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Members of the
'Birds Are Singing' Youth Choir are shown here (see also photos below left
and right). This inter-ethnic peace building project, based in Kamenica,
Eastern Kosovo, received a sub-grant from UMCOR Kosovo as part of the BPRM
funded Stabilization Through Social Development Program. |
With funding from BPRM, the Stabilization Through Social Development
(STSD) Program
built on the success of the previous STSD Program by strengthening the
capacity of youth groups in Gnjilane/Gjilan to contribute toward peace building
and inter-ethnic tolerance in their communities. The following activities were
implemented during the life of the program: 689 youth participated in training
related to peace building, organizational development, human rights, public
awareness, journalism, total quality management and information technology.
Sub-grants were awarded to
seven youth groups for the implementation of a variety of peace building
projects including radio programs, an inter-ethnic scout troop and a
multi-ethnic choir. A summer camp in Macedonia was held for 50 youth from
different regions in Kosovo and the Kosovo Center for International Cooperation
(KCIC), a local NGO, was established under this program to continue the work
of enhancing the capacity of youth groups through multi-ethnic sports
tournaments, art and language classes and peace building trainings.
Following the establishment
of a computer center in Parteš/Partesh where youth received skills training in
computers, peace building and organizational development with funding from
UNICEF, UMCOR Kosovo implemented a follow-on project called Kids on the 'Net
(KOTN). Funded by CIDA and UNICEF, this project involved the use of
microwave/wireless Internet technology to link communities in Eastern Kosovo. A
network of computer centers was established to provide Internet access services
and technology training to youth in Eastern Kosovo. In addition, 124 youth, aged
10 to 24, participated in training workshops on business management, web
journalism, information technology management and desktop publishing.
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Jelena, Salihu and Balaj assisted on
UMCOR Kosovo youth programs aimed at bringing the communities together. Two are Albanian,
the third is a Serb. |
The purpose of the follow-on Youth Initiatives, Peace Reconciliation (YIPR)
Project, funded by GBGM, was to build the capacity of Serbian and Albanian youth
groups in Mitrovica/Mitrovicë to implement peace building initiatives within
their communities. Seven youth groups (four Albanian and three Serbian) received
a sub-grant to implement a project designed to promote peace building and
inter-ethnic tolerance among youth in Mitrovica/Mitrovicë. Projects included
opening Internet Cafes for Albanian and Serbian youth, broadcasting radio shows
on peace building in Albanian and Serbian, conducting an inter-ethnic winter
camp and publishing youth magazines. A total of 82 youth participated in this
project.
Return to UMCOR Kosovo home page.
Updated December 2003
© Photos courtesy of Jim Hackbarth
