Short project description:
The main problem that the project aims to address is the lack of dialogue and understanding between different ethnic communities in Kosovo, particularly between Albanian and Serbian youth. This absence of cooperation and dialogue has contributed to the cultivation of ethnic prejudices, which have been passed down from generation to generation and further deepened by the nationalist narratives propagated in various communities. The proposed project, through the activities of the Peace Academy and Educational Sessions, aims to address these challenges through a direct approach, offering opportunities for youth from different communities to engage in intercultural dialogue and learn about transitional justice and the reconciliation process. Additionally, the project seeks to train NGO workers, psychologists, and teachers to develop their skills as facilitators of these activities, ensuring a sustainable and well-coordinated approach to peace in Kosovo. Project goals: To promote peace and reconciliation between ethnic communities in Kosovo.
Project goals:
- Train 15 professionals (NGO workers, psychologists, teachers, social workers) to facilitate peace and reconciliation activities for youth from different ethnic communities in Kosovo.
- Develop educational sessions for high school students in multiethnic and rural areas to challenge stereotypes and promote transitional justice and reconciliation.
- Involve local and central governance, as well as schools, to ensure institutional support for initiatives promoting reconciliation and social cohesion.
- Decrease the risk of youth embracing violence and radicalization through constructive discussions and informal peace education
Target groups and beneficiaries:
Youth in the Republic of Kosovo, human rights defenders, activists, NGOs, members of all communities living in Kosovo, central and local institutions, as well as the general public.
Main activities
The Peace Academy – An advanced training program for facilitators, where 15 participants will be equipped with the skills to facilitate peacebuilding and reconciliation activities among youth from ethnically diverse communities in conflict. The training will focus on transitional justice, peace education, intercultural dialogue, and conflict transformation. The trained facilitators from the Peace Academy will then conduct 15 educational sessions with high school students in multiethnic and rural areas. Prior to the implementation of these sessions, the project will collaborate with the Ministry of Education and local authorities to select schools and ensure their active participation. A Promotion and Communication Plan will be developed to raise awareness of the project’s activities and outcomes.
