TACSO workshop with the representatives of Civil Society Organizations from the
Gjilani region.
Venue: Restaurant “Bujana” - Gjilan
Data: 16 September 2010
The moderator of this meeting, Mrs. Shqipe Sveçla from the TACSO project, welcomed
the participants.
Mrs. Ardita Metaj – Dika, TACSO Resident Advisor, presented the project along with a
booklet “Grant Opportunities for Civil Society organisations”.
Mr. Enver Këqiku from KCIC also welcomed the participants.
Following the presentation of the TACSO project participants were invited to join in the
discussion.
Mr. Mustafe Beqiri from the Council of Parents and Teachers in Ferizaj talked about the
activities implemented by this council. He mentioned the establishment of Teacher’s
Councils, staff trainings in all municipalities, participation in a meeting in Brussels
regarding IPA’s funding. Mr. Beqiri continued his presentation saying that more
professionalism was needed and asked for more training to absorb EU - IPA funding that
amount to approximately 6 million euro.
Mr. Erson Zymberi, the representative of Action against Violence and Peace-Building
from Gjilan, introduced his organization and said that they collaborate closely with other
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) and media and described their relations with
the public. He rebuked the media for not covering their debates and meetings. In the
end, he enquired about the possibilities of and deadlines for applying for trainings.
Ms. Ardita Metaj – Dika from TACSO informed participants that TASCO’s first Call for
training was from May 25th until June 25th 2010. She also said that, from time to time,
TASCO office will make new announcements advising participants to visit frequently the
official website of the TACSO office.
Around 700 organizations have registered in our database and they receive information
regarding our activities.
Mr. Emrush Azemi, the representative of “Elita” NGO from Vitia, is of the opinion that
more lobbying is needed. Public policies should be analyzed and recognized. He holds
Note: This report was prepared by NGO “Kosovo Center for International Cooperation” (KCIC)
that this is the time to begin advocating for the real needs of citizens, and trainings
should be conducted only by licensed professionals.
A uniform (homogenous) group of NGO’s is being established in order to compete for
funds.
Mrs. Nita Luzha, Forum for Civil Initiative (FCI) in Prishtina, focused in the activities of
her organization and concluded her presentation by asking TACSO representatives
about the accomplishments and results during the first phase of the project.
Mrs. Ardita Metaj – Dika, TACSO RA, said that 86 organizations have applied for the
third EIDHR Call for Proposals; she also mentioned other TACSO achievement such as
registration of NGO’s in PADOR, a study visit to Croatia etc.
Mrs. Abide Osmani, NGO “Legjenda” Viti, expressed her concern over the lack of NGO’s
sustainability.
Mrs. Lumturie Koka from “Handikos” - Kaçanik, stated that this is a good way to learn on
how to apply for grants and highlighted the need for further co-operation and exchange
of experience. She added that the grass root NGO’s and volunteer groups should be
informed as much as possible.
Mrs. Valentina Jashari, the representative of the Association for Protection of Women
“Liria” from Gjilan talked about the activities of her association and asked whether
people have to pay for training?
Mr. Enver Këqiku from KCIC focused on the need for the Law on Sponsorship which will
encourage businesses and suggested that municipalities employ an official who would
facilitate communication between the mayor and NGO’s. He also stressed the
importance of having a refreshed database of active NGO’s.
Z. Shaban Terziu, NGO “Lansdowne” from Gjilan, also focused on the importance of
adoption of the Law on Sponsorship which will encourage businesses to make donations
to the NGO’s.
Z. Zekirja Loku, the representative of the Kosovo Red Cross in Kaçanik, said that there
were many donors in Kosova which has had an adverse effect on the development of
NGO’s and their capacity building. We have not benefited from the capacity building.
Out of 5,000 NGO’s registered in Kosovo only 300 of them are actually active. You get a
feeling that NGO’s represent an anti-government block. Therefore, we the NGOs should
create partnerships in our endeavor to meet the expectations of citizens.
Note: This report was prepared by NGO “Kosovo Center for International Cooperation” (KCIC)
Mrs. Ardita Metaj - Dika TACSO agreed with other speakers saying that they have
identified very legitimate problems adding that the issues raised here are very similar to
the problems identified in other municipalities. So, the question is what can we all do to
better coordinate our work?
Mrs. Abide Osmani, “Legjenda” Viti, appeals for an everlasting partnership not a
partnership which will last only during the implementation of the project.
Mrs. Shqipe Sveçla from the TACSO project said that the purpose of this meeting is to
identify the needs of small NGO’s.
Mr. Fatmir Latifaj from the “Institute for Educational Advancement” in Gjilan also
described the activities of his organization and enquired into the possibility of organizing
a seminar on absorption of EU funds.
After greeting the participants, Mr. Haqif Agaj spoke about his organization “KSLK KIKA” in Hogosht saying that they have regular quarterly meetings with the
representatives of the OSCE, Ministry of Interior and Kosovo Police. He then asked
whether it was possible to receive funds from domestic donors.
Mrs. Ardita Metaj – Dika, TACSO RA, highlighted the importance of enacting the Law on
Volunteering, Tax Laws etc.
At the end of the meeting, Nita Luzha from the Forum for Civil Initiative in Prishtina
made a brief introduction to the “FIDES” award for Philanthropy in Kosova for 2010
which is an effort to strengthen the collaboration between businesses and civil society.
She promised to engage in lobbying in favor of enactment of a law which will enable a
tax deduction for businesses that support civil society.
The moderator of the meeting, Mrs. Shqipe Sveçla from the TACSO project, summarized
the needs identified in this meeting:
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Establishment of a national fund for NGO’s.
Capacity building and development of civil society.
Building partnerships and networking.
Note: This report was prepared by NGO “Kosovo Center for International Cooperation” (KCIC)