Blog

In recent years, the IPKO Foundation has taken on an important role in empowering women and girls in Kosovo. Adelina Qarri-Hoxha, Senior Program Manager, provides insights into their latest campaign, "EmpowerHer!", which aims to improve women's and girls' access to non-formal education, particularly in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). 

In an increasingly digital world, civil society organizations (CSOs) are always on the lookout for innovative tools to amplify their impact and connect with their constituency. One such tool that has taken the tech world by storm is ChatGPT, a conversational AI developed by OpenAI.

But what exactly is ChatGPT, and how can it benefit your CSO? Let’s dive in.

World Mental Health Day, celebrated every year on October 10, emphasizes the significance of mental well-being, especially among young people. Despite the increasing need for mental health support, the issue remains largely underfunded and often overlooked in the region.

A review of the Giving Balkans database reveals that in the past five years, only five instances of donations specifically aimed at supporting mental health initiatives in Kosovo have been recorded. This highlights a significant gap in public and corporate investment in mental health, indicating that increased attention, funding, and action are necessary to support the mental well-being of young individuals.

In today’s digital age, social media is more than just a tool for personal connections; it’s an invaluable opportunity to reach a wider audience, build awareness, and mobilize support. From sharing success stories and promoting events to recruiting volunteers and raising funds, a well-executed social media strategy can transform your civil society organization’s (CSO) impact.

Let's explore each major social media platform, highlighting essential tools to boost your reach and features to enhance content creation for maximum engagement. Discover how to make the most of these platforms to elevate your CSO’s impact.

Fundraising is a powerful tool that mobilizes resources, engages communities, and drives significant change. In Kosovo, various fundraising methods, including traditional fundraising campaigns, membership models, and crowdfunding have demonstrated their potential to support impactful projects and foster community engagement and development. These initiatives not only gather essential financial support but also build a sense of collective effort and commitment toward common goals. Here, we highlight three remarkable examples of fundraising efforts in Kosovo that have made a substantial difference in their respective sectors.

“Freesia" Paper Factory is the only one in the region with the mission of employing people with disabilities. Founded on 19 May 2023 and with a current staff of 10 employees, this factory produces kitchen and toilet paper, which is sold at around 950 locations throughout Kosovo.

The director of the factory, Endrit Rexhaj, says that "Freesia" was founded by the Golden Eagle Foundation and that the whole process lasted almost two years.

April, the month it holds the Good Deeds Day, an annual global day celebrated since 2007, serves as a powerful reminder of the impact individuals and organizations can make through acts of kindness. In Kosovo, the spirit of generosity thrives with local nonprofits, diaspora and other generous donors, with a tireless work to improve various aspects of our communities. 

In a world where innovation is the key to unlocking the full potential of the next generation, imagine if every child has the knowledge and tools to excel through hands-on learning. This article dives into the story of Kosova Makers League (KML), a non-formal educational platform and its mission to transform education in Kosovo through an innovative initiative. Among its flagship programs is the largest robotics competition in Kosovo, where children aged 6 to 15 from primary schools and other educational institutions participate. Consequently, KML’s central ambition is to provide every child in Kosovo with access to robotics education via the campaign of “One robot per child.”

Effective volunteer engagement: Illuminating the impact on Global Community Engagement Day