims who experienced exile in the prisons and camps of Lushnja.

Donor / Supporter

Zëri Qytetar NGO / EU-financed project 609250-CITIZ-1-2019-1-AL-CITIZ-REMEM

Partner Role / RMP Role

Implemented by AP Consulting / Arben Papadhopulli.

Sep–Oct 2021

Service Contract under the RisiAlbania Project

Short-term delivery of professional services under specific Terms of Reference and agreed deliverables.

Donor / Supporter

HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation Albania / RisiAlbania

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

2020–2021

Second-Stage Communication Campaign in Three Selected Regions – SAMP

Regional communication campaign supporting the rollout of disability assessment reform, including regional information spots and printed materials.

Donor / Supporter

Ministry of Health and Social Protection / SAMP

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

2019–2020

A Better Region Starts with Youth

Regional youth initiative involving partners from Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina to promote dialogue, reconciliation and intercultural cooperation.

Donor / Supporter

RYCO

Partner Role / RMP Role

Project partner with Creative Mentorship (Serbia) and OKC Abrašević (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

Feb–Mar 2020

Production of TV Spot for Public Communication Campaign

End-to-end production of a 40-second TV spot supporting public information and communication objectives.

Donor / Supporter

Cover Media Agency

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

Apr 2019

Production of 5 TV Spots for Awareness and Outreach Purposes

Creative development, filming, editing and final delivery of five 40-second TV spots.

Donor / Supporter

Foto Shop / Estela Shehu

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

2018–2020

Production of 12 Video Training Modules

Professional production of 12 video training modules supporting structured communication and knowledge-transfer objectives.

Donor / Supporter

Cover SHPK

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

2018–2019

Production of 15 TV Spots and 15 Video Trainings

Audiovisual production in support of the EU-funded project “Municipalities for Europe.”

Donor / Supporter

European Commission

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation contracted by FotoShop Company and CoverMedia Company.

2017–2019

Local Government Units in Front of Cultural Developments

Research and policy-support project for the cultural and creative sectors in Vlora, Saranda and Himara, including public debates and communication strategies.

Donor / Supporter

LëvizAlbania / SDC

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation as project leader.

2017–2018

Local Governance in Response to the Need for Cultural Development

Advocacy, research and public dialogue project in Vlora, Himara and Saranda to strengthen participation in local planning and policy-making for art, culture and cultural tourism.

Donor / Supporter

LëvizAlbania / SDC

Partner Role / RMP Role

Implemented with the Union of Albanian Journalists and sector partners.

2017

Monitoring the Media Landscape in Albania Related to LMI

Research and assessment of the Albanian media landscape to analyse coverage of labour market information.

Donor / Supporter

RisiAlbania

Partner Role / RMP Role

Arben Papadhopulli / Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

2016–2018

Audience Survey for TV Programming Tackling Labour Issues

Nationwide audience survey covering seven media programmes focused on employment barriers for young people.

Donor / Supporter

HELVETAS / SDC

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

2016

Audience Research on Media Programmes for Career and Job Orientation

National audience research and perception survey measuring reach, viewership and behavioural impact of selected media programmes on career guidance and job opportunities.

Donor / Supporter

RisiAlbania / SDC / HELVETAS and Partners Albania

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

2014–2016

Out of the Margins

Regional research and policy project on independent culture scenes in South-East Europe, producing a database, regional study and policy papers.

Donor / Supporter

Artangle – BAC

Partner Role / RMP Role

Managed by Rruga me Pisha Foundation with regional partners.

2008–2010

Radio Talk Shows Project – EU Integration of Albania

Production and broadcast of 20 radio talk shows dedicated to Albania’s EU integration and accession process.

Donor / Supporter

National Endowment for Democracy / related US support

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation as producer and broadcaster.

2007–2008

TV Thematic Debates Project – Media Legislation in Albania

Production and broadcast of 5 TV debates focused on media legislation, ethics and freedom of expression.

Donor / Supporter

European Media Stability Pact / German Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

2005–2017

Production of TV Spots and Promotional Materials for Donor Organisations

Development, production and dissemination of TV spots and promotional communication materials for major international organisations, public institutions and civil society actors in Albania.

Donor / Supporter

Various donors and clients

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

Jul 2005–Jun 2006

Raise Awareness through Producing a Series of Radio Episodes on Trafficking Issues

Production of a series of Rruga me Pisha radio episodes to raise public awareness on trafficking in human beings in Albania.

Donor / Supporter

USAID / CAAHT / Creative Associates International

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

Mar 2005–Jul 2006

Raising Public Awareness using the Albanian Radio Soap Opera as a Tool for Albanian Democratic Development

Sixteen-month public-awareness and democratic development project implemented through Rruga me Pisha.

Donor / Supporter

European Community / EC Delegation in Albania

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

Apr–Jul 2005

Continuing the Radio Production on Social and Media Issues

Continued production and broadcasting of 36 episodes of the Rruga me Pisha radio soap opera, one TV debate, and two audience research exercises.

Donor / Supporter

ifa / German Media Stability Pact for South East Europe

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

2004–2006

Human Trafficking – Owning the Problem

Regional capacity-building project delivering 12 trainings for approximately 250 journalists and civil society workers from Albania and Serbia.

Donor / Supporter

European Union / EIDHR Programme

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation in partnership with BBC World Service Trust and ECIBJ Serbia.

2004–2005

Human Trafficking: Owning the Problem

Communication and public-awareness project addressing human trafficking in Albania.

Donor / Supporter

European Commission

Partner Role / RMP Role

BBC World Service Trust with Rruga me Pisha Foundation as local implementing partner.

2004–2005

Rruga me Pisha

Grant support sustaining the Foundation’s educational media and public-awareness work through the radio soap opera format.

Donor / Supporter

Swedish Helsinki Committee for Human Rights

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

Jul–Nov 2004

Using the Albanian Radio Soap Opera as a Tool for Albanian Democratic Development

Use of Rruga me Pisha as a public-interest media platform, including creation of the project website.

Donor / Supporter

ifa / German Media Stability Pact for South East Europe

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

2004–2006

Outreach and Education

Two-year outreach and education project covering core operational and programme-related costs, including facilities and equipment maintenance.

Donor / Supporter

Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

2004 & 2005

Audience Research for UNICEF Albania

Two rounds of nationwide audience research on media programmes supported by UNICEF Albania.

Donor / Supporter

UNICEF Albania

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

2003–2005

Audience Development

Workshops and training sessions with high schools in several Albanian cities to promote radio and television literacy and support artistic classrooms.

Donor / Supporter

Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

Dec 2003–Jun 2004

Raising Public Awareness of Human Rights through the Albanian Radio Soap Opera ‘Rruga me Pisha’

Production and broadcast of 48 episodes to raise public awareness of human rights and support democratic development.

Donor / Supporter

SDC / Swiss Cooperation Office Albania

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

Jun–Sep 2003

Production and Broadcast of 24 Anti-Corruption Radio Soap Opera Episodes

Production and broadcast of 24 episodes to raise public awareness on corruption and trafficking through Radio Tirana and the BBC Albanian Service.

Donor / Supporter

MSI under a USAID-funded activity

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

Mar–Aug 2003

Raising Public Awareness of Human Rights through the Albanian Radio Soap Opera

Human-rights communication project using Rruga me Pisha as a public-awareness tool.

Donor / Supporter

Swedish Helsinki Committee for Human Rights / Sida

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

2003

Team to End Poverty – Public Campaign Project

National public awareness campaign on ending poverty, including production and broadcast of radio and TV programmes and public service messages.

Donor / Supporter

UNDP Albania

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

2000–2006

Road Shows Project – Theatre Performances with Social Education Themes

Implementation of 53 road shows in cities and rural areas across Albania on EU integration, human rights, corruption, elections, justice, domestic violence and gender equality.

Donor / Supporter

C.S. Mott Foundation, British Embassy, Sida, SHC, UNICEF

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

1999–Present

Rruga me Pisha – Social-Educative Radio Soap Opera

Albania’s first social-educational radio soap opera, with around 800 episodes produced and broadcast on Radio Tirana and the BBC World Service Albanian Section. The programme is now in its second online season through Patreon.

Donor / Supporter

European Union, Council of Europe, DFID, UNICEF, UNDP, USAID, World Bank, Sida, SDC, Soros Foundation, C.S. Mott Foundation, IOM, IFES and others

Partner Role / RMP Role

Rruga me Pisha Foundation as creator, producer and lead implementing organisation.

1998–1999

Albanian Radio Serial / Start of ‘Rruga me Pisha’

Start-up grant for the launch of the Albanian Radio Serial, which laid the foundation for Rruga me Pisha.

Donor / Supporter

European Commission

Partner Role / RMP Role

BBC Marshall Plan of the Mind.

Timeline

Institutional journey

A snapshot of the foundation’s path from the launch of the Albanian radio serial to its current digital revival and broader civic, cultural and communication work.

1998–1999

Launch of the Albanian Radio Serial and start-up support for what became Rruga me Pisha.

1999–Present

Development of Albania’s first social-educational radio soap opera.

2000–2006

National theatre road shows on social education and democratic participation.

2003–2005

Audience development, media literacy and public awareness initiatives.

2004–2006

Anti-trafficking communication and journalist training projects.

2007–2010

TV debates on media legislation and radio programmes on EU integration.

2014–2016

Regional independent culture research and policy work.

2016–2019

Audience research, labour market media studies and local cultural governance projects.

2019–2024

Regional youth cooperation, audiovisual production and public communication campaigns.

2025–2026

Digital revival of the Rruga me Pisha archive for new audiences.

Recognition

Selected international references and public recognition

Rruga me Pisha / Pine Street has been documented in international communication-for-development archives, academic research and public reference sources as a pioneering Albanian social-educational radio drama developed in association with the BBC World Service Trust and Radio Tirana.

Third-party international sources position Rruga me Pisha / Pine Street as one of Albania’s most distinctive public-interest media initiatives of the post-1999 period, developed within a BBC World Service Trust-supported framework and implemented in partnership with Radio Tirana.

International Case Study

Detailed third-party case study on Albania’s pioneering educational radio drama.

Open source

International Communication Archive

Public reference to the programme’s national reach, resonance and debate-generating capacity.

Open source

Academic Reference

Scholarly source on the revival of Albanian radio drama and the Pine Street model.

Open PDF

Leadership

Board of Trustees and Executive Staff

Board of Trustees

Tim Williams (UK)

An international expert in cultural heritage, media and development, Tim Williams has held senior leadership roles at the UK National Commission for UNESCO, including Deputy Chair and Chair. He has also been associated with University College London and UNESCO-related heritage initiatives.

Dail Rrustaun (USA)

Dail Rrustaun brings international experience in social development and child rights, including previous advisory work with UNICEF Albania. His expertise includes policy, institutional strengthening and public-interest development.

Gabriel Partos (UK)

Gabriel Partos is a senior journalist and analyst specialising in South-Eastern Europe. With long-standing experience at the BBC World Service, he has covered major political and social developments across the region and led the Albanian Service.

Ina Aleksi (Albania)

Ina Aleksi contributes regional insight and community engagement experience from Southern Albania, supporting the Foundation’s outreach, local partnerships and public-interest initiatives.

Remzi Lani (Albania)

Remzi Lani is Director of the Albanian Media Institute and a respected journalist and media development expert. He brings extensive experience in journalism, media policy, democratic governance and freedom of expression in Albania and the Western Balkans.

Executive Staff

Arben Papadhopulli (Albania) – General Director

Arben Papadhopulli is an experienced media, culture and project management professional with a long-standing background in public communication, civil society and international cooperation. Since April 2001, he has served as General Director of Rruga me Pisha Foundation.

Irini Maria – Programme and Project Coordinator

Irini Maria contributes to the design, coordination and implementation of the Foundation’s media, cultural and development initiatives. She supports institutional communication, partnership coordination, project delivery and organisational development.

Aleksander Gipp – New Technologies and Creative Industries Specialist

Aleksander Gipp works at the intersection of new technologies and the creative industries, bringing expertise in digital innovation, creative-sector development and the application of emerging technologies in culture, media and communication.

Aida Gega – Financial Manager

Aida Gega oversees the Foundation’s financial management, including budgeting, financial control, reporting and administrative follow-up. She supports the sound, transparent and accountable management of the Foundation’s organisational and project resources.

Donors & Partners

Supported by major international donors and trusted partners

A visual overview of the Foundation’s donors and partners.

Donors panel
Partners panel