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Read MoreMinority businesses supported with grants
The Community Stabilization Project (CSP) funded by the British Embassy in Kosovo and the Ministry for Communities and Return is supporting 38 beneficiaries from 5 municipalities with grants, field-focused technical advice and business management training to support their new or existing businesses.
Following the selection of beneficiaries, Danish Refugee Council contacted all beneficiaries to gather information on the technical requirements of inputs requested under the grants, ensuring beneficiaries receive the adequate equipment to improve or start their businesses.
To date, 10 grants have already been delivered.
Among the businesses supported is a start-up business establishing a medical laboratory in Prizren. Elvira, the owner, started the business to put her many years of experience working in medical laboratories to good use. To improve her chances to succeed with this venture, she chose a location in close proximity to local hospitals. With the delivery of state-of-the-art laboratory equipment through the project, she believes she will be able to offer her services at competitive prices.
In the case of Arif, no high-tech equipment was requested. Arif runs an orchard in Globocice/a village, Dragash/s municipality. Through the project grant, he was able to erect a proper fence around his property, which shows how even seemingly simple improvements can add value to businesses.
In the coming months, DRC will continue to support beneficiaries who received their grants already and deliver additional grants to another 30 beneficiaries.
CSP is funded by the British Embassy Kosovo and the Ministry for Communities and Returns and covers 5 municipalities: Pejë/Pec, Istog/Istok, Prizren, Strpce/Shtërpcë, Dragash/Dragas.
Jusuf Bajrami, Restelice/a village, Dragash/s
DRC supports dairy farmer in Dragash/s
On 22 May 2014, Jusuf Bajrami became the first beneficiary of DRC's Community Stabilization Project (CSP) to receive his income generation grant. Mr. Bajrami received 70 sheep to add to his livestock and dairy business in Restelice/a village, Dragash/s. CSP supports minority businesses with growth potential and producers with grants to create income and much needed employment for minority communities.
A member of the Gorani community, Mr. Bajrami and his family of four run a successful dairy farm with 25 cows. Increasing his number of livestock through CSP will allow Mr. Bajrami to grow his dairy business and diversify his products.
Representatives of the British Embassy, the Municipality of Dragash/s, the MOCR and MCR were present during the delivery of the grant.
CSP is funded the British Embassy Kosovo and the Ministry for Communities and Returns and covers 5 municipalities: Pejë/Pec, Istog/Istok, Prizren, Strpce/Shtërpcë, Dragash/Dragas.
Beneficiaries of the Community Stabilization Project selected
DRC is happy to announce that the selection process for support under the Community Stabilization Project has now concluded. 38 beneficiaries from 5 municipalities have been approved and will receive grants, field-focused technical advice and business management training to support their new or existing businesses. The list of beneficiaries is available here. DRC is now in the process of contacting the beneficiaries and gathering information on the technical requirements of inputs requested under the grants. Once this stage is finalized, the tender process will begin.
In addition, the project supports small-scale community projects that promote inter-ethnic cooperation and support reducing the social isolation of minority returnee and remainee families. 3 projects have been selected, including:
The rehabilitation of the park and playground of the local Primary School in Dobrushë/a, Istog/Istok
The building of a rockslide protection wall in Landovicë/Landovica, Prizren
The rehabilitation of a cobblestone road in Sevce, Shtërpc/Štrpce
The Municipalities of Istog/Istok, Prizren and Shtërpc/Štrpce will co-fund the projects to benefit the local community in their respective municipalities.
The Community and Stabilization Project is funded by the British Embassy in Kosovo and the Ministry for Communities and Returns.
The Dimic family returned to Strazhë/Straža village in Novobërdë/Novobrdo Municipality in June 2013.
Returnees to Kosovo tell their stories
According to UNHCR, more than 200,000 IDPs from Kosovo are still displaced in Serbia. Some of them have found ways to build a life there, but others are waiting to return. Often families lack the means to return on their own or face difficult conditions once they come back to Kosovo; houses that were destroyed or have become uninhabitable due to years of neglect, limited income generation opportunities and lack of documentation.
Through the BPRM-funded project ‘Reintegration and Community Stabilization Kosovo’, 26 families returning to Kosovo from Serbia will receive assistance to rebuild their lives and livelihoods in Kosovo. Read about three families' experiences of returning to Kosovo and trying to make a fresh start.
Danish Refugee Council in partnership with the LNGO Center for Peace and Tolerance, addresses returnee families’ most important socio-economic reintegration needs and supports receiving communities and local authorities to create conditions conducive to sustainable return.
The project is co-funded by BPRM and the Ministry for Communities and Return.
Additional beneficiary families selected for return to Nenkalaja/Podkaljaja, Prizren
The Project Steering Committee meeting of the Sustainable Return to Nenkalaja/Podkaljaja project was held in the Ministry for Communities and Return on 4 March 2014. DRC Kosovo presented 19 cases identified in collaboration with Sveti Spas and DRC Serbia, and the committee selected 8 families who fit the MCR criteria.
Read more on the website of the Ministry for Communities and Return.
Minister for Communities and Return Dalibor Jevtic and DRC Country Representative Kristen Stec sign new agreement
The Ministry for Communities and Return steps up efforts to help returnee families build a sustainable future in Kosovo
The Ministry of Communities and Return pledges financial support in the amount of 115,000 EUR to aid beneficiary families of the Reintegration and Community Stabilization in Kosovo project funded by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (BPRM) and implemented by DRC Kosovo.
On 5 March, Minister for Communities and Return Dalibor Jevtic and DRC Country Representative Kristen Stec signed a new agreement which strengthens the established cooperation between MCR and DRC under the framework of the BPRM-funded project Reintegration and Community Stabilization in Kosovo.
DRC welcomes the continued support provided by MCR to enable the reintegration of spontaneous and assisted returnees to Kosovo. MCR’s commitment will secure the provision of needs-based harmonized return packages and income generation grants to families returned from displacement. For beneficiaries like the Dimic family, such support makes a vital contribution to their successful reintegration. The Dimic family and their five children returned to Kosovo in June 2013. Through the BPRM project, DRC was able to repair the family’s house in Strazhë/Straža village, Novobërdë/Novobrdo municipality and provide food and non-food items and furniture. Given the scarcity of employment where they live, the family depends on agriculture to make a living. With their income-generation grant, the family therefore added livestock to their stable and once conditions allow, they will start cultivating their land again.
MCR’s financial contribution will enable additional beneficiary families to receive similar support in their effort to build sustainable livelihoods in Kosovo.
The Dimic family in front of their stable
The BPRM-funded project Reintegration and Community Stabilization in Kosovo will support at least 26 families returning to Kosovo from Serbia and their wider communities. DRC, in partnership with LNGO Center for Peace and Tolerance, will employ an integrated response to returns and reintegration.
Business Centre Zvecan and DRC organize Crafts Fair in Mitrovica
The 'HOLIDAY SEASON CRAFT FAIR' promotes traditional and innovative handicrafts produced by 15 NGOs and women's initiatives, among them Vullneti i Grave, and provides income generating opportunities to women in society.
However, the Fair will not only provide a sales opportunity for the participating women, but also enable the participants to network with similar initiatives in the North and to explore possibilities for further collaboration with the Business Centre Zvecan.
To this end the fair will be used as a platform to inform relevant stakeholders about women’s economic initiatives in the area, to present the work of the respective NGOs and women's initiatives and to engage in discussion with the Business Centre Zvecan and private sector representatives about ways to effectively promote traditional Kosovo crafts.
Read more about Vullneti i Grave on their website: www.vullnetiigrave.com or find them on facebook
Download the list of Fair participants
Bridging the learning gap - The Learning Centre, Roma Mahalla Mitrovicë/a Booklet 2013
For the past three years, the Learning Centre has provided kindergarten, pre-school and homework support classes to the growing number of children and youth in Roma Mahalla.
Read more about the Centre's work or download the Booklet in English, Albanian or Serbian below:
Since 2009, Danish Refugee Council has supported its former implementing partner Caritas and current partner Roma and Ashkalia Documentation Center (RADC) to run the Learning Centre located in Roma Mahalla, Mitrovicë/a. The Centre is currently funded solely by Sida as part of the Community Development component of the DRC Kosovo Stabilisation of Roma, Ashkalia and Egyptian Communities Project in Roma Mahalla Mitrovicë/a.
Click the caption to download the Booklet:
Buy your gifts at the 'Holiday Season Crafts Fair', 23 December 2013
Danish Refugee Council and Business Center Zvecan are organizing a 'HOLIDAYS FAIR CRAFT WORK' to promote, develop and nurture traditional and innovative handicrafts, and provide income generating opportunities to women in society.
Place: Above CRYM CENTER - Mitrovica (ex VIVA)
Date: 23 December 2013
Time: 11:00 - 16:00
November 23th 2013 - A football tournament for tolerance
On 23th November, the NGO Sport Sans Frontières will organise with the support of the Danish Refugee Council and SIDA a football tournament in Mitrovica. The tournament will gather around 80 children from 4 different communities: Albanian, Ashkali, Bosnian and Roma. It will be organised by young volunteers who have been trained on sport animation by Sport Sans Frontières.
Empowering and Educating through sport
Since 2008, Sport Sans Frontières Kosovo has trained hundreds of volunteers from different communities on sport animation.
Thanks to the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and to Sida, 15 volunteers have been trained end October. They learned how to organise a football tournament for the children. The objective of the tournament is not competition: it aims to provide children with sport values such as fair play and solidarity. Children will form multiethnic teams. For them, sport will be a unique tool to meet their peers from other communities.
Agenda
The event will take place in Australia Balloon in Mitrovica. The day will start at 10AM with an opening ceremony. The children will form 16 teams. The first phase of the tournament will take place from 10h45 to 11h45 and the second phase (finals) from 12h40 to 14h. At 2PM a closing ceremony will be organised.
Contacts:
Dafina Rudi, SSF Kosovo, 04 427 83 66, admin.kosovo@sportsansfrontieres.org
Burim Nebihu, DRC Mitrovica, +381 28 533 541,
The Danish Refugee Council project ‘Stabilization of Roma, Ashkalia and Egyptian (RAE) Communities Project’ in Roma Mahalla Mitrovicë/Mitrovica started in 2009. It combines economic development with activities geared towards community development. Activities are implemented through a number of local partners and the project is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Read more about DRC Kosovo projects www.drc-kosovo.org .
Primary school children from Mitrovicë/a celebrate Universal Children's Day together
'I have rights!'
Under this motto, children from the Learning Center in Roma Mahalla, invited children from primary schools Andon Zako Cajup, Bedri Gjina and Eqrem Qabej to celebrate Universal Children's Day in the cultural hall in Mitrovicë/a. This event celebrated around the world marks the day on which the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of the Child were adopted.
At the Learning Center, the children learned about their rights, made drawings and decorations and worked hard to perfect their performances. On the day, they recited poems, performed songs and dances and moderated the event themselves.
In line with the ideals set down in the Charter which not only promote children's rights but also the understanding between children of different backgrounds and cultures, folklore dance groups from Roma Mahalla, and the Bosniak and Turkish community performed their traditional dances and gave the audience an insight into their culture and traditions.
The event was supported by the Municipal Department for Culture, Sport and Youth in Mitrovica, the Danish Refugee Council and Mercy Corps.
The Learning Center in Roma Mahalla is run by the RADC and funded by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) under the DRC Kosovo Stabilisation of Roma, Ashkalia and Egyptian Communities Project in Roma Mahalla Mitrovicë/Mitrovica which is funded by Sida.
Learning Center brings parents and children together
On 23 October the Learning Center in Roma Mahalla invited parents and children to a day of games and competitions at the sports hall in Mitrovicë/a. Roughly 60 parents and 100 children came and participated actively in the various activities devised by teachers and teacher assistants. Learning Center staff were pleased to welcome such a large number of parents, including both mothers and fathers.
With the help of their parents, the children made cabbage heads from different vegetables, drawings and paper sculptures. Prizes for the best examples in the different categories were handed out by members of the judging panel consisting of Learning Center staff and representatives from OSCE.
For the past 3 years, the Learning Center has supported children between the ages of 3 to 15, providing pre-school classes and homework support for children enrolled in primary school in order to increase RAE children's chances to successfully participate in the mainstream school system in Mitrovicë/a.
The Learning Center is part of the DRC Kosovo Stabilisation of Roma, Ashkalia and Egyptian Communities Project in Roma Mahalla Mitrovicë/Mitrovica and is currently funded solely by Sida and run by DRC through its local implementing partner RAD Center.
“Seeing so many parents accompany their children, drawing and playing with them, is a sign that parents in Roma Mahalla are getting more and more involved in activities related to their children’s education. Besides making sure that children’s performance at school improves, engaging parents in Learning Center activities and encouraging them to take an active role in their child’s education is another priority for us ”
DRC welcomes interns from the International Business College Mitrovicë/a
Manuela Petrovic, Community Development Intern
Arben Isufi, Economic Development Intern
As part of an MoU signed with the International Business College Mitrovicë/a, Danish Refugee Council offers IBCM students the opportunity to participate in an internship programme with DRC's field office in Mitrovicë/a.
IBCM students were invited to apply for internship positions in either the community or economic development component of the Stabilization of Roma Ashkalia and Egyptian (RAE) Communities Project in Roma Mahalla.
Following applicant interviews by a panel consisting of DRC and IBCM representatives, we are happy to welcome Manuela and Arben to our team.
“This is an opportunity for me to work with people and vulnerable groups in particular. I am most excited about being part of the monitoring of activities in Roma Mahalla. Talking to people and listening to their issues is what drives a good project, I believe.”
The interns will assist DRC staff in their daily work and get an insight into all aspects of working with and for communities in Mitrovicë/a. The internship programme started in October and will last until the end of December 2013. DRC considers this internship program a great opportunity to provide work experience to talented youths and benefit from their skills in turn.
“This is a unique chance for me to gain practical skills. Everything I learned in IBCM’s Public Service Management can now be demonstrated and explored even deeper in this organization. DRC works with all communities, and in this project specifically with RAE which motivates me to learn more about them. I look forward to working more closely with this community at the Social Business Incubator in Roma Mahalla.”
More information about IBCM and the courses on offer can be found here
The DRC Kosovo Stabilisation of Roma, Ashkalia and Egyptian Communities Project in Roma Mahalla Mitrovicë/Mitrovica is funded by Sida.
Social Business Incubator in Roma Mahalla offers certified preparatory vocational trainings
Following an MoU signed with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Danish Refugee Council's Social Business Incubator in Roma Mahalla is now offering a pre-preparatory vocational training programme to youth from Roma Mahalla and the Mitrovicë/a region. In close cooperation with the Regional Employment Centre (REC) Mitrovicë/a, DRC identified teachers and mentors to train participants in:
High/low construction
Metal processing
Carpentry
TV/Radio service
Starting on 3 October 2013, 21 trainees registered through the Regional Employment Centre Mitrovicë/a will attend trainings and get the opportunity to gain basic skills that will facilitate their further vocational education. Trainings with qualified mentors will take place three times a week and last for the duration of three months. Graduates of the programme will receive certificates issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, which will enable them to pursue more advanced vocational trainings in the future.
With this programme, DRC's Social Business Incubator contributes not only to the existing employment and vocational training infrastructure in the Mitrovicë/a region, but also establishes closer links between members of the RAE and majority community.
The Social Business Incubator in Roma Mahalla is part of the economic development component of the Kosovo Stabilisation of Roma, Ashkalia and Egyptian Communities Project in Roma Mahalla Mitrovicë/a funded by Sida.
Austrian Development Agency supports returnee families in Kosovo
On 15 September 2013, Danish Refugee Council (DRC) began implementing a one-year BPRM-funded project that will support at least 26 families returning to Kosovo from Serbia and their wider communities.
DRC is happy to announce that the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the operational unit of the Austrian Development Cooperation, will support the return and reintegration of returnee families.
With this contribution from ADA, DRC will be able to provide three families that will be returned this year with income generation grants and needs-based harmonized return packages in line with MCR’s guidelines on return.
The families are in the process of being selected. Minor shelter repairs for these families should start in October 2013 and be finalized in November 2013.
DRC, in partnership with LNGO Center for Peace and Tolerance, will employ an integrated response to returns and reintegration. The project activities are divided into three complementary and inter-related components that will address the most important socio-economic reintegration needs and aim to reduce isolation of returnees using a rapid and flexible approach. The project is implemented in partnership with the Ministry for Communities and Return and respective municipalities. DRC signed a MoU with MCR on 25 September 2013 that outlines the cooperation.
Read more about the Reintegration and Community Stabilization in Kosovo Project
Shukarno Talenti perform at Day of Bosniaks celebration in Mitrovicë/a
Celebrating the Day of Bosniaks on 28 September, the Cultural Centre in Mitrovicë/a hosted colourful performances by local folklore groups. Roma Mahalla's very own dance troupe, Shukarno Talenti, was among the groups invited to entertain the audience throughout the evening.
Shukarno Talenti is a self-organized group of youths from Roma Mahalla, who meet every week to practice their routines. Shukarno Talenti has recently been registered as an NGO and older members are now also teaching younger children. For both children and youths, Shukarno Talenti is not only a fun after-school activity, but also a way to pass on their heritage to younger generations and keep the folk dance traditions alive in the community.
Shukarno Talenti are part of Danish Refugee Council's community development projects, funded by Sida as part of the 'Stabilization of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Community Project' in Roma Mahalla, Mitrovicë/a.
'Vullneti i Grave' continue their success at Handicrafts fairs in Prishtina and beyond
During the last 3 months, Roma Mahalla's women's group 'Vullneti i Grave' have gained valuable experience selling their hand-made creations at various fairs in Prishtina. They participated in a fair organized by the Ministry of Diaspora in June and just recently in the five-day 'Handicrafts and Cultural Heritage Fair 2013' organized by the NGO 'Open Door' which is held every year in September in Prishtina.
With every fair, the women honed their skills in talking to customers and in displaying their products. Using that knowledge, Vullneti i Grave even organized their own fair with the support of DRC's implementing partner, NGO Lulebora. The Vullneti i Grave fair brought together five NGO's and women's groups from Mitrovicë/a and Fushë Kosova, giving them the opportunity to exhibit and sell their products on Mother Teresa Square in Prishtina.
If you are curious to see the products for yourself, Vullneti i Grave will be at the Handicrafts Fair in Gjilan from 30/9 to 1/10. For more information about the women, their stories and products, visit their website www.vullnetiigrave.com or follow them on facebook.
Vullneti i Grave are part of the community development component under the 'Stabilization of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Community Project' funded by Sida.
ROUND TABLE on Good practices for successful businesses
On 28th of August 2013, DRC office in Mitrovicë/a in partnership with Mitrovicë/a Municipality, organized a Round table event, titled ” Good practices for successful businesses".
Read MoreRoma Mahalla Women's Group presents their work at Green Drinks Prishtina
Selvete Gashi-Director of NGO “Lulebora” making a brief presentation about the project
On Thursday, 15/08/2013, NGO “Lulebora” and three women from the “Vullneti I Grave” group, have participated as the main guests of the Green Drinks event organized by The Ideas Partnership, at Shuala Bar, Pristina. Selvete Gashi-Director of NGO “Lulebora” made a brief presentation about the project. Beside project presentation, the Green Drinks event was a good opportunity for “Vullneti I Grave” to present and to sell their products.
“Vullneti I Grave” is a group of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian women, skilled in handicrafts. “Vullneti I Grave” are part of the Social Business Incubator established by the Danish Refugee Council Kosovo under the ‘Stabilization of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Communities Project in Roma Mahalla, Mitrovicë/a’. The project integrates economic development and community development activities and is funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) and implemented by the Danish Refugee Council and NGO Lulebora.
“The Ideas Partnership” is a Kosovan NGO working on educational, cultural and environmental projects. “The Ideas Partnership” is working with partner organizations and local institutions, supporting the people of Kosovo to protect a unique cultural heritage, nurture the environment, and educate a new generation of citizens.
The “Green Drinks” event is an international concept, which takes place in hundred cities around the world. The idea of Green Drinks, is to bring people together once per month. People with professional involvement in the environment, people with personal interest, and people who are fancy of a drink of two (locally produced), are invited, for having good company and stimulating conversation. Lately, Pristina is one of those world cities. For each event, one or two guests are invited, to present their projects, and their products.