open data

Open Data Kosovo: Talk-Digital series

📣 Talk-Digital

Last week, Open Data Kosovo held the first event of the Talk-Digital series, starting in the municipality of Pristina.

The Talk-Digital series aims to invite local representatives from civil society and media (Pristina, Gjakova, Peja, Gjilan, Ferizaj, Prizren, and Rahovec) to discuss the details of digital transformation in these municipalities from their perspectives.

In Talk-Digital #1, KCDE, Democracy Plus, and the Next Gen Networks Institute representatives discussed their work and perspectives on the topic.

This series will continue in the coming months in other municipalities. These insights will contribute to preparing an observer’s report on digital transformation at the local level in the country.

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Monitoring visits in Albania, November 2023

During the month of November, out team successfully concluded the monitoring visits with regards to the Local Initiatives, Media and Creative Box grants. The SMART Balkans team conducted on-site visits to the “Albanian National Association of the Deaf”, “Albania FOKUS”, “Albanian Center for Quality Journalism” and “Youth Roma and Egyptian Movement”. The primary objective of these meetings was to exchange information and experiences within the framework of the grant scheme, addressing challenges and opportunities identified by the organizations.

Our team also conducted three monitoring visits online with “For Social and Environmental Welfare Berat” “SIRA” and “Social Inclusion for Development” organization. During these virtual encounters, we not only identified obstacles that local organizations face in project implementation but also uncovered best practices resulting from their continuous efforts to mobilize local stakeholders and address issues within local institutions and the community.

The overarching theme of these meetings seems to be inclusivity and diversity, encompassing not only the issues addressed through initiatives but also the diverse target groups involved. SMART Balkans continues to fulfill its mission by empowering civil society organizations to play a stronger and more active role in building peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development in the Western Balkans.

As we move into December 2023, SMART Balkans brings forth new opportunities. Stay updated through our communication channels for more information!

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Tailor-made training “𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐒𝐎𝐬 𝐢𝐧 Kosovo” 24.11.2024

On November 24, the tailor-made training “𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐒𝐎𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐨𝐬𝐨𝐯𝐨” took place in Prishtina. The trainer 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐚 𝐇𝐲𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐢 𝐊𝐞𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢 emphasized the important role of communication and visibility for CSOs and their significance in fostering public engagement and support.

Anila Salianji- The Project Manager/Smart Balkans talked about the components of SMART Balkans which aim to contribute to a stronger, more sustainable and vibrant civil sector. In this line, Salianji pointed out the tailor- made training programs that cater to the specific needs of CSOs; tutorials, the capacity assessment tool that provides insight to the deeper analysis of organizations’ capacities for fund; mentoring support to less developed CSOs and technical support like the one stop shop with advices posted on the Resource Box. Salianji also explained the grant types, application requirements and deadlines.

Violeta Hyseni Kelmendi Media and Communication Expert stated that communication is an integral part of the success and influence of CSOs and visibility is a powerful tool to attract support and financial resources. Kelmendi added that communication can be used to build partnerships with donors and stakeholders; enhance the impact of initiatives as well promote transparency and accountability. She emphasized that organizations need to identify the main stakeholders like donors, beneficiaries, the general public, etc. and tailor the messages according to the circumstances. Kelmendi requested that participants offer examples of messages tailored to each audience that their respective organizations need to communicate with. She also explained the main communication channels including traditional media (press releases, press conferences, individual or panel interviews); digital platforms (social media, websites, newsletters) and events (conferences, workshops, advocacy campaigns etc.)

The second part was focused on the main elements of a communication strategy. Kelmendi said that a strategic communication plan is a comprehensive document that outlines objectives, target audiences, key messages, communication channels, budget and responsible individuals as well as indicators for measurement and evaluation. CSOs need a visibility plan to engage and build relationships with various stakeholders and promote their work. Moreover, she mentioned the strategic objectives including building strong relationships with donor and cultivating positive partnerships with other stakeholders. Regarding the principles of speaking with the media Kelmendi said that CSOs need to be careful and not discuss matters that they do not want to be published. Announcements aimed at informing journalists about something that will happen contain only the key information such as what will happen, when, and who is participating.

Kelmendi also provided advice for giving interviews. She emphasized the importance of thorough preparation for the interview and identify the key messages to convey during the conversation. The expert also highlighted that questions may not always align with expectations, stressing the need for flexibility in responses. During the interview itself, clarity and conciseness are important when delivering key messages and ensuring the audience understands the message is essential, and repeating main points aids in effective communication without overdoing it.

When it comes to social media content the expert said that to ensure common understanding CSOs need to use a simple language, accompany messages with visuals and provide everyday examples. Kelmendi stated that content on social media should be relevant, useful, and interesting. Allowing posts to be shared and encouraging audience engagement are essential aspects of an effective social media strategy. The audience was advised by the trainer that it’s important to consider which social media platform suits goals and audience best, whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, or others. Moreover, CSOs should engage actively to create interaction with followers.

In the group work the participants had to create a social media post for one of their interest topics considering the objectives, audience (donors, community, policymakers, general public), and tailoring the message accordingly. They also had to choose the platform and visualize the content.

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Social Inclusion for Development: “Legal Education of Lezhë Citizens in the context of the 2014 administrative-territorial reform”

📌 The crafting of the local action plan for legal education in Lezhë aligns seamlessly with the National Public Legal Education Strategy. Its primary objective is to elevate civic awareness regarding the paramount importance of law enforcement. The plan outlines concrete measures that have been carefully considered to achieve this objective and are comprehensively detailed in the local plan.

Knowledge of the law and legal education of citizens play a crucial role in any democratic society, where behavior, actions, and relationships are disciplined by legal norms and rules. These norms and rules are sometimes complex or subjected to continuous changes. The lack of knowledge or insufficient understanding of the law and legislation, in general, leads to situations where citizens do not comprehend the rights and obligations that stem from them. Furthermore, all of this fosters a culture of non-respect and non-compliance with the law in society, which constitutes a significant threat to the rule of law. Thus, informing and providing knowledge about the law, rights, law enforcement institutions, responsibilities, etc., are not only linked to legal education but are components of the culture and civic need for access to the rule of law.

With knowledge of legislation, citizens understand the roles and responsibilities of public administration institutions. Thus, they are able to address their issues to the relevant authority by formulating accurate requests and complaints.

In addition to citizens’ interaction with public administration institutions, the level of legal knowledge plays a crucial role in the behavior of citizens in various sectors of life, such as family, work, legal-civil matters, as well as in their decisions and actions related to health, safety, the environment, etc. Understanding the legislation that regulates the relationships in which citizens are involved encourages them to respect the law, avoid unlawful actions, and reduce conflicts.”

The development of the local action plan for legal education in Lezhë is based on the National Strategy for Legal Education of the Public, and it has identified the key objective for Legal Education for the Public (ELP) as increasing citizen awareness of the importance of law enforcement. To achieve this objective, several concrete measures have been envisaged, which have been taken into consideration and outlined in this strategy.

Furthermore, the implementation of SELP aligns with the commencement of the application of constitutional and legal changes approved within the framework of the justice reform, as well as the continuation of significant changes resulting from the Administrative and Territorial Reform (RAT) of 2015. Despite the delegation of many functions to local governance by Law 139/2015, there are still legal gaps and misunderstandings about the law for many of these functions that have been detached from central governance but are not yet adequately embraced by local governance (such as primary healthcare or preschool education).”

This Action Plan covers a period of 3 years, and it has been submitted to the Municipality of Lezhë as the responsible institution for its implementation. The drafting of this local plan involves local civil society organizations in Lezhë, making them part of a Local Network for Monitoring and Implementation of the Local Plan.

Social Inclusion for Development: “Legal Education of Lezhë Citizens in the context of the 2014 administrative-territorial reform”

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The legalization of informal housing for Roma and Egyptian communities in Albania

Our Local Initiatives cooperating partner “Youth Roma and Egyptian Movement” is pleased to present the latest achievements regarding the legalization of informal housing for Roma and Egyptian communities. This is a well-known issue in Albania as back in time, in the absence of proper state regulation families built their constructions on any land they could. Despite the fact that the Albanian government started taking serious steps towards the legalization of informal settlements, this process was accompanied by loads of obstacles concerning the technical registration process in the cadastral system. When it comes to the Roma and Egyptian communities, they usually face additional problems such as: lack of information, ongoing discrimination and bureaucratic hurdles within public institutions.

Youth Roma and Egyptian Movement aimed to increase families’ awareness about the proceedings of legalizing informal housing and promoting institutional responsibility in implementing laws and measures to ensure equality and participation for Roma and Egyptian communities. It all started with the identification of the families that needed active support and involvement in following all the necessary steps to complete the process. The Kallku and Zerellari families were among the first ones to get this kind of assistance. They both stated that their houses were built with a lot of sacrifices and that they have been on the wait for the legalization process to happen since 2005. The Kallku family members pointed out that they are often overlooked and socially excluded because of the low level of educational attainment, high unemployment rate and low monthly income. They also added that because of poverty they can’t afford different services, including this one. In the same line, Xhevit Zerellari explained that “Youth Roma and Egyptian Movement” has helped him in drafting a request addressed to the State Cadaster Agency (ASHK) Elbasan to review his documents according to the relevant legal deadlines. The same process was conducted for several other families. “The social assistance is the only source of income that we get and this house is my life” said Zerellari. In response to these requests, the staff members of State Cadaster Agency (ASHK) in Elbasan contacted the Youth Roma and Egyptian Movement to facilitate the process and continue with the measurements of the apartments. As a result of continuous efforts, some families of the Roma and Egyptian community were able to receive their ownership certificates. However, there are still many families who are waiting for their files to be reviewed and hopefully they will be able to get them within the deadlines.

 

The legalization of informal housing for Roma and Egyptian communities in Albania

 

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Training: Strategic Communication and Content Creation for CSOs from Albania

📍SAVE THE DATE!
We are pleased to announce that SMART Balkans is organizing a training intended for CSOs from Albania focused on Strategic Communication and Content Creation. Here is your opportunity to learn more about the importance of effective communication, preparing a visibility plan and choosing the right communication channels to distribute relevant news.
🔍Topic: Strategic Communication and Content Creation for CSOs
🗓November 30, 2023
📌Tirana, Albania
The application period is open until November 24, 2023 and the number of participants is limited.
Sharing SMART opportunities – caring for the region!
Registration form – SMART Balkans Training in Albania
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ARSIS Initiative: Digitalization and cyber safety challenges

The ARSIS Initiative team continued its meetings with 45 key stakeholders in December who are directly involved with cases of children, youth, and parents affected by digitalization and cyber safety challenges. These dialogues, held in the municipalities of Tirana, Kruja, Elbasan, and Durres, strengthen cross-sector collaboration in preventing and early identifying various forms of online trafficking or any other form of violence resulting from the unsafe use of the internet.

The challenges and the need to strengthen collaboration with each institution, identified during these meetings, have also been taken into consideration by representatives of state institutions such as the State Agency for the Rights and Protection of Children and the National Authority for Electronic Certification and Cybersecurity. These two institutions, in effective collaboration with the ARSIS Initiative team, have diversified interventions in each municipality, creating new initiatives to protect children from online violence.

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AOS: Discover Albania’s Protected Areas

Albania’s national parks, each one is a vital haven for plants, birds, and wildlife. Here’s a quick glimpse:
🦅 Butrint National Park:
30 habitats
247 bird species
800+ plants
33 reptile & amphibian species
🐾 Divjake-Karavasta National Park:
22 habitats
265 bird species
33 reptile & amphibian species
120 fish species
🌲 Lurë-Mali i Dejës National Park:
127 bird species
47 reptile & amphibian species
30 mammal species
💚 These green lungs are essential for our people. 🌱 Together, we can keep them safe! 💚
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Education Week, Qendresa Qytetare (Civic Resistance)

In the aftermath of the education week, the Civic Center (Qendresa Qytetare) organized a gathering that brought together students and activists. The primary emphasis of this meeting was to explore the impactful student protest of 2018.

In December 2018, the student protest in Tirana started as a reaction to a governmental decision that forced students to pay extra fees for postponed exams. Students immediately formulated several demands, including reduction of tuition fees, better living conditions in dormitories, and greater involvement of students in decision-making processes. Such massive protests, involving students from other universities in Albania, occurred throughout the month of December. Later on, they changed their form and were organized within faculties, where students “occupied” the university buildings by boycotting classes. At the end of January and the beginning of February, the protests subsided, and students returned to classes. This protest was the largest student protest in Albania since December 1990.

The event organized by the Civic Resistance unfolded in the form of a panel discussion, featuring witnesses and active participants of this significant event. Moreover, the “Spring of Students,” a compelling documentary created by Inside Story and aired on Top Channel was shared with the participants. The documentary served not only as a visual chronicle but also as a reminder for a more profound understanding of the events that unfolded during that crucial period.

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Training: Strategic Communication and Content Creation for CSOs from Kosovo

SMART Balkans presents a useful training intended for 𝐂𝐒𝐎𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 Kosovo. Here is your opportunity to learn more about the importance of a Communications Strategy, crafting your key messages to resonate with the desired target group and using resources efficiently to generate effective results.

Topic:  Strategic Communication and Content Creation for CSOs
Date: November 24, 2023
Place: Pristina, Kosovo

The application period is open until November 21, 2023 and the number of participants is limited.

Sharing SMART opportunities – caring for the region!

Application form: Strategic Communication and Content Creation for CSOs