NGO CONCORDIA from Kosovo completed numerous activities aimed at increasing awareness of children, young people and women from cities of Suhareka and Prizren about their rights. The project was supported by the European Union and the Council of Europe, through the framework of the action on ‘Promotion of diversity and equality in Kosovo’.
Variety of activities was organized for youngsters, from concerts in cities of Suhareka and Prizren delivered by CONCORDIA transit orchestra to activities of CONCORDIA mobile teams, comprised of psychologists, social workers, nurses and teachers, in rural areas. These activities involved direct work with the poorest families as well as numerous activities with children, such as educational games, concerts, discussions about their rights and importance of education, etc. Schools from these areas provided assistance in organizing these activities.
A peak in these activities was undoubtedly a concert in Vienna performed by children from the oldest CONCORDIA country Romania and the youngest one, Kosovo, with a network of CONCORDIA supporters, representatives of civil society organizations as well as businesses acting as audience. This trip was a reward for their commitment to education and undoubtedly opened their minds to continue education. In total, 28 children and youth took part in this activity, as part of the CONCORDIA Tranzit orchestra.
Young people were also one of key target groups, participating in two vocational trips. They were given a chance to get a first-hand insight into the way companies from Pristina and Prizren, such as bakeries, restaurants, manufacturing companies, located in Pristina and Prizren operate. This was also a great opportunity to better understand why education is important and what other preconditions are required to get a job in the business world.
Finally, a one-day excursion to Pristina was organized for women, members of CONCORDIA women's support group. Most of them travelled to the capital for the first time. In addition to sightseeing, they had a chance to visit the National Gallery of Kosovo and Government building.
The grant scheme through which these activities are funded, was launched under the action on “Promotion of diversity and equality in Kosovo”, part of the joint European Union and the Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey 2019-2022”.
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ opinion on Kosovo Declaration of Independence