CASE STUDY
Help That Endures When Helpers Go

Two entrepreneurial projects, launched with the support of USAID, are helping to ensure that two shelters created for victims of human trafficking and other forms of violence in Kosovo will continue to function when international funding for the shelters comes to an end. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) supported the shelters in Gjilan/Gnjilane (opened in 2003) and Gjakovë/Djakovica (opened in 2000) to combat the serious problem of human trafficking in the region. According to the U.S. State Department and international organizations, Kosovo is a source, transit and destination country for women and children trafficked across national borders, mainly for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation.

Since the “Safe House” was opened in Gjakovë/Djakovica, 789 victims have found help within its walls. In the case of the “Liria” shelter in Gjilan/Gnjilane, the number of victims assisted is 945. A big problem for both shelters was how to become self-sustaining. USAID, in cooperation with the IOM, seems to have found a solution.

USAID provided a grant to build a small greenhouse near the Gjakovë/Djakovica shelter and to purchase four bee hives. Two victims work in the greenhouse and with the bees for a small salary, supported by volunteers. The flowers, vegetables and honey they produce are sold at a kiosk, which employs two previous shelter beneficiaries. In Gjilan/Gnjilane, a USAID grant helped the Liria shelter start a photocopy and printing service. The municipality provided a small shop for the new business.

The small businesses generate income for the shelters and provide jobs training for victims. Thus far, the Gjilan/Gnjilane business does not generate enough revenue to cover the shelter’s operating costs, but it does cover the workers’ salaries. However, the Gjakovë/Djakovica business generates enough income to pay workers, cover part of the shelter’s operating costs AND provide a buffer account to cover unanticipated needs. Gjakovë/Djakovica is well on its way toward sustainability. The amount of the USAID grants for the two businesses? Only $15,000 each!