Thanas Dhespo is more than 90 years old and has suffered 16 years of political imprisonment during the Albanian communist regime. After all these years, he managed to turn that pain into hope.

Because of his age and his strong emotions, he finds it difficult to express himself with words, but his deeds speak for themselves. Together with his wife Nice, Mr. Dhespo did something extraordinary - he reconstructed not just his small apartment, but the entire building, making several families happy and becoming a great role model for the community.

Part of the compensation he received for the years in prison, Mr. Dhespo invested in the reconstruction of the stairs and premises of the building.

The Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj paid him a visit and awarded him with Tirana's Medal of Gratitude.

“This is the Medal that the City of Tirana gives to its honored citizens. It was my wish to award you personally and thank you on behalf of the whole city. It is true that you have helped your neighborhood, but this gesture inspires every citizen of Tirana”, said Mr. Veliaj.

Mayor Veliaj expressed that such actions, apart from improving the quality of life in the community, also serve as an inspiration for everyone who, despite difficulties and challenges that life brings, can always contribute and make the city better place for all.