Kindrenothilfe

Kosovo

We have worked in Kosovo since the end of the war of independence in 2000. Currently, we are supporting 2 projects with some 900 young people to improve their vocational training opportunities.

Kosovo

Training for a better future

After the end of the war, the economic situation in Kosovo was very disconcerting. In Mitrovica, vocational training for youth was barely existent.

Our local partner set up a centre that offers training in a variety of fields to fill this gap. The demand for skilled tradespeople is big. Our centre is tailored to the needs of disadvantaged youth, including many orphans, young people from families in need and minority populations.

The challenges

: Vocational training can pave the way out of poverty.

Kosovo is one of the youngest countries in the world. After the declaration of independence in 2008, the country took its first steps on the road to becoming a democratic and steadfast nation.

But there are still many challenges to overcome. Even many years after the end of the war, the economic situation is not very promising.

Kosovo’s fragile economy is not producing enough jobs. Many young people try to earn a living as day labourers or keep their heads above water with marginal jobs. The income is hardly enough to make a living and they barely have enough money for basic needs such as food and clothing.

Our work in the country

Our work focuses primarily on vocational training of young people. Because jobs and effective training opportunities are in short supply, we offer older children and young people a crucial opportunity. The training centre provides key skills that will greatly improve their chances of finding a job on the labour market. Only skilled individuals have a chance of escaping from poverty. The employment rate of the Centre’s graduates is highly promising. This is particularly true for tradespeople.

We focus especially on disadvantaged youths, including many orphans, half-orphans and young people from families in need.
Key figures on Kosovo
- 1.9 million people live in Kosovo
- 26 % of Kosovars are under the age of 15
- 3 % of children die before their first birthday
- 92 % of all Kosovars aged 15 and over can read and write
- 30 % of the population lives below the poverty line
- 55 % of Kosovars between the ages of 15 and 24 are unemployed
Sources: World Factbook, United Nations

Kosovo: A training centre for young people

Even years after the end of the war, the economic situation remains extremely gloomy. Many young Kosovars still live in poverty. This makes it all the more important to offer qualified training to young people.

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