Save the Children Kosova/o, in partnership with Save the Children Sweden, launched the pioneering project “Enhancing well-being of children and youth with disabilities through improved social inclusion in Kosovo”. This initiative, funded by the Swedish Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and represented by the Embassy of Sweden in Pristina, was introduced to an enthusiastic audience at a recent event.

Event Highlights

The launch event drew a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, non-profit organizations, social and health service providers, and community members. Attendees were introduced to the project's ambitious goals and the positive changes it aims to bring to the lives of children and youth with disabilities in Kosovo.

Keynote speakers highlighted the importance of social inclusion and the critical need for enhanced basic services for children with disabilities. They also emphasized the project's alignment with international child rights standards and the significance of environmental sustainability.

Project Pillars

The project is built upon four main pillars, each designed to address specific needs and challenges:

Strengthening Social and Health Services:

Formal and non-formal social and health service providers are being empowered to enhance social inclusion for children and youth with disabilities. The event showcased how these providers are utilizing resources and practices from Save the Children's thematic approaches to offer comprehensive support.

Empowering Mothers and Youth:

The project focuses on increasing skills, knowledge, and opportunities for decent employability for mothers of children in rural areas and youth with disabilities. Success stories shared at the event highlighted individuals who have already benefited from training and resources, securing sustainable employment and improving their quality of life.

Child Rights Advocacy:

Save the Children Kosova/o (SCiK) collaborates with children to engage with the Ombudsperson Institution (OI) and the Office of Good Governance (OGG) in developing a new Strategy for Children's Rights and the Action Plan for 2024-2026. Children who participated in this advocacy work shared their experiences and the significant impact of having their voices heard in policymaking.

Biodiversity Protection:

Children and youth in Kosovo are actively contributing to the protection and sustainability of biodiversity in the country. The event featured initiatives where young people have taken roles in environmental conservation projects, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to their natural surroundings.

Positive Outcomes and Future Steps

The launch event underscored the project's commitment to creating an inclusive and sustainable future for all children in Kosovo. Attendees expressed their support and optimism for the project's potential to bring about meaningful change. Moving forward, Save the Children Kosova/o, together with its partners and supporters, will continue to work diligently to implement the project's initiatives. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation will ensure that the project adapts to emerging needs and maximizes its positive impact.

The successful launch of this project marks a significant milestone in the journey towards enhanced well-being and social inclusion for children and youth with disabilities in Kosovo. By strengthening essential services, empowering families, advocating for child rights, and fostering environmental stewardship, Save the Children Kosova/o and its partners are dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of these young individuals.