CARE International is proud to announce the conclusion of the Closing Conference for the Kosovo Youth Participation (KYP) project, held on 10th July 2024.
The event gathered key stakeholders, including representatives from central and local decision-making bodies, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the European Union Office in Kosovo, the Employment Agency of the Republic of Kosovo, CARE Deutschland e.V., CARE International Balkans, as well as non-governmental organizations and project beneficiaries.
At this conference opening remarks were presented by: Alessandro BIANCIARDI, Deputy Head of Cooperation Section, European Union Office in Kosovo Karl-Otto Zentel, Country Director, CARE Deutschland e.V. Dorotea Deshishku, Political Adviser at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Gani Ismajli, Head of the Quality Development and Certification Division, Employment Agency of the Republic of Kosovo and Sumka Bucan, Regional Director, CARE International Balkans. Gjylymser Nallbani, CARE International, moderated the conference.
In opening remarks, the Project Manager, Melita Bytyci – Kelmendi disclosed the achievements and findings of the project during the 30 months of its implementation. During its implementation from 15.01.2022, to 14.07.2024, the KYP project has made substantial contributions locally, including the dissemination of €150,000 through the Financial Support to Third Parties scheme (FSTP). This included funding for 15 local initiatives (€1,000 each), distribution of nine sub-grants to youth-led NGOs and businesses (totaling €72,000), placement of 50 young individuals in a paid internship program (€75,000), and provision of training opportunities for 48 young people in collaboration with Employment Agency of the Republic of Kosovo to develop their professional skills.
Additionally, through its advocacy efforts, the KYP project has successfully integrated youth demands within the State Youth Strategy 2024-2032. The KYP project has directly benefited 2008 youngsters, out of whom 60% are young women, from the target municipalities of Deçan/Dečani, Fushë Kosova/Kosovo Polje, Gjakova/Đakovica, Junik/Junik, Obiliq/Obilić, Peja/Peć, Rahovec/Orahovac, and Suharekë/Suva Reka.
The total project budget of the KYP project amounted to €421,795.64 out of which €366,498.23 was granted from the European Union Office in Kosovo, through its initiative advancing the Role of civil society for social justice, participation and human rights, within the Civil Society Facility & European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights Programme. CARE Deutschland e.V. contributed to the total budget with €55,297.41.
