The philanthropic actions of minority communities in Kosovo transcend boundaries, demonstrating the power of compassion and unity in driving social change.

By coming together and making a difference, these communities have proven that collective efforts can create a ripple effect of transformation, improving the lives of individuals and fostering a stronger, more inclusive society.

From education support to poverty reduction, minority communities in Kosovo have shown incredible resilience and compassion, rallying together to uplift and empower their members. In this article, you can read the inspiring stories of giving to and from minority communities.

Giving for Education

Education is a powerful tool for empowerment, and minority communities in Kosovo understand its significance. The Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities have organized and supported numerous initiatives to ensure access to education for their members. “Led-Com” company, for instance, 2020 donated ten laptops to children from these communities in Gjilan, enabling them to participate in online education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two standout examples from 2022 showcase the collective efforts in supporting education. The “MUSIC 4 ALL” initiative, based in Plementina village, Municipality of Obiliq, established a music school offering free classes for children and youth. Through a fundraising campaign on the Kosovoideas platform, they successfully raised 5,000 euros to realize "The Center Music 4 ALL". This groundbreaking project focuses on nurturing musical talents, conducting workshops, instrumental courses, and singing classes, emphasizing traditional Roma music genres.

Another noteworthy endeavor was led by the Sakuntala NGO, which raised 850 euros through the Kosovoideas crowdfunding platform. The funds were used to provide vocational training to women and girls from the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities. This five-month training, organized by the Yunus Emre Institute in Prizren, aimed to enhance the economic development of Roma women and girls in the municipality of Prizren while promoting traditional handicrafts.

Support to Philanthropy Response to COVID-19

One of the topics to which minority communities contributed is the philanthropy response to COVID-19 in Kosovo.

One of the examples is the TER-KOS program conducted in 2020 by Roma Veristas Kosovo to ensure that students from the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities are sufficiently informed and equipped with security measures to protect themselves from spreading the virus.

In 2021, Roma Veristas Kosovo, in cooperation with Kosovo Education Center - KEC, implemented the Emergency COVID-19 Fund financed by Roma Education Fund - REF. One of the activities was the donation of 8 tablets and packages for an internet connection to students from Fushë Kosova in June 2021.

Giving for Poverty Reduction

Addressing poverty and improving the lives of vulnerable communities has been a focal point for minority communities in Kosovo. Humanitarian Association “Bereqeti”, branch in Malisheva, took the initiative to donate food and hygienic packages to ten Roma families facing severe economic conditions in 2020. The support from various donors played a crucial role in making this assistance possible.

In 2020, in another act of generosity, the company “Agrovin” donated 1,200 kg of potatoes and protective masks to the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities in Fushë Kosova. This donation addressed immediate needs and exemplified the spirit of unity and support.

Source: help-kosovo.org

In 2021 the Kampioni Shopping Center played a vital role in uplifting the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities in Podujevo. They donated clothing and shoes to 850 children from families in need, providing much-needed support and warmth. The association “Bereqeti,” a branch in Podujevo, facilitated the distribution, ensuring that the donations reached those who needed them most.

Conclusion

Minority communities in Kosovo have an important role in the philanthropy ecosystem, giving back to society and profoundly impacting the lives of individuals and communities. These inspiring stories of generosity and solidarity demonstrate the power of collective efforts in bringing about meaningful change. Together, these communities have shown that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a significant difference in the lives of others.


Cover photo: Music 4 All

This article is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of Catalyst Balkans and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

The Citizen Engagement Activity in Kosovo is a five-year initiative implemented by Kosovar Civil Society Foundation (KCSF) in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).