It all started with Philipp Konrad Labhart, a Swiss primary school teacher who worked with students from all over the world, many from the Balkans. Eager to better understand their cultures and experiences, Philipp set out in September 2021 on a 3,500 km bicycle trip through all the countries of the former Yugoslavia and Albania. This life-changing journey planted the first seeds of what would become Better Together.
Months later, guitar in hand, he returned — this time as a street musician in Albania, before spending months in Prizren helping a young entrepreneur open a hostel. By late summer 2022, he had moved to Kosovo, balancing the final research for his book with volunteering at The Ideas Partnership Shqip, an NGO empowering Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities.
Music quickly became a bridge to people and culture. Philipp connected with local artists like Ilir Bajri and Visar Kuçi, performed at jazz sessions, released his first EP as S. Franklin & The Broken Wings, and toured Kosovo as a street musician.
From 2023 to 2024, his network and impact grew — collaborating with Kosovar musicians, supporting cultural events, and sharing his experience in project development. By summer 2024, conversations with Tringë Sokoli and Medina Orana led to the vision for a new NGO. In November 2024, Better Together (Më mirë së bashku) was officially founded in Kosovo.
Read more about the History of BTTR TGHTR.
Our first program, the Sharing Knowledge Program, was launched entirely on a voluntary basis — helping develop the PrishtinaJazzCatz concert series and restructuring the Music Incubator Program with Defy Them. Early 2025 brought big steps: the addition of Flutura Çelaj to the team, the launch of the Prishtina Soul Kitchen (supporting young and especially female musicians), and the development of the cultural platform ThisIsKosova.Art in collaboration with Afron Orana.
Learn more about our first programs and projects.
In April 2025, the Swiss Development Cooperation confirmed funding for our 2025/26 programs — a huge milestone for our young NGO.
Today, Better Together stands for exactly what its name promises:
- Connecting cultures through music and art
- Empowering communities through education and knowledge sharing
- Creating opportunities for young talents to shine
From a bicycle ride to the Balkans to a thriving network of artists, educators, and changemakers — our story is just beginning.
Read the latest NEWS.