1/12/2023
In order to foster interethnic reconciliation and cooperation, the Fostering Interethnic Reconciliation and Cooperation (FIERC) project, as part of the "Youth Development and Cooperation Support Scheme (YDCSS)." awarded grants to six remarkable projects focused on enhancing employability skills for young individuals in five Kosovo municipalities: Shterpca, Gracanica, Lipjan, Mitrovica, and Kamenica.
The selected projects showcase a diverse range of skills and opportunities. Notably, the “Technology Enthusiasts Project” by Kosovo Youth Assembly in Lipjan has successfully trained numerous young individuals on leveraging social media platforms for employment and other essential digital skills. Meanwhile, the "MultiTechCraft" project by BONEVET Foundation in Mitrovica is shaping the future workforce by teaching young people how to use laser cutting technology, that is in high demand by different industries, including wood processing industry.
One of the standout initiatives, the "TechConnect" project by BONEVET-Kamenica, is addressing the demands of the current job market by equipping youth with vital information technology skills, including 3D printing and Arduino expertise.
The winning projects also include "16 Days of Activism" by Centar Manjinske Zajednice in Gracanica, focusing on community engagement, and "Dialogue for a Better Future" by NGO Strong Start in Shterpca, emphasizing dialogue as a catalyst for positive change. Additionally, an informal youth group from Shterpca Municipality received recognition for their "Tourist Maps Project."
Each of the six projects received a grant of 1,500 euros, reflecting the commitment to empowering the youth and fostering development across the region. The selection process was conducted through an open and competitive procedure, jointly administered by KCSS and NSI.
As the projects unfold, their impact is already apparent. The "Technology Enthusiasts" project has successfully trained a significant number of young people in Lipjan on social media and digital skills, enhancing their employability. Similarly, the "MultiTechCraft" project is contributing to the demand for skills in the wood processing industry, opening new horizons for youth in Mitrovica.
The FIERC project, implemented by the Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS) in collaboration with the New Social Initiative (NSI), is funded by the Stability Pact Fund of the German Federal Foreign Office. As these initiatives continue to make a positive impact, they underscore the significance of investing in youth development and cooperation as means to promote interethnic reconciliation
