February 8th, 2012 1 Economic Growth bishevac_playground_small.jpg <![CDATA[ Great New Playground in Center of Mitrovica North! ]]> Great New Playground in Center of Mitrovica North!

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Philip Reeker and U.S. Ambassador Christopher Dell join in ribbon cutting for new Bishevac playground U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Philip Reeker and U.S. Ambassador Christopher Dell join in ribbon cutting for new Bishevac playground
A nice place for the neighborhood to gather A nice place for the neighborhood to gather
Fun rocking horses for the little ones! Fun rocking horses for the little ones!
The children of the Bishevac neighborhood of Mitrovica North now have a new playground right in their community. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) built the playground at the request of local residents, through its Democratic Effective Municipalities Initiative. The USAID program works to improve the lives of people in non-majority communities of Kosovo by supporting community development and infrastructure. After consultation with local residents, the local Municipal Preparatory Team (MPT) told USAID that the playground was a top priority for the community.

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Philip Reeker inaugurated the new playground with U.S. Ambassador Christopher Dell. During the event, Reeker said that Municipal Preparatory Teams assist the government’s process of decentralization, which helps local communities determine “how your lives will be led, how your children will be raised and how the international community can support that effort.” While in Mitrovica North, Reeker also visited with business leaders at the new USAID-supported Regional Community Resource Center. ]]> Mitrovica North, Bishevac, playground, local residents, non-majority communities, Kosovo, Philip Reeker, Christopher Dell 08/02/2012 January 20th, 2012 1 Economic Growth winning_entries_junior_oscars_small.jpg <![CDATA[ Winning Entries for “Junior Oscars” ]]> Winning Entries for “Junior Oscars”

Certificate of Merit for winners Certificate of Merit for winners
Winners of “Best Documentary” Winners of “Best Documentary”
The USAID/Basic Education Program (BEP) (http://bep-ks.org/) is using project based learning to reform teaching and learning in schools throughout Kosovo, and one of the teaching tools is a video competition. Over 30 schools submitted student-produced films for the competition, dubbed the “Junior Oscars”. ‘Best Films’ were selected in five categories: Best Story, Best Documentary, Best Film in Albanian, Best Film in English and Best Film by grades 1-5. The content of the films submitted was remarkably mature and addressed important issues relevant to adolescents including: human trafficking, internet safety and violence in schools.

Students and teachers from four of the winning schools were invited to the Pristina ‘Skena-Up’ International Film Festival, where the winning films were screened during a ‘Junior Oscars’ Ceremony. USAID and program staff visited the winner in the grade 1-5 category and held a ceremony at the school.

The winners were:

Best film in English - “Green School” from Pristina – Title: “Safety in Internet”

Best Film in Albanian - “Zekria Rexha” school from Gjakova – Title: “Look before You Leap”

Best Documentary – “Meto Bajraktari” school from Mitrovica - Title: Recycling Technology

Best Story – “Yll Morina” school from Gjakova – Title: Modern Day Slavery”

Best film by students from Grades 1-5 - “Zekeria Rexha” school from Gjakova – Title: “The Autumn” ]]> teaching and learning, schools, video competition, Best Film in Albanian, Best Film in English, human trafficking, internet safety 20/01/2012 January 12th, 2012 1 Economic Growth honoring_st_nicholas_day_small.jpg <![CDATA[ Honoring St. Nicholas Day at Sveti Nikola Church ]]> Honoring St. Nicholas Day at Sveti Nikola Church

Honoring St. Nicholas Day at Sveti Nikola Church U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Michael Murphy and Orthodox Bishop Teodosije at dedication of new multi-use facility at Sveti Nikola Church in Pristina.

Photo credit: Arbnor Haxhibeqiri, U.S. Embassy/Pristina
U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Michael Murphy visited Sveti Nikola Church in Pristina on December 19, 2011 to pay respects to the clergy on St. Nicholas Day and to join Minister for Communities and Returns Radojica Tomic and Serbian Orthodox Bishop Teodosije in dedicating a multi-functional facility on the church grounds. USAID and the Ministry for Communities and Returns provided funds to remodel and furnish the community center, and USAID helped to construct a children’s playground and an Information Center in the church annex. Sveti Nikola Church is the only Orthodox Church in Pristina and receives many out-of-town visitors.

The improvements to the Serb Orthodox Church compound were carried out through the USAID Community Action Initiative Program, which is designed to better the lives of people in Kosovo’s non-majority communities. All program activities are identified by residents of non-majority communities as a top priority for assistance. ]]> Michael Murphy, Sveti Nikola Church, St. Nicholas Day, Radojica Tomic, Serbian Orthodox Bishop, Orthodox Church in Pristina, non-majority communities 12/01/2012 December 20th, 2011 1 Economic Growth small_business_days_fair_02_small.jpg <![CDATA[USAID’s Five Partner Projects Participate at Small Business Days Fair ]]> USAID’s Five Partner Projects Participate at Small Business Days Fair

USAID Project staff members explain their activities to visitors USAID Project staff members explain their activities to visitors
Five USAID projects participated in the fair Five USAID projects participated in the fair
The four-day ‘Small Business Days Fair’ held in Fushe Kosove/Kosovo Polje November 29 – December 1, had 57 participants, including business associations, businesses, donors, government institutions, and commercial banks. The fair was organized by the Agency for Support of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) in partnership with the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce, and funded by the European Commission Liaison Office. It was held at the Exhibition Center in Fushe Kosove.

The fair was visited by representatives of Kosovo institutions, business associations, donors and large enterprises. The aim was to offer an opportunity to directly inform business stakeholders on what work is being carried out in Kosovo’s private sector.

USAID projects were represented at the fair in one booth. They were the New Opportunities for Agriculture (NOA), Kosovo Private Enterprise Program (KPEP), Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP), Crimson Capital Fund (CFF), and Community Action Initiative Project (CAIP).

The USAID booth was visited by a number of business community representatives who expressed interest in grants and other support available through the projects. ]]> Fushe Kosove, KPEP, YEP, fair, business associations, businesses, donors, government institutions, Kosovo Chamber of Commerce 20/12/2011 December 19th, 2011 1 Economic Growth bringing_communitiest_together_02_small.jpg <![CDATA[ Bringing Communities Together ]]> Bringing Communities Together

Bringing Communities Together Bringing Communities Together
Bringing Communities Together Bringing Communities Together
Residents of Mitrovica North now have a place to gather, talk, hold workshops and obtain information about support programs available to them from the U.S. Government. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) opened a Regional Community Resource Center on December 7, 2011 in downtown Mitrovica North. Mercy Corps, a USAID partner, will use the center as the base of operations for assistance to the communities of northern Kosovo under the USAID Community Action Initiative Program. The goal of the three-year program is to improve the lives of people in non-majority areas in order to increase peaceful interaction and integration with the rest of Kosovo. USAID Acting Mission Director Azza El-Abd inaugurated the new facility, which also houses the Kosovo Policy Action Network, a group of some 70 civil society organizations representing the interests of non-majority communities. The inauguration of the center marks an important step forward in USAID outreach to a region where ethnic tensions remain high. ]]> Azza El-Abd, Mitrovica North, Regional Community Resource, Mercy Corps, northern Kosovo, non-majority areas, Kosovo Policy Action Network 19/12/2011 November 25th, 2011 1 Economic Growth giving_up_saturday_02_small.jpg <![CDATA[Giving up Saturday to go to school? ]]> Giving up Saturday to go to school?

The planning stages The planning stages
Implementation! Implementation!
Teachers know they are doing something right when students ask to come back to school on a Saturday. Violeta Kuleta, a teacher at Pristina/Prishtina Hilmi Rakovica Primary school,says that one of her best days at work was a recent weekend when her ninth grade students came to school on the weekend because they were so eager to finish a science project.

After attending a science workshop organized by USAID’s Basic Education Program, Violeta had introduced project-based learning in her science class, which means to get students involved in making or developing something that involves the principles they are learning. She asked the students to build an energy transfer mechanism to demonstrate different types of energy, using recycled waste material.

The young scientists divided up the tasks of developing and building the mechanism, but by the end of the school day on Friday, they were just at the point of actually assembling the device. They were so anxious to put it together that they asked to come back on Saturday. The school gave its consent, so the students spent five hours, working non-stop without lunch, until the job was finished! ]]> Teachers, students, Violeta Kuleta, Hilmi Rakovica, recycled waste material, young scientists 25/11/2011 November 22nd, 2011 1 Economic Growth towns_that_play_together_small.jpg <![CDATA[Towns that play together stay together ]]> Towns that play together stay together

Towns that play together stay together Towns that play together stay together
The remote northern village of Kamenica has often been overlooked when it comes to government funding, despite its large and growing population of school aged children. For example, a bridge that allows vehicle access to Kamenica has been in place for 17 years, but the town still does not have asphalted roads or convenient access to water. However, when USAID offered to lend a helping hand, village members decided that their most pressing need was a recreation facility. Nothing existed in the community, because it is located on the fringes of two municipalities, Leposavic and Zvecan. The children and youth of Kamenica had to walk six kilometers to access sports fields.

The Community wanted to keep its young people in the village, so local residents tried to build a court for soccer, basketball and volleyball. They ran out of money before it could be completed.

The U.S. Agency for International Development, in coordination with CHF International www.chfinternational.org , went to work. A contractor and local workers were engaged to complete construction of the sports court, stabilize the nearby hillside with retaining wall and bleachers, and put in lighting, sports equipment and a children’s playground. The facility is now open and well-used.

18-year-old says Aleksandar Pavlovic is enthusiastic about the basketball hoop and volleyball facility. “It is especially nice that the playground will be illuminated at night,” he said, “since that is when most of the young people are coming to play.” The children say the new bleachers also will enable them to organize sports tournaments with other communities, establishing stronger links with people outside of their small village. ]]> Kamenica, Leposavic, Zvecan, sports court, sports equipment, Aleksandar Pavlovic 22/11/2011 November 22nd, 2011 1 Economic Growth new_electronic_classroom_small.jpg <![CDATA[LL.M. Program Features New Electronic Classroom ]]> LL.M. Program Features New Electronic Classroom

LL.M. Program Features New Electronic Classroom The USAID Systems for Enforcing Agreements and Decisions (SEAD) Program opened the doors to a new electronic classroom at the University of Prishtina Law Faculty in preparation for the start of the LL.M. Program on Contracts and Commercial Law in the fall semester of 2011. Senior and assistant law professors from the Civil Law Department (seated above) and Dean Bajram Ukaj were introduced to their international counterparts from the US and Europe via Skype videoconferencing technology, including (shown) Professor Theodore Parnall calling in from the University of New Mexico School of Law.
Law professors from the US and Europe and the University of Prishtina Law Faculty teaching in the new LL.M. Program in Contract and Commercial Law met virtually for the first time in a distance-learning classroom designed and equipped by the USAID Kosovo Systems for Enforcing Agreements and Decisions (SEAD) Program. The SEAD-supported master’s program begins this fall, offering seven required courses and six electives, including International Commercial Contracts, Company Law, Contract Negotiation and Drafting, Arbitration, Bankruptcy Law, English for Lawyers and a commercial arbitration moot court competition. International instructors will deliver their lectures via the video-conferencing technology Skype, in coordination with senior and junior law professors in Pristina.

“This is the first time such a master’s program has been offered with this approach,” said Bajram Ukaj, dean of the University of Pristina Law Faculty. “This teaching methodology is unique and will truly benefit students.” Assistant professor Luljeta Plakolli will facilitate lectures, student discussions and assignments with a law professor from the University of Utah Law School who is teaching Intellectual Property Law. “Students can achieve a master’s program in commercial law without leaving Kosovo,” said Plakolli, who herself has studied in the US. “This is an international legal education in Pristina.”

The one-year LL.M. Program recently was accredited, and will accept up to 50 students in its first class. Ten international instructors will lecture in English for one hour per week, with an additional hour alongside assistant law professors leading student discussion sessions and assignments. Students will be required to participate and complete assignments in English. Senior professors will offer their local perspective, teaching contract and commercial law currently evolving in Kosovo, as the draft Law on Obligations is now under consideration by the Assembly of Kosovo.

The Law Faculty was pleased to meet its international counterparts, with instructors introducing themselves via Skype from the American states New Mexico, Indiana and Utah and from London and the Netherlands. SEAD equipped the distance-learning lab with a dedicated internet connection, laptop and projector, video camera, sound system, networked printer and two desktops.

Assistant Professor Korab Sejdiu was happy to meet his international counterpart from New Mexico. Sejdiu will team-teach the course “Business Economic and Accounting for Lawyers” with a retired Dean and professor from the University of New Mexico Law School, who has taught and practiced company and commercial law for more than 40 years. Upon hearing the professor earned his law degree at Temple University, Sejdiu, who attended law school in Philadelphia in the mid-1990s, was thrilled. “You must be an Eagles fan,” Sejdiu said. “I can’t wait to get started and to work with you.”





]]> Law Faculty, University of Prishtina, Theodore Parnall, New Mexico School of Law, Bajram Ukaj, Luljeta Plakolli, Assembly of Kosovo 22/11/2011 November 09th, 2011 1 Economic Growth 50th_anniversary_of_USAID_02_small.jpg <![CDATA[USAID – 50 years internationally ... 12 years in Kosovo!]]> USAID – 50 years internationally ... 12 years in Kosovo!

USAID – 50 years internationally ... 12 years in Kosovo! 50 anniversary banner on USAID/Kosovo Mission
USAID – 50 years internationally ... 12 years in Kosovo! Before the party started ...
USAID – 50 years internationally ... 12 years in Kosovo! Untouched cake awaiting partygoers
Happy 50th anniversary to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)! The Agency set up its mission here in Kosovo in 1999, as the country was trying to recover from war and people everywhere were in urgent need of assistance. Since that time, USAID has partnered with the Government of Kosovo, relevant agencies, and civil society to rebuild the economy and infrastructure and help the people of Kosovo create new government, legal and financial institutions necessary for an orderly, functioning Democratic society. USAID held a big celebration on the official anniversary date, November 3, in Washington, DC, and the Mission in Kosovo had its own party here in Pristina. It took about 10 minutes for the entire anniversary cake to disappear! ]]> Agency for International Development, need of assistance, Government of Kosovo, civil society, legal and financial institutions 09/11/2011 November 04th, 2011 1 Economic Growth minority_scholarship_program_small.jpg <![CDATA[Integration and Hope through Education ]]> Integration and Hope through Education

Integration and Hope through Education Adrijana Petrovic, one of the students who benefited from the Minority Scholarship Program, talking about how the scholarship changed her as a person and opened up new opportunities for her future in Kosovo.
One of the challenges in a country recovering from a war driven by ethnic tensions is how to persuade people from different ethnic groups to integrate, trust one another and work together for the common good. That is why the USAID-supported Minority Scholarship Program has made a valuable contribution to Kosovo, where people vividly remember the 1999 war that destroyed churches, mosques, public buildings, homes, the economy and many lives.

Through this program, USAID supports undergraduate studies at the American University in Kosovo (AUK) through the World Learning/FORECAST program. Members of non-majority ethnic groups, including Serbs, Roma, Turks, and Bosniaks were entitled to apply. The program provides full scholarships and living expenses for 12 beneficiaries in areas of study such as Economics, Management, Public Policy, Media and Communications, and International Relations.

Attending classes at an internationally recognized university in Kosovo is an unusual opportunity for non-majority students to live and learn in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment. The presence of the scholarship students on campus is an enriching experience for the beneficiaries and the entire university community, majority and non-majority, in a country where ethnic tensions endure.

The first scholarship recipients started their studies in 2007. As they themselves tell it, they faced many challenges - a very different school environment, new classmates from different backgrounds, and initial family concerns about safety due to the tense political environment at the time. Perhaps the biggest challenging was adapting to a rigorous, US-based curriculum taught in English. Fortunately, with the help of professors, fellow students and the support of their families and program staff, the students overcame these hurdles and truly “came into their own.”

At a university event showcasing the scholarship program, beneficiaries told funny and poignant stories about their experiences. As Vladan Jacimovic, one of the third-year students remarked, “This program made me feel more confident and secure when thinking about the future.”

However, the audience was taken aback by the opening statement of 35-year-old graduate Muamer Niksic, a Kosovo Bosniak. He started off by saying, “I don’t agree with the name of this program.” The audience waited for his next words. “The Minority Scholarship Program is anything but minority,” Niksic continued, “because it made us, it made me, feel anything but a minority. Because of this program I have a job, I have colleagues and I feel like any other young man in Kosovo.” People in the audience applauded; the scholarship program was accomplishing its objective – to boost confidence among non-majority communities that they have a viable future in Kosovo. ]]> ethnic tensions, war, Minority Scholarship Program, American University in Kosovo, Muamer Niksic 04/11/2011 October 24th, 2011 1 Economic Growth tree_planting_small.jpg <![CDATA[Planting Trees and Nurturing Young Environmentalists ]]> Planting Trees and Nurturing Young Environmentalists

Planting Trees and Nurturing Young Environmentalists U.S. Ambassador , Mayor of Junik and local school children get their hands dirty in support of forest preservation.
U.S. Ambassador Christopher Dell joined 15 children in Junik in planting a tree in support of 2011 as World Forestry Year. The children who met the Ambassador at the tree planting were among 400 primary school children in Western Kosovo who had participated in an education program on the importance of preserving forests. The program consisted of an art competition and tree planting activities. The Kosovo NGO “Mali”, with assistance from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), helped the children plant and nurture trees, starting with seeds. The tree planting was just one event during the Ambassador’s first visit to Junik. Ambassador Dell also met the Mayor of Junik, Agron Kuçi. He and the Mayor inaugurated the newly re-furbished Junik Assembly Hall, a joint project between the municipality and USAID. ]]> Christopher Dell, Junik, Agron Kuçi, planting a tree, Western Kosovo, Kosovo NGO, Mali 24/10/2011 September 20th, 2011 1 Economic Growth tourism_street_01_small.jpg <![CDATA[Support to Tourism Pays off for Peja!]]> Support to Tourism Pays off for Peja!

Support to Tourism Pays off for Peja! Support to Tourism Pays off for Peja!
No one wend home hungry. No one went home hungry.
Lots of traditional handicrafts to enjoy and purchase.! Lots of traditional handicrafts to enjoy and purchase.
The Tourism Street Fair in the northwestern Kosovo city of Peja has become an increasingly successful annual event. This year, the event was held on September 10-11 and it attracted more than 14-thousand visitors. It also was a boost to the local economy. Sales by fair exhibitors were 80 per cent higher than last year!

The fun started at 11:00 hours in the central square, where dozens of vendors sold the region’s legendary pickled peppers and ajvar, offered samples of local wines and rakija and displayed local tourism information and packages, including mountain hiking, biking, and cultural opportunities. Visitors were treated to performances of traditional music and dance as well as local arts and crafts.

The annual fair is organized by the Municipality with assistance from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Kosovo Private Enterprise Program. It’s a great way to spend a weekend and find out about other wonderful getaways. ]]> The Tourism Street Fair, Peja, Agency for International Development, Kosovo Private Enterprise Program, tourism, 20/09/2011 September 20th, 2011 1 Economic Growth classroom_makeover_01_small.jpg <![CDATA[USAID Project Inspires New TV Show! ]]> USAID Project Inspires New TV Show!

The children loved being on camera. The children loved being on camera.
The community pitched in with labor and materials. The community pitched in with labor and materials.
Who would have thought that you could get on TV by going to school? Residents of six Kosovo school districts have a chance to be on camera when RTK, the National Network, shows up in their communities to film a new show, “Classroom Makeover.” The show was inspired by a U.S. Agency for International Development activity under the Basic Education Program (www.bep-ks.org). The program enlisted the help of teachers, parents, businesses and local citizens to “make over” a classroom. Residents donated their labor and materials to create an attractive and child-friendly learning environment and increase community involvement in the school. The pilot project, at the “Naim Frasheri” school, in Vushtri, was so well-received that RTK decided to get in on the act. It is filming six “Classroom Makeovers” in 30-minute episodes that will be broadcast starting in November. Filming began last week at the “Lidhja e Prizrenit” Primary School, in Decan.

















]]> TV, school, RTK, National Network, Classroom Makeover, Agency for International Development, Basic Education Program, make over, child-friendly, Naim Frasheri, Vushtri, 20/09/2011 September 19th, 2011 1 Economic Growth literacy_day_02_small.jpg <![CDATA[Poetry Unplugged!]]> Poetry Unplugged!

Kosovo poet Arif Demolli reads his work to children during “Poetry Unplugged” event at the Green School in Pristina on international Literacy Day. Kosovo poet Arif Demolli reads his work to children during “Poetry Unplugged” event at the Green School in Pristina on international Literacy Day.
Children reading in library of the Green School, Pristina Children reading in library of the Green School, Pristina
Forty students from five Pristina primary schools were lucky enough to attend “Poetry Unplugged” on September 8th, an event organized by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID Basic Education Program in support of international “literacy day”. Three well-known local poets read their works to the children. Poets Arif Demolli , Mevlyde Saraçi, and Xhevat Syla also discussed their work, the importance of literacy and what inspires them to write. The children asked questions and then composed their own poems during a workshop.

The event took place in the colorful and comfortable school library of Pristina’s innovative Green School. U.S. Ambassador Christopher Dell officially opened the school earlier this year. The school, which features recycled material and an eco-friendly design, was built with USAID assistance . To encourage reading among the students, the Basic Education Program procured child-friendly furnishings and books for the school library.



















]]> Pristina, schools, Poetry Unplugged, Basic Education Program, literacy day, Arif Demolli, Mevlyde Saraçi, Xhevat Syla, Green School, Ambassador Christopher Dell 19/09/2011 September 12th, 2011 1 Economic Growth honey_association_small.jpg <![CDATA[It’s a tough job… but someone has to do it!]]> It’s a tough job… but someone has to do it!

Mmmm… sweet! “Mmmm… sweet!”
Unveiling plaque at new Citizen Services Center Unveiling plaque at new Citizen Services Center
One of the delights of representing the UU.S. Government is that you are constantly invited to try the finest of local products. Here, Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Murphy samples the “Honey Rakia” produced by the Sarski Roj Honey Association in the Sharr/ Šar Mountains. The DCM stopped in at the honey association during an August 31st trip to Štrpce/Shtërpcë to visit local USAID beneficiaries. Murphy also toured the facilities at Scardus, a company that collects and processes forest mushrooms and berries. Both firms have benefitted from USAID grants and technical assistance designed to improve production and expand their access to markets.

But the Embassy’s MAIN purpose for the jaunt down to Štrpce/Shtërpcë was to open two USAID-funded citizen services offices in the remote villages of Brod and Sevce. One village is populated by Serbs and the other by Albanians, but all have great difficulty getting to the municipal office in Štrpce/Shtërpcë during the winter. That limited citizens’ ability to apply for civil documents such as marriage certificates, permits and identification cards. Residents explained their problem to community leaders and the municipal government responded. With the assistance of USAID, the municipal government established the satellite offices, which are digitally linked to the municipality and to government ministries in Pristina. The DCM joined the Mayor of Štrpce/Shtërpcë Municipality Bratislav Nikolic in the inauguration events. In remarks at the new office in Sevce, the DCM noted that the future of Kosovo depends on local governments being responsive to citizens’ needs and supporting economic development.

]]> U.S. Government, Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Murphy, Honey Rakia, Sarski Roj Honey Association in the Sharr Šar Mountains, DCM, Shtërpcë, Bratislav Nikolic 12/09/2011 September 09th, 2011 1 Economic Growth grape_and_growing_small.jpg <![CDATA[Celebrating the Grape and a Growing Tourism Industry ]]> Celebrating the Grape and a Growing Tourism Industry

Celebrating the Grape and a Growing Tourism Industry

Celebrating the Grape and a Growing Tourism Industry, second photo
Glasses were raised in Rahovec Municipality on September 7 at the inauguration of the three-day “Grape, Wine, Food and Culture Festival 2011”. The whole community plus visitors turned out to sample the local grapes, wine, rakija and specialty foods amid performances of traditional music and dance. Government officials congratulated the community for its increasing success in attracting tourists to Kosovo’s main wine producing region. Mayor Smajl Latifi also thanked representatives of the U.S. Agency for International Development for the agency’s assistance to Rahovec tourism. The agency, through the Kosovo Private Enterprise Program (http://www.usaidkpep.net/advCms/?id=10,1,1,1,e) helped the municipality develop a long-range tourism strategy, create tourist maps and set up a tourist information center www.rahovectourism.com . Plans also are underway to develop more tourist accommodations.











]]> Glasses, Rahovec, Rahovec Municipality, Grape, Wine, Food and Culture Festival 2011, Kosovo Private Enterprise Program, 09/09/2011 September 09th, 2011 1 Economic Growth to_market_small.jpg <![CDATA[ “To Market, to Market...”]]> “To Market, to Market...”

To Market, to Market...

To Market, to Market... second photo
Nothing beats the taste of a Kosovo tomato, dressed up (or not) with a little pepper, olive oil and basil. In fact, all of Kosovo’s locally grown vegetables are beautiful to look at and wonderful to eat. Yet, Kosovo vegetables are not competitive in the market place. Supermarkets are full of imported products.

Among the constraints to the expansion of Kosovo’s vegetable industry are problems in quality control and food safety and inefficiencies in the Kosovo food processing industry. USAID has a number of projects underway to address these problems, including business development grants and technical assistance in marketing, packaging, food safety and more. USAID also supports Kosovo companies’ participation in international trade fairs that showcase their products, open trading opportunities and expose them to international best practices.

On August 26, 2011, the USAID Kosovo Private Enterprise Program (http://www.usaidkpep.net/advCms/?id=10,1,1,1,e). inaugurated the Hosa Fresh vegetable collection center in Prizren. The center received a €35,000 grant to purchase equipment for sorting vegetables, cooling and storage. The Hosa Fresh vegetable collection center is a joint venture between the Edona Trade Company from Switzerland and a local entrepreneur, Fitim Hoti. This modern facility, which includes a processing line, will collect produce from more than 100 families, who will benefit in terms of increased income. Hosa Fresh will start with 15 employees. By 2012, when the entire Kosovo-Swiss investment will reach the value of €200,000, it is expected to employ 70 people, mostly female.

The impact of grant support and technical assistance provided by USAID is illustrated by other examples. V-Kelmendi just exported its first shipment of “somborka” peppers to Europe, part of an export deal made during a marketing visit to Germany. A newly constructed vegetable collection Center, Bashkimi, also is now operational, and has started exporting tomatoes to Albania. Etlinger, a vegetable processing company, has started shipping processed spiral peppers to Austria. Kosovo farmers are hard-working, willing and determined. These projects demonstrate that with a little assistance, Kosovo farmers CAN expand the country’s vegetable production and exports, resulting in benefits to local communities and the overall economy.

]]> tomato, food, Hosa Fresh, Edona Trade Company, Switzerland, Fitim Hoti, V-Kelmendi, Bashkimi, CAN 09/09/2011 August 18th, 2011 1 Economic Growth president_appoints_small.jpg <![CDATA[Kosovo’s President Makes First Judicial Appointments – Five Supreme Court Judges]]> Kosovo’s President Makes First Judicial Appointments – Five Supreme Court Judges

President of Kosovo appoints five Supreme Court judges President of Kosovo appoints five Supreme Court judges
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Madam Atifete Jahjaga, appointed five new judges to the Supreme Court in August, 2011. This marks the first judicial appointments by President Jahjaga. More significantly, it is the first appointment under the recently approved procedures to ensure transparency and quality in judicial appointments.

Under the Kosovo Constitution, the President has the authority to appoint and dismiss judges, based on the recommendations of the Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC). Through USAID's Effective Rule of Law Program (USAID/EROL), technical assistance was provided in the implementation of secondary legislation, particularly the drafting and deliberation among stakeholders of a circular which outlines the procedures for Presidential Appointment of judicial staff. The circular set out transparent internal procedures for the President’s Office without affecting or reducing the KJC’s constitutional authority as an independent constitutional body. USAID/EROL's work with the Office of the President and the KJC culminated in today's Supreme Court appointments. All five candidates who were nominated were reviewed and approved as set out in the circular that USAID/EROL developed. Two of the five Supreme Court judges are minorities (one is a Kosovo Turk and one is a Kosovo Serb). This brings the total number of minorities on the Supreme Court bench within one judge of the constitutionally mandated 15%.

]]> The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Madam Atifete Jahjaga, Atifete Jahjaga,Kosovo Judicial Council KJC, KJC, Effective Rule of Law Program 18/08/2011 August 11th, 2011 1 Economic Growth ambassador_dell_breaking_bread_small.jpg <![CDATA[US Ambassador Showcases Support to Predominantly Serb Community of Kosovo]]> US Ambassador Showcases Support to Predominantly Serb Community of Kosovo

U.S. Ambassador Christopher Dell congratulates residents of Gračanica/Graqanicë Municipality on the groundbreaking of a new USAID-supported Cultural Center in the Kosovo Serb village of Badovac/Badovc U.S. Ambassador Christopher Dell congratulates residents of Gračanica/Graqanicë Municipality on the groundbreaking of a new USAID-supported Cultural Center in the Kosovo Serb village of Badovac/Badovc

U.S. Ambassador Christopher Dell and Mayor Bojan Stojanovic, Gračanica/Graqanicë Municipality, break bread at event celebrating groundbreaking of new Cultural Center in the Kosovo Serb village of Badovac/Badovc U.S. Ambassador Christopher Dell and Mayor Bojan Stojanovic, Gračanica/Graqanicë Municipality, break bread at event celebrating groundbreaking of new Cultural Center in the Kosovo Serb village of Badovac/Badovc
U.S. Ambassador Christopher Dell and Gračanica/Graqanicë Mayor Bojan Stojanovic donned hard hats to break ground for a USAID-supported Cultural Center in the village of Badovac/Badovc. The area currently has no place for community gatherings, exhibitions and cultural performances.

The groundbreaking, widely covered by Kosovo media, took place amid on-going unrest in northern Kosovo. Ambassador Dell used the groundbreaking to highlight that Kosovo has made great progress in inter-ethnic relations and that Kosovo Serbs increasingly rely on their representative institutions to address their needs. The Ambassador also presented the community with the keys to two new mini-buses. The buses and the Cultural Center were funded through USAID’s Implementing Positive Change Program (http://www.usaid-ipcp.org/cms/). Local community forums had identified transportation for residents as their most pressing need.

The day’s events concluded with a visit to a nearby farm. Its owner told the Ambassador and Mayor how much he and other farmers have benefitted from a USAID dairy support program. Crimson Finance Fund (http://cffkosovo.com/), supported by USAID, Norfund, the Norwegian Government and Crimson Capital Corporation, facilitates loans to farmers for the purchase of high quality cows and equipment intended to improve the quality and efficiency of their dairy operations. Veterinary support is provided under the USAID Kosovo Private Enterprise Program (http://www.usaidkpep.net/advCms/?id=3,125,125,125,e). The project has resulted in economic cooperation between Kosovo Serb farmers and a Kosovo Albanian dairy processor.






]]> U.S. Ambassador Christopher Dell, Gračanica Graqanicë, Bojan Stojanovic, Cultural Center, inter-ethnic 11/08/2011 August 10th, 2011 1 Economic Growth robotek_small.jpg <![CDATA[Building Skills, Friendship Through Robotics]]> Building Skills, Friendship Through Robotics

Building Skills, Friendship Through Robotics
On July 28, USAID’s Basic Education Program welcomed back five primary school students and two teachers from Iliria School, Pristina who attended the “ROBOTEKA” summer school in Bitola, Macedonia. USAID/Kosovo supported their visit to the camp, which was funded by USAID/Macedonia for the last three years.

This is the first year that students from Kosovo were able to attend the technology camp. The students undertook practical activities involving the assembly and programming of robots, competed in competitions between groups, watched presentations and videos of robots, and visited businesses that use control technology. In addition to robotics, the participants went movies, museums and local sites, participated in educational games and had an opportunity to make friends with students from Macedonia and Kosovo.

Iliria School is one of 50 leading schools in Kosovo that will receive technology equipment through USAID’s Basic Education Program. The program will organize a similar robotics camp in Kosovo next summer in order to include more primary school students. The camp will emphasize learning 21st Century skills while developing trust and friendship across Kosovo’s different ethnic cultures.



]]> Basic Education Program, Iliria School, Pristina, ROBOTEKA, camp 10/08/2011 July 29th, 2011 1 Economic Growth usaid_promet_small.jpg <![CDATA[Reaping the Bounty of the Forest]]> Reaping the Bounty of the Forest

USAID representatives joined the owner and workers at the As Promet plant in Leposavic
A northern Kosovo processing company expects to increase its output and double its permanent work force over the next three years with an expanded, modernized cold storage facility installed with USAID assistance. As Promet collects, cleans and processes the “fruits of the forest”, such as wild berries and mushrooms. The plant’s capacity was constrained by old equipment, lack of adequate freezer space and the fact that it did not meet international food safety standards.

USAID stepped in with two in-kind grants that allowed the company to expand its operation and increase profits by locally producing more value-added items (“finished” food products) that command higher market prices. The new facility was constructed according to the requirements of the internationally recognized HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Points) approach to food safety management, and the company is in the process of obtaining HACCP safety certification.

On July 7, 2011, USAID representatives joined the owner and workers at the As Promet plant in Leposavic for an event inaugurating the larger freezer, featuring tastings of raspberries, blueberries and wild mushrooms. The improved facility was made possible under USAID’s Kosovo Private Enterprise Program (KPEP). The program’s objective is to stimulate the private sector and increase the competitiveness of Kosovo's economy.

]]> Kosovo, As Promet, fruits of the forest, HACCP, Leposavic, 29/07/2011 July 22th, 2011 1 Economic Growth mci_survey_july_12_small.jpg <![CDATA[USAID Business Enabling Environment Program Announces the Results of the First Annual Municipal Competitiveness Index (MCI) Survey 2011:]]> USAID Business Enabling Environment Program Announces the Results of the First Annual Municipal Competitiveness Index (MCI) Survey 2011:

Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry Mimoza Kusari-Lila presents award to Deputy Major Abdulhadi Krasnic of Mamushe, the top performing municipality. Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry Mimoza Kusari-Lila presents award to Deputy Major Abdulhadi Krasnic of Mamushe, the top performing municipality.
At the MCI Awards Presentation Event on July 12, 2011 in Pristina, Kosovo, the USAID Business Enabling Environment Program (BEEP) announced the results of the first Municipal Competitiveness Index (MCI) Survey and presented awards to the three top performing Municipalities of Mamushe, Hani i Elezit, and Gjilan. The MCI Survey is the first large-scale undertaking of its kind in Kosovo. A total of 2,026 randomly selected businesses in all 37 municipalities were surveyed on a range of issues related to the local business environment and local governance. Results were grouped and presented for eight categories: 1) Barriers to Business Entry; 2) Participation and Predictability; 3) Transparency and Access to Information; 4) Time Costs of Regulatory Compliance; 5) Taxes and Fees; 6) Municipal Administration; 7) Labor and Business Support Services; and 8) Municipal Infrastructure.

The very detailed findings demonstrate the municipalities’ respective strengths and weaknesses, identify current best practices, and show where reforms can be undertaken to make improvements to the business environment within each municipality. BEEP will be following up with municipalities to help them identify the measures they can take to improve their business environments. The MCI Survey will be conducted in Kosovo each year to monitor the impact of business environment reform on local businesses.

The MCI Survey Report can serve as a useful guide to municipal and national administrators, Kosovo business persons, foreign investors, and international donors.

]]> Abdulhadi Krasnic, Mamushe, Mimoza Kusari-Lila, BEEP, Hani i Elezit, Gjilan, MCI 22/07/2011 July 7th, 2011 1 Economic Growth harnessing_youthful_creativity_for_environmental_cleanup_small.jpg <![CDATA[Harnessing Youthful Creativity for Environmental Cleanup]]> Harnessing Youthful Creativity for Environmental Cleanup

Boys at Iliria School Demonstrate their Bottle Crusher Boys at Iliria School Demonstrate their Bottle Crusher

The Macedonian environmental NGO OXO performs environmental songs at the Iliria School with its mascot. The Macedonian environmental NGO OXO performs environmental songs at the Iliria School with its mascot.
USAID is helping schools lead a campaign to develop environmental awareness in schools and communities through student action projects.

Lack of environmental awareness is widespread in Kosovo; garbage litters picnic areas, the countryside and town centers. In addition to posing environmental and health problems, garbage has a negative impact on Kosovo’s nascent tourist industry. USAID’s Basic Education Program (BEP) is training teachers to instill environmental awareness at an early age.

As students from "Iliria" primary school in Pristina learned when they went to a nearby scenic lake, the main problem is discarded plastic bottles. Eighth grade students from the school made a film to highlight this problem using “Flip” video cameras provided by USAID.

“The most effective way of raising awareness among students is to get them involved.” – said Fadil Krasniqi, technology teacher at Iliria School. “They spread it at home, among friends; it becomes their project, therefore their responsibility and not just something they were supposed to listen to while in class.”

USAID’s Basic Education Program asked teachers who had attended its courses to give their students a challenge - to design a machine that would crush plastic bottles so they could be stored and transported to small recycling plants being established in Kosovo, some with USAID assistance.

On June 30th 2011, the winning designs from 17 schools were presented at an exhibition held in the energy-efficient, Pristina Green School, built with USAID support. The event brought together 150 students, teachers, officials of the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Education, environmental NGO’s, local bottling companies, and recycling companies.

In the prize ceremony, representatives of the Ministries of Education and Environment presented “Flip” video cameras for the top five designs and a control technology kit for each participating school.

During the event, a local manufacturing company expressed interest in adapting the best “bottle crusher” design for mass production, while a recently established recycling company committed to collecting crushed bottles from schools. A follow-up round table conference will be organized in September to plan a recycling system based on partnerships with ministries, municipalities, schools, NGOs and private business.

]]> Iliria, Pristina, Flip, Fadil Krasniqi, Pristina Green School, Iliria School, bottle crusher 07/07/2011 April 8th, 2011 1 Economic Growth technology_teachers_welcome_new_approaches_small.jpg <![CDATA[Technology in Schools]]> Technology in Schools
Technology in Schools Fadil Krasniqi, a young technology teacher from "Iliria" primary school in Pristina.


The subject of "Technology" was a popular subject in Kosovo primary schools, offering students the opportunity to take part in practical activities. However, in recent years teachers do not have practical equipment and students simply learn from textbooks. Fadil Krasniqi, a young technology teacher from "Iliria" primary school in Pristina is one of many technology teachers in Kosovo who struggle to provide quality education, always seeking for new approaches.

From March 17th to 19th, a three-day technology workshop was organized by USAID's Basic Education Program with the aim of developing teachers' awareness and understanding of a "Design Challenge" approach to teaching technology.

Teachers from schools across Kosovo attended the workshop which gave them the opportunity to explore practical based activities that support learning from the curriculum and help to develop the key skills for successful learners. The teachers were engaged in solving a challenge in a practical way, constructing with recycled materials, wood and electrical components.

You could see the enthusiasm in Fadil's eyes as he described how "this workshop has opened a whole pool of new ideas for me and my students ... affordable ones."

By the end of the workshop teachers had explored several practical approaches including the use of paper engineered cranks and levers, programmable logical controllers, a Robotic arm, Lego Robots, and explored a range of web based resources and free downloads.

Teachers were encouraged to plan a practical activity with their students and to identify other opportunities from the text books. USAID's Basic Education Program will then support them with equipment and materials.

]]> Technology, Fadil Krasniqi, Iliria, Basic Education Program, Robotic, Lego Robots 08/04/2011 April 1st, 2011 1 Economic Growth working_for_our_future_small.jpg <![CDATA[DCM visit to the north]]> DCM visit to the north

DCM visit to the north Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Murphy is warmly greeted by members of the Ibar River cleaning crews in Leposavic.
"The idea for the Ibar River Cleanup project came from the community, and the work is being carried out by members of your community," remarked USEP Deputy Chief of Mission Michael J. Murphy at the official launch of Phase II of the project on March 29. "This is what makes this project such a great success. You saw a need, you created a plan, and you made it happen."

Initiated and managed by three local NGOs -- Mitrovica Business Women Association, Mundesia (Possibility) and Me dorë ne zemër (Hand on the Heart) -- Phase I of the Working for OUR Future project generated nearly 10,000 workdays for members of all communities living in the region. The project continues to provide vital short term paid employment for 204 residents of Mitrovica and surrounding areas, helping to ease unemployment rates of nearly 70% in this part of Kosovo.

The Ibar River cleanup project is part of USAID's ongoing activities aimed at encouraging community participation throughout Kosovo, while enhancing the long neglected environment of the region.

Another way USAID is making a difference is by assisting local businesses with private enterprise grants to provide sustainable income opportunities and stimulate the local economy. These grants have already created a total of 89 full-time and 42 seasonal jobs over the past few months. The Deputy Chief of Mission also visited one of the private enterprise grant recipients, which has tripled its daily output and already hired nine additional full-time workers, with plans to create 16 more new jobs in the next two months.

]]> Ibar River Cleanup, USEP Deputy Chief of Mission Michael J. Murphy, Mitrovica Business Women Association 01/04/2011 March 28th, 2011 1 Economic Growth kosovo_teachers_embrace_new_technology_small.jpg <![CDATA[IT for Teachers workshop]]> IT for Teachers workshop

IT for Teachers workshop Arlinda Zeqiri, an English teacher from "Dardania" primary school in Pristina was just one of the teachers who enjoyed the workshop.
Arlinda Zeqiri, an English teacher from "Dardania" primary school in Pristina enjoys teaching but is frustrated by the lack of technology available to her and her students. All over the world, the use of modern technology is enhancing educational systems.

On March 15 and 16, 2011, selected language teachers from all over Kosovo attended a workshop on "The Practical Application of IT Technology" where they were exposed to educational approaches that emphasized 21st Century skills development.

Organized by the USAID Basic Education Program, participants included selected English language teachers from all over Kosovo. These teachers will act as facilitators in future workshops, as this was the first step in the development of a Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology accredited 3 day workshop for teachers throughout Kosovo. The workshop will provide English language teachers with the knowledge and skills to enhance their professional development and instructional practice through the strategic use of video technology as well as web-based tools and resources.

Arlinda found the workshop to be of great value as she was "introduced to new internet resources for teachers, as well as links that can be useful in classrooms for students engaging team work and self-assessment such as 'voice thread'. I have to say flip-cameras are amazing, you can do so much; students can practice team work, language fluency, assess themselves, improve writing skills... plus, it's fun! I can hardly wait to start implementing what I've learned."

The transition to the Information Society is one of the strategic objectives of the Kosovo Government and one of the EU pre-entry conditions, USAID's Basic Education Program identified this transition as one of the key areas where Kosovo education system needs support.

]]> Arlinda Zeqiri, teacher, language, The Practical Application of IT Technology, flip-cameras, voice thread 28/03/2011 March 25th, 2011 1 Rule of Law court_order_small.jpg <![CDATA[Order In The Court!]]> Order In The Court!

ALL RISE FOR THE KIDS OF KOSOVO! Second-grade students in Gjakova learned an important lesson AND had fun acting out a mock trial; with children playing the parts of judges, prosecutor, legal aid attorney, defendant, and witnesses in a pretend court case. Who would have thought that learning about the law could actually be fun?!?

Order In The Court! "But I'm innocent!" The defendant pleads his case before the watchful eyes of the judges and prosecutor.
Students used the new ´Learning about Justice´ series of coloring books to prepare their trial. These books teach students about the law and court procedures, and were distributed to second-grade and third-grade students in advance of Kosovo Law Day celebrations on January 16th.

"Zekeria Rexha" primary school is just one of the schools that participated in this initiative, and a total of 1,508 second and third graders in Gjakova / Đakovica have already received the three coloring books from the Learning about Justice Initiative. Teachers have praised the initiative as both entertaining and educational.

The three coloring books ´Learning about Responsibilities´, ´Learning about Judges´, and ´Learning about Law´ were produced by USAID´s Kosovo Justice Support Program.

]]> Gjakova, Kosovo Law Day, Zekeria Rexha, students, Kosovo Justice Support Program 25/03/2011 March 23rd, 2011 1 Civil Society the_future_is_Bright_small.jpg <![CDATA[KAEF]]> KAEF

Rinor Gjonbalaj will be studying for his Master Rinor Gjonbalaj will be studying for his Master's Degree in Business Administration at Temple University in Philadelphia. 'Studying in one of these graduate programs will provide me with a rigorous and well-balanced education, strengthen my global business perspective, and provide me with the opportunity to study with some of the finest minds in my field of study.'
From left; Shkamb Cavderdbasha, Leonard Dalipi, Brikena Avdyli, Diedon Kica, Ambassador Dell, Rinor Gjonbalaj, and Bojan Vasic. From left; Shkamb Cavderdbasha, Leonard Dalipi, Brikena Avdyli, Diedon Kica, Ambassador Dell, Rinor Gjonbalaj, and Bojan Vasic.
Ambassador Dell recently described the latest Kosovo American Education Fund (KAEF) fellows as 'Kosovo's future leaders -- the post-war generation -- who can create sustainable change that will benefit all Kosovars.' KAEF is a perpetual education fund dedicated to the economic development of Kosovo through higher education.

Since 2004, with the help of businesses across Kosovo, KAEF has awarded 39 fellowships to future leaders of Kosovo for Master's Degree study in the United States.

Past KAEF graduate Luan Dalipi with in Pristina had already co-founded MDA Associates, a consulting and training firm, prior to departing for his Master's Degree study, but felt the KAEF program helped him accelerate his success. "As a result of the KAEF program, I've made tremendous progress in the way that I think, the way that I tackle problems, the way that I plan, and the way that I grow my own business."

KAEF selects these talented young Kosovars through an open, merit-based competition, and provides them with graduate fellowships to top US universities. Selected fellows represent the "cream of the crop" in Kosovo and alumni have become leaders in their field. Fellows in the fields of economics, law, and international relations have been accepted to Temple University, American University and Colorado State University, among others. In exchange, they commit to return to Kosovo and work towards the economic development of the country.













]]> Rinor Gjonbalaj, Temple University in Philadelphia, Ambassador Dell, American University and Colorado State University, KAEF 23/03/2011 March 17th, 2011 1 Governance world_water_day_public_awareness_is_the_key_small.jpg <![CDATA[World Water Day]]> World Water Day

Pipe-laying in Prizren Pipe-laying in Prizren
Water Quality training for Board Members Water Quality training for Board Members
To celebrate World Water Day on March 22nd, Eco Movement organized 'Water for cities'; an event that aims to encourage governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to address the challenges of urban water management. The USAID-supported NGO expressed concern about the quality of drinking water, the fact that only 70% of Kosovo's population is connected to proper water supply, and high percentage of black waters left untreated which leads to high levels of digestive illness.

Ongoing USAID activities strive to improve the water supply, reduce wastage, and increase public awareness of the need to both conserve water and pay for this vital utility service.

Since October 2008, USAID has completed 16 projects related to improving Kosovo's water supply in 4 municipalities (Peja, Lipjan, Gllogoc, Malisheva), directly benefitting 57,000 people. These infrastructural projects are essential, but the corresponding educational activities are as important to ensure this investment is matched by good public practice.

One of the key components of USAID's programs is ongoing consumer awareness highlighting good water use and water savings. Community outreach meetings are held regularly to inform consumers about their responsibilities in this area. Public awareness campaigns are the key to ensuring that all citizens act responsibly with regard to their water services; taking measures to save water and the necessity of payment for this service. The key message of this campaign is water: save me because you will need me!

The regional water companies involved in these projects work to increase the number of customers who pay their bills regularly, aiming to increase revenue collection by 10% over the next 12 months. They target collection ratios of 75% in both Peja and Prizren by September 2012.

When a customer does not pay for water used it has a negative impact on the entire community. The treatment and distribution of potable water costs money, and revenues are needed in order to improve services and expand the water networks. Increased revenue leads to better management and improved services, while also having economic benefits for the region, including increased income and employment. USAID works with both regional water companies and municipal leaders to implement distribution and payment solutions that benefit all communities. ]]> World Water Day, Eco Movement, Water for cities, NGO, Peja, Lipjan, Malisheva, Gllogoc, Prizren 17/03/2011 March 10th, 2011 1 Civil Society helping_communities_help_themselves_small.jpg <![CDATA[World Learning Community Projects]]> World Learning Community Projects

World Learning Community Projects

Vetone Veliu learning new skills thanks to NGO Women group of Miner Hill. Vetone Veliu learning new skills thanks to NGO Women group of Miner Hill.
Communities are shaping their own future by working with friends and neighbors to improve their lives and environment. Allow us to introduce you to 3 NGOs who, with the support of USAID, are improving the quality of life in their communities;

SABOR aims to support women in business by enhancing their skills and self-confidence. The computer training brings together women who want to start their own businesses or improve general business skills. The group includes 23 women and 2 men; young and old, single mothers, and internally displaced persons. Tijana Bojovic remarked that "this will contribute a lot to my professional education and improvement as a student, especially the segment that covered the introduction and use of Excel."

The Women Group of Miner Hill recognized a need to eliminate plastic bags from stores and replace them with eco-bags, which they distribute to local supermarkets. This project provides valuable work experience for the eight women, while protecting the environment. Beyond the environmental benefits, the aim of this initiative is to strengthen women's position in the family and in society by means of employment. For many, it is the first employment opportunity they have had in years. The project also includes information campaigns, business development training and eco- education. Eco-bags were distributed to "Artani", "Dielli" and"Gyli" supermarkets.

KOTA 797 focuses on environmental protection projects, in this case installing park benches in a recently cleaned park. KOTA 797 focuses on environmental protection projects, in this case installing park benches in a recently cleaned park.
KOTA 797 scout group attracts Zvecan residents, male and female, of varying ages from different ethnic groups. As their members noted, Kota 797 is a tradition in many families, with members ranging from 7 to 70 years in age. Their current project aims to beautify the area leading to Zvecan Hill. This was accomplished by cleaning the park area and tennis courts, and installing four large refuse cans on the recreation path leading to the Zvecan hill. In addition, the 60 scouting members are raising awareness in the community against littering and promoting environmental conservation. They are currently supporting an art contest to support anti-dumping initiatives, and recently installed two benches and a picnic table and bench set on Zvecan hill. It's not all hard work... other activities include orienteering, outdoor games and anything related to nature. Let's hope they have a good summer!


]]> Communities, women, Zvecan Hill, Eco-bags, Artani, Dielli, Gyli 10/03/2011 February 23rd, 2011 1 Civil Society student_parliamentarians_raise_their_voices-_small.jpg <![CDATA[Student Parliament ]]> Student Parliament

Civil Society Student Parliamentarians take part in a lively discussion.
On Feb 2nd, twenty-two highly enthusiastic local student parliamentarians gathered to participate in an intriguing exercise designed to engage students and encourage them to communicate effectively and develop team work.

The fictitious issue at hand was how they should react to the expulsion from school of a friend of theirs. Each participant was assigned a role (e.g., school psychologist, teacher, principal, local municipal govern rep, law enforcement, Parents Association member, etc).

As one observer noted, "Not only could we tell that these were intelligent students, one thing is for sure: they are going to be successful public speakers and possible public representatives... and in the very near future!"

Throughout this lively yet fun "debate", one could see how much students' enjoyed the exercise. Following the debate, representatives from USAID and the US Embassy shared their own personal experiences as student government reps, with the discussion conducted solely in Serbian.

These articulate young people from five high schools in North Mitrovica and Zvecan came together under the sponsorship of a dedicated and charismatic Serbian language teacher in order to have a greater voice concerning life in their schools - and communities. Blagica Radovanovic is the founder of Santa Marija, an NGO supported by USAID's FORECAST program. ]]> student, parliamentarians, teacher, Parents Association member, debate, North Mitrovica, Zvecan, Blagica Radovanovic, FORECAST 23/02/2011 February 9th, 2011 1 Minority Support restart_small.jpg <![CDATA[Resettlement Already Producing Health Improvements]]> Resettlement Already Producing Health Improvements

Blood Lead Level testing of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian (RAE) children who were resettled in September is already showing dramatic improvements. Early results reveal a significant drop in the level of lead found in the blood of children; a direct consequence of their relocation from the contaminated camps and ongoing treatment.

Resettlement Already Producing Health Improvements Now we have a home - the children of Roma Mahalla struggle to stay warm as they celebrate the relocation of an additional 38 from the lead-contaminated camp of Osterode.
Out of 74 children tested so far only three have retained blood lead levels which require chelating therapy to reduce lead and other heavy metals from the bloodstream, and regular testing will continue. Last September the first 50 Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian (RAE) families were moved into new homes constructed through USAID support, and the lead-contaminated Cesmin Lug camp was destroyed.

On February 1, an additional 38 families moved from the second lead-contaminated camp of Osterode to newly-constructed houses, the latest phase in a major project supported by USAID and the European Commission Liaison Office (ECLO), with cooperation and support from the Government of Kosovo and the local municipality. Plans are in place to complete the relocations of RAE families and permanently close this second camp by June 2011.



]]> Blood Lead Level, Roma, Ashkali, Egyptian, Roma Mahalla, children, European Commission Liaison Office ECLO, ECLO 09/02/2011 February 4th, 2011 1 Civil Society scout_group_enhance_their_environment_small.jpg <![CDATA[KOTA 797]]> KOTA 797

KOTA 797 Student Parliamentarians take part in a lively discussion.
The lack of parks and green areas is certainly a problem in the more urbanized parts of Kosovo. A grup of Zvecan residents, male and female of varying ages, decided to do something about it. Youth and scout leaders came together to improve their local community by helping to create a small park at Zvecan Hill.

The team first identified the best location for the park. They selected the area called "White Rocks" at Zvecan Hill for its panoramic view and natural beauty. The group then organized lectures and workshops in order to educate young people about the importance of a protecting the environment and anti-littering.

In addition, the scout group produced promotional material (posters, bracelets and T-shirts) in order to raise the awareness of the importance of anti-littering within their community. This included a seminar and an art contest among the 60 scout members plus youth members of the local Red Cross. During these meetings, the scouts determined that a lack of trash containers was contributing to the problem. As a result, they purchased and installed four metal garbage bins at various locations around town.

This community driven project is a fantastic example of environmental activism on the part of local youth, and shows what can be done when with the possibility of sparking similar initiatives in the near future.

As their members noted, Kota 797 is a tradition in many families, with members ranging from 7 to 70 years in age. It's not all hard work... other activities include orienteering, outdoor games and anything related to nature. Let's hope they have a good summer!

KOTA 797 is just one of 28 NGOs funded in northern Kosovo through USAID's FORECAST project. ]]> Zvecan, Zvecan Hill, Red Cross, FORECAST, Student Parliamentarians, local youth 04/02/2011 January 23rd, 2011 1 Minority Support slobodno_srpski_small.jpg <![CDATA[Encouraging Local Media in Minority Communities]]> Encouraging Local Media in Minority Communities

Transmission equipment which was seized last year has been returned to TV Mir, partner station of USAID/Kosovo´s Strengthening Independent Minority Media (SIMM) program. TV Mir is located in Leposavic, in the Serb majority north of Kosovo, and is a member of a network of four Serb TV stations.

Encouraging Local Media in Minority Communities Weekly talk show ´Slobodno Srpski´ which interviews politicians and cultural leaders from both the Kosovo Albanian and Kosovo Serb communities.
The equipment was confiscated as part of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) action last year against illegal Serbian telecoms operators. TV Mir's equipment was legal but was located on a site which also housed Telekom Serbia equipment. The successful return of the equipment was achieved following months of negotiation by SIMM staff.

USAID's minority media support program provides important links between TV and radio stations in north Kosovo and those in the Serb communities in central and south Kosovo. It builds capacity at these stations so they are capable of reporting on local news themselves, rather than reflecting the view from Belgrade.

TV Mir is part of TV Mreza, a network of four stations, two in the north and two in the south. The network has a growing weekly reach of 30% of Serbian viewers in Kosovo - far higher than any other Serbian network. TV Mreza competes for its audience with technically sophisticated TV channels from Serbia, and transmission quality is an important part of that competition. Ensuring the recovery of TV Mir's legal, licensed equipment will help the station continue to build its local audience.

]]> Transmission equipment, TV Mir, Strengthening Independent Minority Media SIMM, Leposavic, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority TRA, TV Mreza 23/01/2011 January 15th, 2011 1 Governance stop_smoking_small.jpg <![CDATA[USAID Supports Implementation of Nationwide Smoking Ban]]> USAID Supports Implementation of Nationwide Smoking Ban

USAID Supports Implementation of Nationwide Smoking Ban Warning signs were placed in stores to inform customers that the sale of cigarettes to anyone under eighteen years of age is forbidden.
USAID supported the Kosovo Advocacy Development Center (KADC), a local non-governmental organization, in their efforts to implement the recent law on smoking in public places.

With USAID´s support, the KADC worked hand in hand with government Ministries on ten recommendations which led to the faster and more effective implementation of the Law. Specific recommendations included the expansion of the initial prohibition of smoking in health and educational institutions to a ban covering all public places, including cafes, bars and restaurants.

A lack of public awareness initially delayed the launch of the smoking ban, which led the KADC to carry out several information campaigns in schools and health facilities to inform people of the new legislation. KADC also ran an awareness campaign to inform local businesses that the sale of tobacco to minors is prohibited. KADC will continue to support the government´s campaign and build on the successes achieved by this USAID-funded project to date.

]]> Kosovo Advocacy Development Center KADC, KADC, non-governmental, smoking, health 15/01/2011 December 19th, 2010 1 Minority Support ashkali_youth_entrepreneurs_small.jpg <![CDATA[Ashkali Youth Entrepreneurs]]> Ashkali Youth Entrepreneurs

Aferdita Komorani Aferdita Komorani
Murat Dibrani Murat Dibrani
Apart from a stone quarry and a marble cave, the village of Gadime has very few job opportunities. Employment among the Ashkali community is very low, with a lucky few working as laborers or engaging in subsistence farming. Now local groups are fueling the engine of entrepreneurship in the Ashkali communities of Kosovo.

15 Ashkali youth in Gadime recently received training to in how to start and manage a small business. Topics included registration, bookkeeping and the development of a business plan. The 15 graduates then applied for small grants of equipment to start their business, and the best 8 business plans won micro-awards worth 1,000 euros each from USAID's Initiating Positive Change Program.

Aferdita Komorani wrote one of the winning business plans. She says, 'I always dreamed of having my own sewing machine and starting my own business, and this is happening thanks to this training. I am going to first work from home and will try to raise enough money to rent a place where more customers can come to buy clothes that I am going to design."

Murat Dibrani received construction equipment, including a concrete mixer, wheelbarrows, and a number of tools. He says 'I am happy that now I can start my own business and continue to work in construction. I used to work with my father, but after he passed away it was hard for me to continue alone. Now with all the new tools, I can even employ someone to work with me."

Entrepreneurship will be the engine that drives the economic growth of Kosovo, and youth will be in the driver's seat. This small assistance from USAID to local organization 'Initiative for Kosova Community' (IKC) will help the Ashkali of Gadime get off to a strong start.











]]> Gadime, Ashkali, Employment, micro-awards, Aferdita Komorani, Murat Dibrani, Initiative for Kosova Community, IKC 19/12/2010 December 5th, 2010 1 Minority Support uniting_interethnic_youth_small.jpg <![CDATA[Uniting Interethnic Youth]]> Uniting Interethnic Youth

Uniting Interethnic Youth Local organization PMSH, a grantee of USAID's Initiating Positive Change Program (IPCP) held its final conference for the project on November 26th.
More than 140 youth from varying ethnic backgrounds participated in the Youth Integration Bridges project, to strengthen ties between youth of different ethnicities and teach them how to engage their communities. These young Serbian, Albanian, Turkish, Roma, and Bosniak youth all have a shared vision for the future of Kosovo.

Berlind Muji, one of the participants said, "This was one of the rare chances we get in Kosovo to talk to friends from different ethnicities". He says he learned about the customs, traditions and day-to-day lives of youth who live in places where Albanians rarely visit.

Participant Nikola Stanojevic became so interested in community action through the program that he wants to continue the work on his own. 'I want to use this opportunity to form a multi-ethnic NGO where we could work together in different projects,' to continue the work that PMSH started.

Ethnically mixed groups from Strpce, Zupa, Mamusha and Prizren municipalities visited monuments and historical sites across Kosovo during this eight-month project. They engaged in intensive public and private debates about the needs of youth and the issues that divide ethnic groups in the country. They also gained practical experience in youth empowerment and citizen participation in decision making, agreeing on their most pressing concerns and bringing them to the Youth Directorate in the Municipality of Prizren to request action. ]]> ethnic, Youth Integration Bridges, Serbian, Turkish, Albanian, Roma, Bosnian, Strpce, Zupa, Mamusha, Prizren 05/12/2010 November 28th, 2010 1 Rule of Law new_masters_small.jpg <![CDATA[New Masters of Law Program in Commercial and Contract Law]]> New Masters of Law Program in Commercial and Contract Law

The groundwork was laid last month for a new Masters of Law program in Commercial and Contract Law. The Contract and Commercial Law program will be housed in the Civil Law Department, and will offer several courses that will improve the skills of the Kosovar legal community in handling business transactions. The LL.M. program will commence at the University of Pristina in the autumn semester of 2011.

New Masters of Law Program in Commercial and Contract Law Dean Bajram Ukaj (seated left) was joined by Acting USAID Mission Director Azza El Abd and SEAD Director David Greer at the October signing, which was followed a week later by the Civil Law Department approval of a new LL.M. program.
Senior Legal Advisor in Commercial Law, Robert La Mont, explained the importance of the LL.M. program to strengthening the legal profession: Kosovo´s development requires lawyers who are skilled in commercial law. Especially as Kosovar businesses seek to expand beyond current partners, they´ll need commercial lawyers who know contract law and international business practices.

It will place an emphasis on international principals in commercial law and new commercial laws, and will include coursework at the University of Pristina as well as possible distance learning courses taught by international law professors in the United States and European Union countries.

The Dean of the Law Faculty at the University of Prishtina, and David Greer, Program Director for USAID's System for Enforcing Agreements and Decisions (SEAD) Program signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop this new Master of Law (LLM) program. The objective of this MOU is to formalize the cooperation between SEAD and the law faculty to design, develop, schedule and introduce an LLM program in Commercial and Contract Law.

SEAD will provide curriculum, co-teaching with Kosovo and US experts, support to the law faculty library, distance learning linkages with US and EU universities for professors and students, and material support for professors.

]]> Dean Bajram Ukaj, Masters of Law program in Commercial and Contract Law, Director David Greer, SEAD, LLM, Master of Law 28/11/2010 November 19th, 2010 1 Governance private_sector_is_the_key_ingredient_small.jpg <![CDATA[Sveti Toma Bakery]]> Sveti Toma Bakery

Sveti Toma Bakery
Creating jobs and raising incomes in are an integral part of USAID's economic growth program in Kosovo. On November 25, Sveti Toma, a bakery in Leposavic received a stove, dough mixer, industrial freezers and refrigerators, display cases and many other items.

Aleksandar Bojovic founded Sveti Toma bakery with his brother Sladjan in 2003 and had fierce competition for this award - IPCP received 220 applications. "I am happy I can now employ more people and expand my business next year," says Aleksandar, who will create 5 new jobs with the award.

The Bojovic brothers also plan to build a new facility where they will bake bread, pizza and pastries, and with their increased output expand their distribution to the south of Kosovo. Currently, as Aleksandar points out, 10,000 loaves of bread are imported to Kosovo from Serbia. The new equipment from USAID will help Sveti Toma replace those imports with locally-baked bread and keep jobs in Kosovo.

This is only the first grant out of twenty-four that the Initiating Postive Change program will award as part of its $1.5 million Microenterprise Support initiative. ]]> jobs, Sveti Toma, Leposavic, Aleksandar Bojovic, Sladjan, IPCP, Serbia, Kosovo, Postive Change 19/11/2010 November 5th, 2010 1 Minority Support smoothing_the_decentralization_process_small.jpg <![CDATA[Smoothing the Decentralization Process]]> Smoothing the Decentralization Process

Smoothing the Decentralization Process
Local organization Advocacy Training and Resource Center (ATRC) is working to build the capacities of municipal assembly members in Gracanica, Klokot and Ranilug. They organized several activities including workshops on how to draft and approve laws, trainings in administration of the municipal assembly, and informational exchanges between the "parent" municipalities and the new municipalities.

The project is also bringing government and the NGO sector closer together by training them jointly on civil society's legal rights to participate in decision making at the municipal and central level.

Bojana Stamenkovic, from civil society organization CSD it was very helpful to learn about how NGOs can contribute to lawmaking. She adds, 'More people should participate in these kinds of trainings, which can help them get engaged in future decision making."

Milan Milovanovic, member of the assembly in Gracanica municipality, is another participant in the trainings. He says "I especially liked the part of the training where we talked about the rights of citizens in participating in decision making. I try to go to all trainings, as this is my first mandate as a citizen representative in local level and I have to be up-to-date with the way things are done".

USAID's Initiating Positive Change Program (IPC) is helping the decentralization process in Kosovo by supporting communities, municipalities, and local organizations. ]]> Advocacy Training and Resource Center ATRC, ATRC, Gracanica, Klokot, Ranilug, trainings, Milan Milovanovic, Initiating Positive Change Program IPC, IPC 05/11/2010 October 14th, 2010 1 Governance no_trash_small.jpg <![CDATA[USAID Supports ´No Trash Week´ in Kosovo]]> USAID Supports 'No Trash Week' in Kosovo

Last Friday more than 70 young people cleaned a green area in Gjakova / Đakovica under the motto 'Today I cleaned, when will you?

Volunteers from schools, civil society organizations, representatives of the municipal assembly, a public cleaning company, and plenty of enthusiastic citizens echoed the need for a cleaner environment.

USAID Supports ´No Trash Week´ in Kosovo Democracy in Action, a domestic network of NGOs took part in monitoring the campaign period and Election Day.
Volunteers placed signs around the green area ´Shkukes´ in Gjakova / Dakovica, asking citizens to respect nature. The goal of this ongoing nationwide activity is to encourage visitors to the area to think about the beauty of their local environment and to safely dispose of trash in the designated places.

"It is very important to educate citizens and inform them of the negative impact trash has on the environment," Linda Meka, a 17 year old volunteer, says.

This activity marks the ´No Trash Week´ Kosovo-wide campaign that takes place from October 14th to October 21st.

The campaign is organized by the environmental NGO group ECOMOVEMENT, through the support of USAID's Kosovo Civil Society Strengthening Program.

The following activities will take place as part of the ´No Trash Week´ campaign:

Prizren- 15 October 2010 from 10:00 starting from the city center
Peja - 17 October 2010 from 10:00 starting from city center
Mitrovica - 19 October 2010 from 10:00 starting from the city center
Kamenica - 20 October 2010 from 10:00 starting from the city center
Pristina - 21 October 2010 from 10:00 starting from Velania Park

]]> Democracy in Action, NGOs, Election Day, Volunteers, Gjakova, Linda Meka, Peja, Pristina, Kamenica, Prizren 14/10/2010 16.11.2009 1 Governance kosovo_elections_NDI_support_071209_small.jpg <![CDATA[USAID Supported Observation Missions]]> USAID Supported Observation Missions

On November 15th, 2009, as Kosovo took the step forward by running their own elections other citizens took the initiative to monitor this process. Democracy in Action, a domestic network of NGOs took part in monitoring the campaign period and Election Day.

This fledgling group came together for the first time in 2007, and replicated their effort building on that initial experience. More than 70 long term observers followed the events in municipalities meeting with election officials, political parties, and observing the conduct of the campaign. A very encouraging 2,000 Democracy in Action observers were deployed on Election Day.

Throughout the day, the DiA team gathered reports on the process of elections, and when polls closed observers remained in the polling stations to monitor the counting and results tabulations. These results were phoned into the DiA headquarters where a parallel count will be used to compare against the official results, allowing any major differences to be examined carefully.

Democracy in Action, a domestic network of NGOs took part in monitoring the campaign period and Election Day. Democracy in Action, a domestic network of NGOs took part in monitoring the campaign period and Election Day.
DiA benefitted from the presence of another USAID supported program of regional and international observation. The European Network of Election Monitoring Organizations (ENEMO) worked closely with DiA in providing advice and support as both undertook their activities. ENEMO long-term observers deployed at the beginning of the election campaign period and prepared the terrain for an additional 108 short term Election Day observers. These observers represent civil society organizations in countries around Europe and the region. Both observer groups issued interim reports.

Monitoring teams from the US community in Kosovo joined DiA and ENEMO, with representatives of both USAID and the US Embassy visiting polling stations in every municipality on Election Day. These teams met with Polling Station Committee, and observed the voting and counting process to ensure that the all the people of Kosovo had every chance to participate in free and fair elections.

Conclusions will not be available until the election cycle is concluded. However early indicators are that while there were some problems, the overall Election Day atmosphere was peaceful and voters were, largely, able to cast their votes for the candidates of their choosing. ]]> Election Day, Democracy in Action, DiA, ENEMO, US Embassy, NGOs, The European Network of Election Monitoring Organizations ENEMO 16/11/2009 01.10.2009 1 Rule of Law aba_workshop_small.jpg <![CDATA[Workshop with Kosovo Albanian and Serbian Law Students]]> Workshop with Kosovo Albanian and Serbian Law Students

Twenty three law students from University of Prishtina Faculties of Law in both Pristina and in Mitrovica participated in the ABA, Rule of Law Initiative Practical Skills Workshop. The two days workshop, organized on September 11 and 12, took place in Prevalle.

This Practical Skills Workshop was the first of a series of 4 workshops with same group of students participating on the 3 upcoming ones.

Workshop with Kosovo Albanian and Serbian Law Students During the workshop students and coaches worked on the case NITA v. Lawrence, a hypothetical criminal case developed by the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA)
The Practical Skills Workshop was facilitated by Laura Pula, District Court Prosecutor in Pristina, Nebojsa Vlajic, Attorney in Mitrovica and Ahmet Hasolli, Attorney in Pristina. Opening remarks were made by Gina Schaar, ABA ROLI Country Director in Kosovo, and the participants got insight into legal education experiences from Irene Biglino, PhD Intern in ABA ROLI office in Kosovo. They also discussed career paths, the role of legal professionals and professional qualities with Ms. Pula, Mr. Vlajic and Mr. Hasolli. As per comments given by Vuk Mitrovic, workshop coordinator for students of the Faculty of Law in Mitrovica, this is the first workshop between Kosovo Albanian law students and Kosovo Serbian law students.

During the workshop students and coaches worked on the case NITA v. Lawrence, a hypothetical criminal case developed by the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA), where students have the chance to improve their trial advocacy skills by identifying legal issues and factual arguments, and conducting cross examination and direct examination of witnesses. Students were divided in two groups mixed among students from Prishtina and Mitrovica Law Faculties to work on the case. The students in both groups showed strong commitment and high professionalism in their interactions with each other and the coaches.

Students highly appreciated this workshop and found it useful indeed for their future career. During the upcoming workshops students will have the chance to apply this analysis by practicing role play as judge, prosecutor, defense and witnesses. The seminar series will conclude with a mock trial.

The workshop is financed by the USAID´s Legal Professional Development Initiative implemented by the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative.

Photo caption Workshop 1&2: The Practical Skills Workshop the first of a series of workshops organized for Pristina and Mitrovica Law students ]]> law, students, law students, University of Prishtina Faculties of Law, Pristina, Mitrovica, Kosovo Albanian and Serbian Law Students, ABA ROLI, Gina Schaar, Irene Biglino, NITA, Skills Workshop, Laura Pula 01/10/2009 01.10.2009 1 Economic Growth peja_fair_small.jpg <![CDATA[Tourism Street Fair]]> Tourism Street Fair

The first ever street fair in Kosovo organized in Peja/Pec on September 26, 2009 by TPD Consulting with the support of the USAID Kosovo Private Enterprise Program under the "Stay the Weekend - Experience Kosovo" motto, is another success of KPEP efforts in the development of the tourism sector in Kosovo. The opening ceremony was attended by the US Ambassador in Kosovo, the USAID Kosovo Mission Director, the Minister of Trade and Industry and the Mayor of Peja/Pec.

About 40 exhibitors representing handcraft, restaurants and tour operators of this region confirmed participation but on September 26, more than 60 providers of tourism offers and products showed up, and started to sell their products hours before the official opening of the street fair at 12:00. The street fair was attended by more than 1,000 visitors, and generated satisfactory sales for the exhibitors, exceeding €7,000 of products and services, and indirectly generating €18,000 of related sales, including hotel stays and food purchases.

Peja/Pec Tourism Street Fair The street fair was divided in three sectors: food and beverages, handicrafts and traditional clothing, and tour operators and sport activities
The street fair was divided in three sectors: food and beverages, handicrafts and traditional clothing, and tour operators and sport activities. About 15 restaurants prepared a variety of local dishes, while about 25 handicraft booths exhibited hand-made traditional clothing and decorative items. The tour operators sector was very busy with inquiries from international visitors interested in booking tours.

Syzana Baja, Tourism Advisor to USAID Kosovo Private Enterprise Program for the Street Event and Director of Rugova Experience, said that the event showcased a variety of experiences and activities. "Visitors and Peja/Pec citizens had a great time," she said. "The KPEP tourism team and TPD Consulting, the event organizer," Baja continued, "worked closely with the Municipality to ensure that restaurants, handicrafts, tour organizers, music and art groups were all represented at the Fair. For many of them, this was the first time they participated in an outdoor fair. It was quite a new experience, but one that I think all enjoyed and appreciated."

The Peja/Pec Street Fair follows the successful "Stay the Weekend, Experience Kosovo", which was organized on April 22, 2009 co-sponsored by KPEP with the Kosovo Tourism Association in Pristina. ]]> Peja, Pec, TPD Consulting, tourism, Minister of Trade and Industry and the Mayor, Syzana Baja, Tourism Advisor, fair 01/10/2009 01.10.2009 1 Governance CEC_signing_agrement_IFES_small.jpg <![CDATA[CEC Signs Mutual Cooperation Agreement with IFES]]> Kosovo CEC Signs Mutual Cooperation Agreement with IFES Kosovo

The Republic of Kosovo Central Elections Commission (CEC) entered into a new mutual cooperation agreement with IFES Kosovo. The agreement was signed by the CEC Chair, Honorable Nesrin Lushta, USAID Kosovo Mission Director, Patricia Rader, and IFES Chief of Party, Chedomir Flego, October 1, 2009, during a press conference held in Pristina. Under the agreement, IFES will provide technical support to the CEC through a broad spectrum of initiatives in the areas of voter education and awareness, count and results center, media outreach, in addition to helping the CEC conduct efficient and transparent elections.

CEC Signs Mutual Cooperation Agreement with IFES Honorable Nesrin Lushta, USAID Kosovo Mission Director, Patricia Rader, and IFES Chief of Party, Chedomir Flego, October 1, 2009, during a press conference held in Pristina
During the press conference, the CEC Chair mentioned the cooperative agreement formalizes the support being provided by IFES which helps the CEC staff prepare for training of observers and journalists, improve its media outreach campaigns, develop the count and results center, introduce the transmission and recording of provisional election results (SMS preliminary results) and operate a media center. The USAID Director indicated the agreement is another example of cooperation in the long standing relationship between the US Government and the Republic of Kosovo.

The upcoming elections on November 15 will be the first time the CEC conducts local government elections in Kosovo. Previous elections were conducted by the UN and OSCE prior to Kosovo independence on February 17, 2008. IFES has been providing technical assistance in Kosovo since 1998.

IFES is an independent, non-governmental organization providing professional support to electoral democracy. Through field work, applied research and advocacy, IFES promotes citizen participation, transparency, and accountability in political life and civil society. Since its founding in 1987, IFES has worked in more than 100 countries. ]]> The Republic of Kosovo Central Elections Commission CEC, CEC, IFES, Nesrin Lushta, Patricia Rader, Chedomir Flego, 01/10/2009 01.08.2009 1 Economic Growth children_news_01.jpg <![CDATA[Promoting Kosovo Dairy Products Starts at an Early Age]]> Promoting Kosovo Dairy Products Starts at an Early Age

An educational visit to Eurolona dairy farm and milk processor by five-and six-year-old children from Fatosat kindergarten in Pristina was a successful promotion of domestically produced dairy products.

The April visit, organized by USAID's Kosovo Private Enterprise Program, provided an opportunity for the children to see how the milk they consume is produced and encourage them to consume more dairy products for a healthy diet. Eurolona, in addition to milking their own cows, runs their own dairy processing plant. It is hoped such visits will help overcome the negative image of locally produced dairy products, as many people in Kosovo today purchase imported milk and dairy products.

The kindergarten's visit to Eurolona was also an opportunity to promote better understanding of, and increase loyalty to, domestically produced dairy products. With USAID's assistance, Eurolona is producing a new variety of yogurt drink and yogurt, now available in Kosovo markets, as well as their first white cheese.

The Kosovo Private Enterprise Program is helping to modernize Kosovo's dairy industry, increasing sales and employment. The four-year initiative aims to stimulate the competitiveness of Kosovo's private sector. The program, implemented by Booz Allen Hamilton, provides technical assistance to targeted sectors through grants and consulting, supports business enabling reform efforts, expands workforce development and training, and strengthens business services and associations. ]]> Eurolona, Fatosat, Pristina, Fatosat kindergarten, Kosovo, Booz Allen Hamilton, 01/08/2009 01.08.2009 1 Governance schools_news_01.jpg <![CDATA[Students Modernize Their School Bathrooms]]> Students Modernize Their School Bathrooms

Converting almost unusable school toilets into brand new ones at Eqrem Qabej Technical School, Vushtrri/Vucitrn, didn't require a huge investment -- the students did the work themselves, using $3,000 in materials from USAID.

The students were proud to be part of the effort and enthusiastically undertook the renovations. The initiative provided students with the sense of ownership, and upon completion of the repairs; the students indicated that they were ready to take on other projects to improve their school.

The project is part of USAID's Small Infrastructure for Education in Kosovo program, a partnership with CHF International which aims to complete 17 school construction projects during 2009. The projects are designed to reduce classroom shifts and improve learning conditions in Kosovo's schools. The Small Infrastructure for Education program has also identified a few smaller pilot projects that are having a big impact. These projects will be like the one in Vushtrri/Vucitrn, where materials are provided to a group of teachers and students allowing them to renovate their school themselves.

When the USAID team initially visited the Eqrem Qabej Technical School, they determined that the school did not qualify for a large investment from USAID for a complete renovation, even though conditions in the school were poor. However, local officials and staff were concerned about the school´s bathrooms, which had become practically unusable and posed a heath concern.

Teachers from the school believed that designing the renovation and repairing the school bathrooms would be a good practical exercise for the students. CHF agreed and trained a group of students to prepare the technical specifications and bill of quantities. ]]> Eqrem Qabej Technical School, Eqrem Qabej, Vushtrri Vucitrn, Small Infrastructure for Education in Kosovo, CHF 01/08/2009 01.08.2009 1 Rule of Law study_georgia_01.jpg <![CDATA[Kosovo Law Students Finish Studies at Georgia State]]> Kosovo Law Students Finish Studies at Georgia State

Kosovo law students Kaltrina Ahmeti, 22, and Nikola Gjakovic, 25, Kosovo have successfully finished their fall semester at the Georgia State University (GSU) College of Law, Atlanta. The students were recipients of scholarships offered by the International Connections Program, a joint project of the GSU College of Law and the Atlanta Bar Association, assisted by the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative.

These students were the first Kosovo students to participate in International Connections Program. In May 2008, a competitive selection process was led by the ABA ROLI in Kosovo; Ahmeti and Gjakovic were selected from 24 students who applied for the scholarships.

For Gjakovic, studying at GSU was a completely new experience. ´I had the opportunity to take a course on corporations, a subject that I'm interested the most, and subject in which Americans are way ahead from all other states,´ he said. Gjakovic is now back in Mitrovica and looking for a job where he could practice the skills learned.

In addition to the courses, the students also took part in brief internships with Atlanta law firms, and visited courts and observed mediation training at the Justice Center of Atlanta. ´Studying at the GSU College of Law was a big intellectual challenge for me ´ I started thinking critically and felt comfortable making judicial assessments as a future lawyer´, said Ahmeti.

The Kosovo students experienced everyday life, as they were hosted by local American families. Ahmeti says that she joined her host, lawyer Brynda Insley, at her depositions, mediations, interviews, court sessions, lawyers meetings, and other events. The same was true for Gjakovic. The GSU experience was more than he has expected, and he proudly talks about his new friendships. During their studies, the students were interviewed by The Atlanta Lawyer magazine. ]]> Kaltrina Ahmeti, Kosovo law students, Gjakovic, International Connections Program, ABA ROLI, GSU, Justice Center of Atlanta, Atlanta law firms, Georgia State University GSU College of Law 01/08/2009 01.08.2009 1 Economic Growth potato_news_01.jpg <![CDATA[Kosovo Potato Surplus Sold in Macedonia and Albania]]> Kosovo Potato Surplus Sold in Macedonia and Albania

The potato harvest had a happier ending than expected for the farmers of the TINA Agribusiness Association, who sold their crop in Macedonia and Albania. The farmers, mostly women, have been producing potatoes for long time and storing them in a traditional way, covered with soil and straw, often without any waterproof covering, which can result in significant spoilage. Last season, the farmers in the association had a major surplus of potatoes with no offers to buy their harvest. Given traditional storage methods, the entire crop could be lost while in storage.

However, this year, USAID's Kosovo Private Enterprise Program linked TINA Association with two interested buyers outside Kosovo. Eurosped from Skopje bought 200 metric tons of potatoes from the farmers, a sale worth about 20,000 euro. Another 15 metric tons were sold to Agrokoni Sh.p.k. from Tirana. These sales are an important achievement for the farmers of TINA Association as this opened a new market for them, one that can continue in the future.

USAID's Kosovo Private Enterprise Program (KPEP) is a four-year program designed to develop private sector businesses and business support services in growth sectors, and to improve the environment in which business works by helping associations and others to advocate for business-friendly policies. ]]> potato, TINA Agribusiness Association, Macedonia, Kosovo, farmers, Skopje, KPEP, Agrokoni, Tirana 01/08/2009 01.08.2009 1 Governance municipality_news_01.jpg <![CDATA[Municipalities Increase Own Source Revenues]]> Municipalities Increase Own Source Revenues

Municipalities have had success in increasing their 'own source revenues,' (OSR) or funds collected in the municipality, which remain available for municipality usage. The Municipal Performance Awards presented last month by USAID's Effective Municipalities Initiative emphasized the importance of increasing OSR.

The top five municipalities demonstrating major increases of OSR were awarded Municipal Performance Awards by the USAID/Kosovo Mission Director at a recent ceremony. Gjakove/Djakovica municipality received an award, having increased its own source revenue by 121 percent in 2008. Their success was achieved largely by waging an innovative campaign against illegal construction, forcing builders and owners to pay the fees and late penalties to acquire permits for all buildings constructed without permits.

The five winning municipalities increased the collection of OSR by an average of 154 percent in 2008 compared to 2007. These increases are largely due to municipal executive bodies taking more effective and aggressive measures to collect fees and taxes from several important revenue categories (including property tax, building and construction permits, transferring property ownership, renting municipal facilities and property, and registering businesses). ]]> Municipalities, OSR, Municipal Performance Awards, Gjakove, Djakovica, own source revenues 01/08/2009