On June 7, the closing event of the project “Education, Employment, Partnership and Gender Equality: A winning formula for Roma in VET” (WinforVET) took place in Pristina, Kosovo* and was organized by Roma Versitas Kosovo (RVK). The event served as a platform to showcase the goals achieved during the three-year project, highlighting the progress made in the field of professional education, internships provided, and the employment of young individuals from the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities. Moreover, it emphasized the project’s impact on social inclusion through financial and academic support.
The event brought together representatives from central, local, and international institutions, as well as experts and leaders from the national and local levels. It kicked off with speeches from the Prime Minister of Kosovo*, Mr. Albin Kurti, Sandra Horina – Head of the Mission of the Austrian Development Agency, Redjepali Chupi, Co-director of Roma Education Fund, and Avni Mustafa, Executive Director of RVK.
Mr. Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of Republic of Kosovo*, congratulated the joint of donors and implementing partners on the great achievements of the project.
“I congratulate all the Austrian Development Agency, Roma Versitas, Roma Education Fund and definitely the students, workers, entrepreneurs, mentors and tutors for the results achieved and for your commitment to the rights of the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities. Thanks to the joint support, 150 students have been able to continue their studies and now they can achieve more in their careers, but they can also contribute more to our society” – Albin Kurti.
REF’s co-director Redjepali Chupi addressed several messages and expectations to the Ministry of Education and Science and to the Prime Minister of Kosovo*, Mr. Albin Kurti.
“Dear representative of the Ministry,
Thank you for the constructive cooperation through the Ministry. You have taken a big step by adopting the #REF model for scholarship to Roma high school students and congratulations for continuing to implement it through budget funds. I expect that in the future we will work together on the institutionalization of the mentoring model, which is an integral part of the scholarship program, which has so far produced excellent results at the regional level in terms of motivation, retention, timely completion and continuation of Roma students to the next level of education.
Honourable Prime Minister, Mr. Kurti,
We expect you to continue with your proactive approach to the Roma community and, in accordance with the Constitution and legislation, to ensure that their rights and needs are properly addressed regardless of different aspirations and views. We as the Roma Education Fund will be here to support and help you and your teams in all your efforts to improve the quality of life of the Roma community, especially in their educational needs” – Redjepali Chupi. His speech HERE.
Ms. Sandra Horina- Head office for Austrian Development Agency- shared her gratitude for having the chance to see up closely the achievements and the results of the project, praising them.
“This project aimed ensuring social inclusion and poverty reduction, and when we heard about the results – we should not be modest about them – we can say yes, we have achieved very tangible results. I had the opportunity to speak with some beneficiaries who had really witnessed the change that took place on two levels: one through education, mentoring and tutoring and another one through employability, improving the employability. They said they served as role models, so not only 150 beneficiaries benefited but way more. This is not only a winning formula for Roma community but this is really a winning formula for effective and efficient design for us, and for that reason we took that methodology”.
In his opening remarks, Avni Mustafa, Executive Director of RVK thanked the participants and the distinguished guests for accepting RVK invitation to the event and for the support giving along the years.
“I know that there are many challenges that we will face in future, but is very important to begin the processes towards equal opportunities to all. I have to thank all partners, donors, beneficiaries, but in particular I want to thank staff who work very hard and who were dedicated to achieve all what we planned. In the end I want to emphasize that we are open for new/old partnerships and I know that only if we work together, we will reach successes”.
The Program Coordinator Shendriza Prokshi also spoke on the specific results and achievements of the project. The #WinforVET project made significant strides in promoting social inclusion and equal opportunities for the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities in Kosovo*. Through its comprehensive approach and collaboration with various stakeholders, it has positively impacted the lives of numerous individuals, providing them with the tools and the support necessary to pursue education and to secure employment. She also moderated the discussions with two of our beneficiaries who shared their stories in front of the audience: Amela Gashjani – Scholarship Program Beneficiary, Tylaj Elshani- Internship beneficiary. During the same panel, RVK showcased the Success Story video testimonies on the Employability.
Important results of the project
One of the remarkable accomplishments of the project was the distribution of 150 scholarships to beneficiaries of the academic program. This financial assistance aimed to facilitate access to education and promote equal opportunities among marginalized communities.
Additionally, the project enlisted the help of 40 mentors and 30 tutors who provided academic support to the beneficiaries. Their guidance and mentorship played a crucial role in empowering the participants to excel in their studies.
Recognizing the importance of vocational training, the project also offered professional training for adults, known as VET (Vocational Education and Training). Fifty individuals benefited from this program, gaining valuable skills and knowledge that enhanced their employability prospects. Furthermore, the initiative facilitated the placement of 35 individuals in paid internships, providing them with practical work experience and a pathway to sustainable employment. Additionally, the project supported 20 businesses, contributing to the economic empowerment of the communities involved.
Project “Education, Employment, Partnerships and Gender Equality: A Winning Formula for Roma in Vocational Education and Training” is implemented by Roma Education Fund (REF), Roma Versitas Kosovo (RVK) and Roma Versitas Albania (RVA) and funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation.
Austrian Development Cooperation supports countries in Africa, Asia, South Eastern and Eastern Europe in their sustainable development. The Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and International Affairs plans the strategies. The Austrian Development Cooperation implements programs and projects together with public institutions, civil society organizations as well as enterprises.
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
