1992 - 2017

Annual Report 2017 Content

2 Who we are

3 25 Years Caritas Kosova

6 Home and Ambulatory Care

7 Battling Human Trafficking

9 Peace and Diversity

11 Support People with Disabilities

12 Social Inclusion of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities

16 Food for all

18 Beyond the Gates of Prison

20 Education of Children

21 Social Economy

23 Emergency Intervention

24 Annual Budget 2 Who we are!

Cartias Kosova is an institution of the Catholic Church in Kosovo whose mission is to promote peace, solidarity, and love between people. Caritas Kosova is a member of Caritas Internationalis (CI) and Caritas Europa (CE) which serves and provides assis- tance to the poorest regardless of race, nationality, religion, etc. Caritas Kosova's activity in 2017, in accordance with the strategy, was the implementation of programs and projects within 4 operational mandates: Social and Health Assistance, Sustainable Development, Advocacy and Lobby, and Emergency Assistance and Sustainable Rehabilitation (on standby). Through many actions, we have tried to be close to those in need to alleviate the problems in which they live, such as poverty and isolation.

Our Leadership

President of Caritas Kosova is Msgr. Dodë Gjergji - Bishop of Kosovo and General Director is Don Viktor Sopi.

Faced with many issues in the Republic of Kosovo, where among the biggest prob- lems remains unemployment and extreme poverty that are the root of many problems in society, "As National Caritas, we strive to be the hand of love and care, especially in the social component, for all people who have mourning on their lips, who suffer from illness, isolation, loneliness, exclusion, so that everyone feels warmth, smiles, is involved in society and lives with dignity”- Don Viktor Sopi .

Dear partners and friends of Caritas Kosova, in this annual report you will find infor- mation on the activities implemented in support of people in need in 2017. 3 25 years Caritas Kosova

Caritas Kosova on December 8, 2017 of Kosovo. "Man needs everything, solemnly marked the 25th anniversary mostly love, kindness and therefore our of its founding with a huge event where motto is love, solidarity and peace. If over 1000 people were present, these components are shared with the making the event even more magnifi- ones nearby, love grows and becomes cent. Over the years, the mission and bigger. So I invite you that in all your work of Caritas has been highly commitments as employees of Caritas to honoured by various representatives of carry human warmth, listen to the sick state institutions of the Republic of what they say, touch their pain, Kosovo, international partners - embrace those in need”. supporters of Caritas and various beneficiaries. In his speech, the Bishop of Kosovo, At the opening of the event, the original Msgr. Dodë Gjergji, invited charity decree of the founding of Caritas organizations to help people in need. Kosova dated September 21, 1992 has "There is no religion that stops love, been read. I had the pleasure as Gener- neither Caritas nor other organizations al Director of Caritas Kosova to speak in can compete, but compete on who will general about the history and journey of love more, who will help the most, and Caritas Kosova, I stressed that Caritas who will have the best care for the helped families in need in every corner people who need us”. 4

In this event, the President of the Assem- appealed the organization to continue bly of Kosovo, Mr. Kadri Veseli its mission. ''Caritas Europa is a network expressed his gratitude for the contribu- of organizations consisting of 49 tion of Caritas Kosova, saying: “I take members, but all of them are part of the this opportunity on behalf of the Assem- confederation of Caritas Internationalis bly of the Republic of Kosovo to thank which has over 160 member organiza- the activists of Caritas Kosova for these tions and all of them have the same 25 years, for the great help they have mission, to fight poverty, to promote given to the people of Kosovo. We will social justice and sustainable social be grateful to them forever. They are in systems in Europe and around the the hearts of many Kosovar families who world", he said. Representatives of the found human warmth and Christian Government and the local level, other solidarity with Caritas". international representatives as well as various beneficiaries, spoke about the The representative of Caritas Europa, work of Caritas Kosova and its Mr. Marc Sommers emphasized that contribution to improving social and Caritas Kosova has shown great success economic well-being in the country. during these 25 years, therefore 5

In this solemn academy of the 25th because as National Caritas, we strive anniversary of the founding of Caritas to be the hand of love and care, Kosova, in addition to showing the especially in the social component, for documentary where the journey and all people who have mourning on their contribution of Caritas is presented, we lips, who suffer from illness, isolation, had the opportunity to thank and loneliness, exclusion, so that everyone celebrate with all the actors who have feels warmth, smiles, is involved in left their mark in these 25 years, with society and lives with dignity! work, commitment and love cultivated and shared to one another and to the people in need.

We wish to celebrate many more God bless you! anniversaries and other successes, Don Viktor Sopi – General Director 6 Home and Ambulatory Care

Home Care - Using the German Home Ambulatory Care - In cooperation with Care model and with the support of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Caritas Germany, Ministries and Labour and Social Welfare and Munici- Municipalities, Caritas Kosova has palities, during this period Caritas implemented the Social and Health Kosova has implemented activities on Care program at home. This program Ambulatory Care in 12 Municipalities. has been implemented in 12 municipali- Through this project Caritas Kosova in ties where the beneficiaries are the most cooperation with institutional partners vulnerable and lonely people, the has managed to provide over 1.2 elderly and abandoned, people with million social and health services. These disabilities and mentally ill, regardless services are provided by 104 doctors, of their religion, ethnicity and gender. 400 nurses, 28 dentists and over 80 Over 2670 beneficiaries have benefit- social workers who provide medical ed through this program by receiving services to citizens no further than 4 km many basic services. Caritas Kosova from where they live. The two compo- remains the only organization that offers nents complement each other by such a service in Kosovo. offering a unique service in the Republic of Kosovo.

Partners: Caritas Germany, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Munici- palities: Ferizaj, Rahovec, Viti, Gjilan, Mitrovicë, Drenas, Shtime, Istog, Fushë Kosovë, Podujevë, Prizren, Hani i Elezit 7 Battling Human Trafficking

The fight against Trafficking with Human following are the achievements for Beings continues to be one of the priori- 2017: Prevention - Caritas Kosova has ties of Caritas Kosova's activity. This contributed to the prevention from phenomenon is a serious plague that trafficking through trainings for teachers has affected humanity at all times and and parent council for early detection of Caritas Kosova is committed to preven- risk factors and referral of cases. These tion from this phenomenon, with a trainings were held in four municipali- special focus on children and women. ties: Gjilan, Klinë, Kamenicë, and Hani i Within the program implemented by Elezit, where a total of 77 teachers and Caritas Kosova are three components: primary school staff were trained. Prevention, Raising Citizens' Awareness and Protection and Re-integration of (potential) victims of trafficking. The 8

Raising the awareness of citizens - provided support and contributed to the Caritas Kosova in cooperation with the reintegration process for 8 (potential) National Authority has conducted an Victims of Trafficking by providing awareness campaign in the month professional training. against human trafficking, starting from As part of the National Authority, October 18th, 2017 (EU Day against Caritas Kosova has contributed to the Trafficking in Human Beings). As part of drafting and review of the action plan of the program, an annual awareness-rais- the Ministry of Internal Affairs to meet ing conference was organized. This the National Strategy (2015-2019) conference was held in a primary Against Trafficking in Human Beings. school in Ferizaj on October 30th where more than 200 participants (teachers, Caritas Kosova has also advocated on students, and parents) were present. regional (Euro-Mediterranean) and global (COATNET) platforms as a Protection and Reintegration of (poten- representative of civil society from the tial) Victims of Trafficking - In coopera- Republic of Kosovo. tion with Shelters in Gjilan and Peja and the Centres for Social Work, we have

Partners: Secours Catholique – Caritas France, Catholic Relief Services 9 Peace and Diversity

The Peace and Diversity Program in ment of 11 women entrepreneurs of the 2017 is a continuation of the "Peace and Mitrovica region, with different ethnici- Reconciliation" program which has ties. In order to increase the capacity of been implemented since 2000. This farmers and new businesses in the program incorporates the experiences Mitrovica region on business manage- and lessons of previous years and tends ment and marketing, trainings were held to respond to the socio-economic tailored to a total of 40 participants context of society in Mitrovica, without from the agriculture and business sector. ethnic, gender, religious or other excep- tions. Current programming has two main sectors, the Economic and Social/Educational Sector - With the Social/Educational. support of UNICEF, trainings have been Economic Sector - during 2017 has conducted to increase the capacity of supported various agricultural activities 50 participating professionals whose and has stimulated capacity building in daily work is the protection of children, individuals and businesses with the aim such as Social Welfare Centres, Health of personal training and generating Institutions, Justice Referral System for benefits with a special focus on women juveniles, the Committee on the Rights of and ambitious young people. Specifi- the Child, etc. Through training, we cally, in order to provide the opportunity expect that the mechanisms for identify- to exchange and strengthen the partner- ing, reporting and referring cases of ship, as well as to find new marketing violence against children will be opportunities, the participation in the strengthened and opportunities will be Beekeeping Fair in Belgrade "Tashmaj- created for the development of innova- dan 2017" was organized with the tion services and solutions to realize the participation of 33 beekeepers of differ- rights of all children in question. ent ethnicities. While the two-day visit B2B (Business to Business) in order to support market links and broad partner- ship, was organized to businesses in Kosovo and Albania with the involve- 10

Also, in order to prevent violence in violence and how children can be primary and secondary schools, work- protected if they are victims. Also, in shops and field activities were orga- order to cultivate and promote volun- nized with parents and children. teerism, Caritas Kosova has engaged A total of 16 students and 50 parents 29 volunteers in various activities and participated in 16 workshops in the events within this program. region's schools and Early Childhood Centres in North Mitrovica. The purpose of these workshops was to identify

Partners: Secours Catholique - Caritas France, UNICEF, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports 11 Support People with Disabilities

Early care and education for children SOCIETIES / Support of CSO in with disabilities (0-6 years old) - Empowering Technical Skills, Inclusion Caritas Kosova continues to provide of People with Disabilities and EU Stan- quality services for children with disabil- dards in South East Europe - Caritas ities with a focus on early childhood Kosova is a member of 15 other organi- education. Compared to previous zations from Eastern Europe and Italy years, Caritas Kosova in 2017 has that have joined the implementation of launched another component within the SOCIETES project. project. Inclusive education as a new During 2017, CK has continued with component has shown very high results training for CSOs dealing with people at the end of 2017. CK has engaged 5 with disabilities and mental health in assistants (psychologists) for children Kosovo. Trainings in: Lobbying and who support the inclusion of children Advocacy, Network Building and with disabilities in the regular school Coalition Building and Social Inclusion system and provide educational and Initiative Management were topics social services for these children using elaborated by experts from Bulgaria the source rooms created within the and Italy. schools. The first study visit to Bulgaria was orga- The Early Care and Education Centre nized in 2017, which aimed to see the enumerates 48 children with various best practices of social inclusion of disabilities as well as their parents as people with disabilities and mental direct beneficiaries. In addition to the health disorders. Participants from daily learning, social and physical Kosovo had the opportunity to visit activities offered at the centre, an various associations and the service of important action is enrolling children in CSOs offered in EU countries. the regular school system as part of the new inclusion strategy. The result of our commitment in 2017 is that we have managed to enrol eight children with disabilities in the regular preschool and school program. 12

During 2017, Caritas Kosova launched contracted by Caritas Kosova and the call for grants for CSOs that provide further started to implement their project. services to people with disabilities and Another important component of this mental health disorders in Kosovo and project is the formation of the Social encouraged them to apply. 21 applica- Inclusion Group, which regularly tions have been sent and the external addresses and processes the needs and evaluation team after the evaluation challenges faced by CSOs and people results has announced 4 CSOs as with disabilities. winners of grants which were then

Partners: European Union, Caritas Austria

Social inclusion of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities

Caritas Kosova works intensively on the non-involvement, segregation, poor development of projects to support the infrastructure, etc. social inclusion of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities in Kosovo Social-Educational Centre ‘Caritas society, with special emphasis on Kosova’ in Dubrava, Ferziaj - offers improving the social and economic education for 240 students in grades 1 well-being of these communities. Based to 9, as well as preschool education for on the difficult socio-economic, educa- 60 children aged 3.5 to 6 years and tional and cultural situation of these special programs for the eradication of communities, Caritas Kosova has illiteracy. Also, one of the other goals focused its activities on four main towards achieving the inclusion in the components, Education, Culture, Health social life of the communities in the and Social Assistance. Despite the village of Dubrava, are the primary and intervention in many areas, these dental health services. communities continue to face major problems, especially unemployment, 13

Within the component of education and a program and cocktail. During 2017, socio-cultural awareness, activities have the routine been organized to mark international activities of the centre were joined by a days such as: June 1st - International group of volunteers from Caritas Italiana Children's Day with the guests from who facilitated and animated very Spain who performed flamingo-guitar attractive psycho-social activities with music and "Cha-cha" dance. Part of the content on ecological topics and artistic program was the performance of healthy nutrition with children aged 9-11 the play "We are the world" supported years. Residents of the village Dubrava by the "Multimedia Centre" and its have been supported by Caritas professional staff with actors and direc- Kosova with packages of clothes and tors which was very well expected by food packages where about 1300 the audience consisted of villagers. inhabitants benefited during 2017. International Day for Tolerance was also celebrated on November 16th with 14

During 2017 in the Ambulance that psycho-social activities, on a daily operates within the Centre, there was a basis. 40 children aged 4 to 6 attended total of 3590 medical cases, of which pre-school education, while 145 851 dental services and 2739 checks primary school children have attended by the doctor. Within the health the supplementary education program. services, during 2017 several aware- In 2017, the Home Care Team continued ness sessions were organized on health to provide social and health services to and family planning topics such as those 45 ill people in the Ali Ibra neighbour- of "Prevention of measles virus" and hood. Also, 6 trainings in the field of "Information on the consequences, and health were organized for over 90 prevention of tuberculosis" with a panel women and children. 80 children from of educational and medical staff, with 0-18 years old have been vaccinated participation of over 200 by state institutions in the premises of the participants of different ages from the Centre. 10 children returned from village of Dubrava. Montenegro attended Albanian language classes in preparation for Social-Educational Centre ‘Caritas integration into the public school system. Kosova’ in the neighbourhood of Ali Ibra, Gjakovë - 185 children have been provided with educational services and 15

Portage Program at the Roma Mahalla in Egyptian communities were sent by the Mitrovica - 85 children from the Roma, Institute of Public Health to Caritas Ashkali and Egyptian communities have Kosova. Among these, 88 requests were been prepared for their involvement in the not taken into account while 182 children educational process through the imple- responded positively to the immunization mentation of the Portage Program. In close process, a process which will be imple- cooperation with UNICEF, the Regional mented in the next period on both sides of Office of Caritas Kosova in Mitrovica Mitrovica. It is extremely important to note started the awareness-raising activities for that for the first time since the end of 1999, the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communi- thanks to the vaccination process of ties in the Roma Mahalla on vaccination children from the Roma, Ashkali and of children. Thanks to these activities, the Egyptian communities, the institutional parents' controversial attitude towards the cooperation between the Health Centres, vaccination process changed. As a result, the one in the north and the south of Mitro- 270 applications for immunization of vica, has been achieved. Caritas Kosova children from the Roma, Ashkali and played the role of facilitator in this process.

Partners: Caritas Switzerland, Municipalities: Ferizaj, Gjakova, UNICEF 16 Food for all

Supporting the poor continues to be one Viti, Ferizaj, Prishtina, Gjilan, Hani i of Caritas Kosova's main concerns. With Elezit, etc. The aid was distributed the help of the German volunteer orga- through municipal offices for social nization Junge Leute Helfen, during work, elderly people's associations, etc. 2017 we distributed over 148 tons of food and clothing to people in need. Humanitarian aid has been distributed in the parishes of the Kosovo diocese as well as in the municipalities of Gjakova, Istog, Klina, Mitrovica, Prizren, Shtime, 17

SELO - During 2017, the regional office period, we distributed 15 cows. We of Caritas Kosova in Leposavic and also organized 4 information seminars, Mitrovica continued with the "SELO" 4 B2Bs (businesses for businesses) and program. The main goal of this program 4 study visits in the region. In total we is the socio-economic inclusion of have included 224 beneficiaries in minority communities in Kosovo society these activities. to support long-term reconciliation. This will create prospects for communities in order to contribute to the stabilization of Programme "Micro Credit for Agricul- the political situation in Kosovo. The ture - without interest" program is in its programs include as final beneficiaries, twelfth year of implementation in the small and medium agricultural enterpris- municipality of Leposavic. The main es belonging to Civil Society Organiza- goal of this program is to support and tions dealing with the Agriculture sector, create sustainability for families in rural Rural Tourism Sector, Youth, Women, areas by supplying them with the neces- Sports and Heritage, with the support of sary equipment and livestock through relevant Institutions. interest-free financing. The ultimate The idea is to involve all stakeholders in beneficiaries are farmers, people with a joint activities, introducing each other monthly income of less than 300 euros and creating new business opportuni- but with a strong desire to improve their ties, exchanging goods, accompanying business. During 2017, we distributed and promoting peace, reconciliation 98 agricultural packages. and coexistence. With the fourth year of . the project, we have achieved better cooperation in the field of security, facilitation of living conditions and better promotion of the northern region of Kosovo. During this implementation

Partners: Junge Leute Helfen, Caritas Belgium, British Embassy 18 Beyond the Gates of Prison

For years, Caritas Kosova has been supervisors, correctional officers, social actively involved in various activities at workers, legal officials, trainers for Art the Correctional Centres in Lipjan. therapy and Theatre therapy and Special attention has been paid to activ- Caritas Kosova volunteers dealing with ities that affect the self-determination of minors. prisoners as well as the possibilities for Through Art Therapy, as a new their reintegration as they still remain a approach to the treatment of convicted highly untreated category. juveniles, we have managed to relax Caritas Kosova has continued the inmates and develop their professional training of detained women in and interpersonal skills as it has been hairdressing and tailoring. In 2017, we described as an activity that highlights a trained the staff of the Correctional lot of talent and displays emotions. Centre and the Centre for Educational Also Theatre Therapy has influenced the and Correctional Measures, in Lipjan, in development of empathy through imagi- order to develop access to work with nation, the discovery of creativity, the prisoners. The training entitled "Human- development of skills to face the ization of Prisons", according to the challenges that society offers outside analysis, has been very necessary and and inside closed walls, the renewal of has served as a turning point for the self-image and self-confidence. directorate, senior supervisors, shift 19

Together with the volunteers of Caritas psychologists as it enables the creation Kosova, peers of the convicts, we have of social connections, the exchange of developed sports activities in football, information and the creation of percep- basketball, ping pong and various tion for external developments as well sports exercises. External contact is as keeping fit for a healthy life. considered extremely important by

Partners: Secours Catholique – Caritas France 204 Education of Children

Every child is a gift, so it is our duty and privilege to educate and meet their needs…

Kindergarten "Engjujt" - Caritas tage in the realization of the curriculum Kosova manages the kindergarten with through activities that require adequate the aim of providing quality educational space. services of day care for children who Our kindergarten offers daily care need a high standard of education. service for over 220 children in an area Our mission is to create a safe, conve- of 1000 m² with a very high quality nient, warm, and well-planned place infrastructure and suitable for successful for children aged 06 months to 6 years work and growth and quality education according to the individual characteris- of children. The kindergarten is licensed tics of each child. Through very conve- by the Ministry of Education, Science nient location, green spaces and object and Technology. modelled specifically for the pleasant world of children, we create an advan-

Partners: Municipality of Ferizaj 21 Social Economy

Caritas Kosova continuously promotes Montenegro, Serbia and Macedonia. the social economy as an innovative The social economy is known as a way approach and efficient mechanism for to engage and empower society, the poverty reduction as well as to support public sector and the private sector, social inclusion and employment. ELBA from for-profit organizations to (Emergency Labour in Balkans) is an non-profit organizations, from territories initiative designed to respond to the to communities, to develop a new economic crisis in Southeast Europe and economic model that involves people in parts of this project are: Kosovo, Alba- need as an active source of society. nia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, 22

Caritas Kosova during 2017 conducted Kosova has also continuously monitored a study visit to Athens to see the practic- social enterprises to see the needs and es of social enterprises in other countries provided professional support for the and to adapt the same in Kosovo. In progress of work and achieving the order to provide financial support to objectives of social enterprises. social entrepreneurship, Caritas Kosova has launched a call for grants in which 42 applicants have applied, of which 3 winners have been selected. Caritas

Partners: Caritas Italiana, Secours Catholique - Caritas France, Catholic Relief Services, Caritas Spain 23 Emergency Intervention

SEECEG/Caritas Emergency Group of the Caritas Europe Emergency Southeast Europe - Caritas Kosova Response Mechanism as a tool to better continues to be an active member of support European Caritas organizations SEECEG and be in line with the in responding to minor emergencies in emergency response in case of an Europe in an effective and coordinated emergency. manner. In this meeting it was decided In October 2017, the annual meeting that the member of Caritas Kosova be was organized in Belgrade, a meeting elected for another term as the leader of chaired by Caritas Kosova. This meeting this group. was followed by a training provided at

Partners: Caritas Internationalis, Caritas Europa 24 Annual Budget 2,734,342.38

Home and Ambulantory Care 1,831,498.54 €

Battling Human Trafficking 68,604.58 €

Peace and Diversity 95,675.00 €

Support People with Disabilities 149,210.96 €

Social Inclusion of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities 216,622.37 €

Food for all 106,160.96 €

Beyond the Gates of Prison 22,495.00 €

Education of Children 104,003.50 €

Social Economy 17,500.00 €

Other 122,571,47 € 25 Percentage by Projects

4,48% 0,64% 3,80% 0,82% 3,88%

7,92%

5,46% 66,98%

3,50%

2,51%

Home and Ambulantory Care

Battling Human Trafficking

Peace and Diversity

Support People with Disabilities

Social Inclusion of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities

Food for all

Beyond the Gates of Prison

Education of Children

Social Economy

Other 26 Percentage by Donors

16.09%

11.77% 41.99%

0.68% 3.64%

25.82%

Caritas Network

Municipalities

Ministries

Europian Union

Embassies

Other