Breaking barriers with new Kids for Peace clubs in Kosovo’s northern enclaves
By Arben Godanca, World Vision
At the 7th anniversary of the “Kids for Peace” project, more than 350 youth enthusiastically welcomed the announcement that two new clubs in Kosovo’s northern Serb enclaves will join the existing 14 clubs.
Zijad Škrielj, a long-standing member of the Janjevë/Janjevo Kids for Peace club says he now has friends throughout Kosovo. Photo by Arben Godanca.
Nine years after the conflict, and despite some progress, ethnic divisions still inhibit the integration of the Serb minority community into Kosovo society.
In mid February 2008, tensions heightened with the declaration and dispute of Kosovo’s independence, especially in the northern enclave of Mitrovicë/Mitrovica. The ‘Kids for Peace’ joint project activities were temporarily suspended, however, the activities within the clubs have resumed.
More than 50 percent of the population of Kosovo is under age 25, a fact affirming the need to work with children and youth in peace building.
Rita Llulla, World Vision Kosovo Project Coordinator says that teacher volunteers have taken more responsibilities in the ‘Kids for Peace’ clubs, which is to be praised and further encouraged. They are taking initiatives in their schools for organising peer to peer training on Peace Education topics for other (non club members) school children and supporting them in small projects by raising small funds from local businesses.
This anniversary celebration with songs, dances and recitals was another opportunity to strengthen existing friendships and start new ones, promoting peace and tolerance among different ethnic groups.
Zijad Škrielj, a long-standing member of the Janjevë/Janjevo Kids for Peace club could not resist participating in the celebration even though he has moved to high school and has released his place to new club members. “I have learned so many things that are useful to me in my everyday life and I have widened my circle of friends through almost all of Kosovo”, he said.
“Seven years of dedicated work in peace building without any incident is something that we all need to be proud of”, said Slaviša Kolašinac, Director of the Rahovec/Orahovac Local Office for Communities.
Preparations are being made to establish two new clubs in north Mitrovicë/Mitrovica and in Zveçan/Zvečan enclaves, an initiative supported by UNICEF. Serb school directors have recognised the opportunity as beneficial for students and are cooperating with World Vision to prepare them to successfully join project activities along with their counterparts in the south.
As is the case with many initiatives in the Peace Building Program in Kosovo, this introduction of two new clubs may be seen with skepticism and difficulties are expected, however World Vision is confident that with children in the driver’s seat, there is even more hope for success in reconciliation and for a long lasting peace.
Additionally, support is provided by the UN’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, specifically for raising awareness on the human rights of the ‘Kids for Peace’ club members, as part of the UNDP’s Assisting Communities Together Project. Also The Eagle Down Foundation together with World Vision Switzerland continue to provide valued support for the Kids for Peace Program.
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