Annual Progress Report
September 2013
Human Security Trust Fund
Building a better future for citizens of FushëKosovë/Kosovo Polje and
Obiliq/Obilić: Participation, Protection, and multi-ethnic Partnerships for
improved education, health and sustainable livelihoods
HYA HY08
Participating UN Agencies
WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, and UNDP/UNV
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List of Abbreviations
CGS
Child Growth Standards
CSO
Civil Society Organization
ECD
Early Childhood Development
ECE
Early Childhood Education
(ECMI)
The European Centre for Minority Issues
IPH
Institute of Public Health
KOSSAC
Kosovo Small Arms Control
LPSC
Local Public Safety Council
LFS
Labor Force Survey
LAG
Local Action Group
LEAP
Local Environment Action Plans
LSBE
Life Skills-Based Education
(MFC)
Medicine Family Centre
MEF
Ministry of Economy and Finance
MEST
Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Kosovo
MLGA
Ministry for Local Governance Administration
MLSW
Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare
MOH
Ministry of Health
MOU
Memorandum of Understanding
NGO
Non-Governmental Organization
(OHS)
Occupational, Health and Safety
OOSC
Out of School Children
PI
Pedagogic Institute
PO
Purchase Order
(PHC)
Primary Health Care
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PRTAN
Prevention and response teams toward abandonment and nonregistration
PTC
Parent Teacher Council
RAE
Roma Ashkali and Egyptian
REC
Regional Environment Center
RH
Reproductive Health
SCFS
Standards for Child Friendly Schools
SIRAE
Strategy for Integration of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians
UNDC
United Nations Development Coordinator
UNDP
United Nations Development Programme
UNFPA
United Nations Population Fund
UNICEF
United Nations Children’s Fund
UNKT
United Nations Kosovo Team
UNTFHS
United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security
UNV
United Nations Volunteers Programme
WHO
World Health Organization
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I. BASIC DATA/SUMMARY
Date of Submission
30th September 2013
Benefiting Location
Kosovo, Fushë Kosovë/Kosovo Polje and Obiliq/Obilić
municipalities
Title of the project
Building
a
better
future
for
citizens
of
FushëKosovë/Kosovo
Polje
and
Obiliq/Obilić:
Participation, Protection, and multi-ethnic Partnerships
for improved education, health and sustainable
livelihoods
Duration of the project
September 2012-September 2015
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – The
Lead Agency
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Participating
agencies
UN United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
United Nations Programme (UNV)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Non-UN
partners
Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare; Ministry of
Education and Science, local population, municipalities
of Fushë Kosovë/Kosovo Polje and Obiliq/Obilić
executing
municipalities, relevant sectoral ministries, Family
Medicine Centers, NGO/civil society organization; the
Private Sector, the Municipal Employment Centers and
related institutions in the targeted areas.
Total Project Cost
USD 1,493,078 – Original project Resources
Euro 279,000 - Municipality of Fushe Kosove/Kosovo
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Polje contribution (over the 2013 and 2014)
Reporting Period
September 2012-August 2013
Type of report
1st Annual Progress Report to HSU
I Executive summary
This is the 1st Annual Progress Report to UNHSTF on progress made by the
joint UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNV, and WHO project ‘Building a better future
for citizens of FushëKosovë/Kosovo Polje and Obiliq/Obilić: Participation,
Protection, and multi-ethnic Partnerships for improved education, health and
sustainable livelihoods’. The project staff were recruited on November 15 2012,
the Project Coordinator and Two Municipality Officers. The project team had
made significant effort to strengthen the relationships further with key
stakeholders and networks that are relevant to the project in both
Municipalities. As per project document, the project applied a multi sectoral
approach to addressing the key human security challenges.
On the 19th of December, the administrative agency has signed the
Memorandum of Understanding with the Municipalities of Fushe
Kosove/Kosovo Polje and Obiliq/c. This was followed with the immediate
establishment of the Local Action Groups (LAG) in both Municipalities as result
of project’s request. The rapid and positive response came out as result of
close and effective communication between the project team and the
Municipalities and the arguments provided as to how crucial LAG’s role will be
in taking forward the project implementation.
In lin e with ProDoC and agreement with LAG’s, the project initiated two
assessments; the Community Vulnerability Assessment (CVA) originally
planned by the project and the Territorial Audit that came as response to the
demand by both Municipality LAG’s to primarily address the issue of
unemployment for the most marginalized communities. This demand was in line
with the project objective 1, ‘Excluded communities in FushëKosovë /Kosovo
Polje and Obiliq/Obilić have increased equity in livelihood opportunities’. As
result, the project input was slightly modified with approval of the project board,
ensuring that it adheres to the original purpose and 1st output of the project.
The both assessments are finalised and reports are produced.
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The project had also made progress in addressing key health and education
reform issues and services for all communities, contributing to more inclusive
education and health provision as well as better service quality. Special
attention has been given to help improve the health and education prospects
for the most vulnerable and the minority communities. Various training events
and workshops were carried out by UNICEF, WHO and UNFPA, tackling on
specific issues both at policy and service provision level.
Under the first output, the project has advocated for the Social Enterprise
concept within this period of time with both municipalities under the Territorial
Employment Pact (TEP) process. This has had a significant positive impact on
the way forward of the project and in the degree of Municipalities engagement
and commitment to the project. The TEP approach has provided a clear
direction and recommendations through the interventions proposed as to how
the Municipal authorities and other stakeholders can contribute to employment
generation and in improving the livelihood of the most vulnerable citizens. This
approach is being applied for the first time in Kosovo and it aims to strengthen
the entrepreneurship through skills development, grants provision for rural
micro enterprising and employment generation for the individuals identified as
long term unemployed.693 individuals will benefit from the both TEP’s in the
next 15 months.
Kosovo has adopted the Strategy for Integration of Roma, Ashkali and
Egyptians (SIRAE) and is committed to show progress in this respect as part of
the EU integration process. The project takes in to account the actions
foreseen by the strategy and contributes to this agenda through the inclusive
education efforts, promotion of a better service provision and integration of the
vulnerable communities in the labor market. The project is also used as the
platform by the Regional Roma Facility who is funding interventions that
contribute to Roma integration throughout the Balkan countries. The HSTF
project in FKP and Obiliq/c has a comparative advantage in addressing the
issues that the RAE communities face by using the resources made available
by the Regional Office of UNDP. Th e interventions covered by this facility are
in line with the HSTF objectives and are complementary to those. UNDP
Regional Office has made available $ 200, 000 to Kosovo over the next 3
years.
FushëKosovë/Kosovo Polje and Obiliq/Obilić are considered as Kosovo’s most
polluted and hazardous municipalities therefore the project has identified a role
for itself to contribute to promotion of mitigation strategies in the two
municipalities. More concretely, the project initially envisaged activities with
municipalities to integrate Local Environment Action Plans (LEAP) with overall
municipal development plans. It was found however that the LEAPs have been
developed already with support by SIDA through Regional Environment Center
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(REC) and have been developed in line with Municipal development plans. It
was established jointly by UNDP and the Municipalities that no further
assistance is required in this sense. The project has instead provided support
to implementation of one activity of LEAP in Obiliq/c and is enquiring with both
municipalities further possibility for implementation of LEAP’s actions. WHO in
the other hand had carried out the Environment Health Assessment throughout
Kosovo, including the two targeted municipalities. A report dissemination event
was held and findings were introduced.
With ongoing activities under all three sectors, it is early to determine
noteworthy
impact, however, there is clear signal that the project will
contribute to decrease the gap in communication between the public authorities
and the communities and increase the communication between the public
sector, private sector and civil the society. So far, all stakeholders have shown
commitment to the project by engagement individually and jointly in different
forums under the umbrella of the project on all three sectors covered. The
difference I note is that they are not looking at the short term interventions as
the solution to their reform issues any longer – they are far more interested in
the long terms impact of the project interventions and their sustainability. They
are confident that this project is providing them with the later. This has been
demonstrated by the partners in various events and meeting that the project
team is regularly attending.
It is worth mentioning that the initial stages of the project were constrained by
timing – end of year holidays have caused some delay in delivery of activities,
and with procurement processes required, most of activities kicked off at the
end February 2013. The project team and the UN agencies involved have
made efforts to ensure that all activities were planned and delivered as
effectively as possible, preventing the time pressure to impact on the
quality of the inputs. This has caused the postponement of expenditure
and as result, most of financial commitments and expenditure falls in to
September 2013. The other factor to note is that Kosovo is a rapidly changing
environment and that this causes the change in demand and need on the side
of beneficiaries and partners. The project has proven successful in adapting to
new requirements and needs and reshaped activities that resulted in two TEPs,
one for each municipality. The procurement process for most of Fushe
Kosove/Kosovo Polje (FKP’s) TEP activities is in progress and implementation
of activities has started already.
The project held 3 steering committee meetings with the UN Agencies involved
and one project board meeting where the project coordinator reported on
progress and the next steps were agreed. During last few years UN agencies
implemented variety of activities in targeted FushëKosovë /Kosovo Polje and
Obiliq/Obilić building partnership with local structures, communities and
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international organizations functioning there. The project is in line with those
efforts and builds on progress achieved to date.
II Purpose
Project ‘Building a better future for citizens of FushëKosovë/Kosovo Polje and
Obiliq/Obilić: Participation, Protection, and multi-ethnic Partnerships for
improved education, health and sustainable livelihoods’ aims to empower and
fully mobilize different communities in targeted Fushë Kosovë /Kosovo Polje
and Obiliq/Obilić municipalities by providing support to the most vulnerable
groups such as Roma, Ashkali, Egyptians, Serbs and Albanians, as well as
IDPs, to identify sustainable interventions that will decrease the vulnerability
and human security risks that these communities face. Through multi -sectoral
interventions, the project will improve the living conditions of concerned
communities, promote a tolerant and multi-ethnic climate and result in their
strengthened self-reliance, participation, protection, improved education, health
and sustainable livelihoods.
The project will tackle three critical human security challenges and these are:
Stimulating livelihood opportunities for those least able to participate in the
labour market (focusing on RAE, youth and women), including by promoting
work-readiness, learning skills and improved social protection for th e poor,
excluded minorities, women and young people;
Improving the health prospects of those most at risk from environmental and
lifestyle hazards in two of Kosovo’s most polluted and poorest neighboring
municipalities.
Providing immediate benefits to communities (such as support to livelihood
generation) which will be balanced with longer-term preventative measures in
health, education and participatory decision making to ensure sustainability
through capacity-development, partnership and ownership.
The project positioned itself as a very important player in achievement the
reform in the sectors of economy, health and education and addressing the
crosscutting issues such as gender equity, environment protection and security.
In less the one year of project implementation, it is hard to claim significant
degree of impact, however, the period so far proves to have succeeded in
ensuring genuine engagement by our partners in both Municipalities and gain
their trust that the project will make a positive difference for their communities.
Stronger communication between the stakeholders is evident and awareness of
the public institutions about the urgent need to address key issues such as
inclusive service delivery and employment for the most vulnerable has
increased. This claim can be further confirmed by the people’s turnout in
events organized by UN agencies involved in this project and their contribution
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to debates in all areas covered by the project. This is a signal that our partners
have expectation that the project will make a positive difference on the ground.
To illustrate this, the Municipality of Fushe Kosove/Kosovo Polje has committed
financial resources in the amount of 279,000 Euro to implement the Territorial
Employment Pact and a significant number of human resources to contribute to
effective implementation of activities. The financial resources were transferred
to UNDP for management and a cost sharing agreement is signed between
UNDP and FKP.
Within this context, the project has stepped in the right direction towards
increasing the human security of vulnerable communities in a sustainable
manner. The key aspects of human security dimensions covered under this
project have been successfully integrated in the project and are used as the
platform to deliver on project objectives. Ownership of the Municipalities and
other stakeholders over the process ensured by the project approach through
close cooperation and strong communication between the stakeholders could
be considered as the most important positive impact in the first year of the
project and the prerequisite for further effective working with Municipalities and
their increased commitment in the years to come.
The local election scheduled to take place in November this year may distract
the municipality officials relevant to the project for the day to day engagement
in delivering the project activities. The project team will make all the efforts to
ensure smooth transition and minimize the impact on activities.
The following sections elaborate on progress and impact to date on sectors
tackled by the project:
a) Local Economic Development and employment generation
Kosovo’s economy has performed well in the recent year, however, this have
not contributed to creation of employment opportunities especially for the most
vulnerable
and
marginalized
communities
(35.1%
overall
Kosovo
unemployment rate – Labour force survey data of 2012). Young labor force, a
friendlier business environment, and good quality agricultural land can be key
assets and drivers of success in socio-economic development. Despite this,
Kosovo remains one of the poorest countries in Europe, with particularly
unsatisfactory labor market outcomes for multiple groups. In essence, nearly
three quarters of Kosovo’s working-age population are not currently employed.
Many of those not participating in the labor force are no longer seeking work as
a result of their long-term exclusion from the job market. Therefore, job creation
alone is not the solution to the problem; they require special support to return
to active job-seeking. Women, youth and communities of Roma, Ashkali and
Egyptians are the most obviously excluded from labour force participation, at
rates not found across other European contexts.
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The Municipalities of Fushë Kosovë/Kosovo Polje and Obilq/c face challenges
that are typical of the world of work in peri-urban and rural areas, such as: i) a
high incidence of family and informal work; ii) women and youth
disproportionally affected by vulnerabilities; iii) poor occupational h ealth and
safety conditions in certain industries; iv) limited infrastructure and access to
public services; v) lack of training and productivity improvement opportunities.
Hence, with consent of UN agencies involved, UNDP the sub-activities of the
first output. The new approach not only contributes to original objectives of the
project but provides for a more sustainable outcome.
In light of these specific challenges, the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) has facilitated the preparation of a Te rritorial Employment
Pact (TEP), one in each target municipality, by supporting the leading role of
the local authorities and local employment office (through the LAG) and
mobilizing the support of relevant partners.
In view of integrating European employment guidelines into Kosovo’s active
employment policies, the preparation of the TEPs followed the steps and
methodology used for other pacts for employment and development realized in
several European regions in the 1990s and early 2000s1
The TEP strengthens social cohesion and uses a local partnership to extend
de-fact the provision of services to those who are unemployed or in vulnerable
working conditions. The TEP recognizes that local governments and labor
market institutions need to have the capacity to design, monitor, and evaluate
youth employment interventions targeted to the local circumstances. This TEP
is the first attempt in Kosovo to realize local-level debate around employment
issues and provides with concrete interventions in that regard. Drive n by the
Local Action Group in each municipality, the Pact defines the roles and
responsibilities of over twenty five actors involved in efforts to generate and
formalize employment in both Municipalities.
Concrete plan of seven interventions is developed under TEP for the
Municipality of Fushe Kosove/Kosovo Polje benefiting 493 individuals and five
interventions under TEP for Obiliq/c benefiting 200 individuals. This will have a
direct impact in skills upgrade, generation of a significant number of jobs, r ural
micro-enterprise upgrade and better housing conditions that will eventually
improve the livelihood of the most vulnerable communities targeted by the
project. The individuals will have access to credit opportunities as well. UNDP
1
For a review of the initiatives and a catalogue of Territorial Employment Pacts in Europe, see for instance “Territorial Pacts
and Local Level Concertation in Europe. A multi-level governance perspective”, prepared in August 2007 for the “New Modes
of Governance Project”. The document contains a catalogue of hundreds of TEPs formulated in EU Member States since
1996.
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signed with and Municipality of FKP and Obiliq/c Cost Sharing Agreements.
Municipality of FKP has contributed 279,000 Euro for TEP implementation and
the Municipality of Obiliq has also committed 40,000 Euro .
Under the overall framework of institutional reforms and the more d emand for
provision of safety nets and ensuring access and participation by citizens,
social enterprises have emerged as a tool and policy instrument to deliver
objectives in social inclusion, key area of social and economic policy. Social
enterprises can facilitate social inclusion through workforce and labour market
integration of marginalized individuals. The project has registered a nongovernment organization, ‘Generation Y’, as part of the first intervention of TEP
of FKP. It is registered as an NGO in the absence of adequate legislation, with
the aim to transfer in a Social Enterprise once the legislation is in place. The
organization will function under the principles of a social enterprise though. It
has a Chief Executive Officer and a board. The business plan for the SE is
developed. The administrative staff will be recruited at the beginning of October
2013. This organization is the response to findings of the Territorial
Employment Pact that confirms a gap in service provision for the growing
households and businesses in FKP.
Under the second intervention of FKP TEP, 20 individuals are selected to
benefit under the green jobs. They will be equipped with transport means, work
tools and clothing to ease their day to day job in collection of recycl able
materials, which is their current method of income generation. The
procurement process is in progress. They will also receive Occupational,
Health and Safety (OHS) training within September 2013 with the aim to reduce
the health risks to which they may be exposed. The Social Enterprise will make
efforts to ensure their access on sites of large businesses in FKP where they
can obtain large amounts of recyclable paper and plastic.
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Photo from green jobs intervention of TEP
Also, 54 individuals are selected to receive vocational training in 9 different
profiles as part of intervention 3 of TEP. They will also receive grants in tolls on
completion of trainings. The places are booked in the ‘Don Bosko’ vocational
training school in Prishtina. 24 of them will be immediately employed by the
Social Enterprise established by the project. The Social Enterprise will identify
opportunities for service provision to specific groups of individuals within the
municipality of FKP and wider. The SE will contract work on behalf of
employees and will generate income for the employees and for itself. The
organization income will be used to purchase work tools and create more
working places within its umbrella.
The list of households that will benefit better housing conditio ns is discussed
and approved by the LAG. 29 households will benefit from this action (action 4
of TEP). The Request for Quotation is published. The works are expected to
start at the end of September and be finalized by the end of November 2013.
The procurement process for the rural micro enterprising upgrade (TEP action
number 7) is also initiated. Call for application at the municipal level is issued
(to be updated according to progress by the end of SEP)
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TEP envisages subsidized employment for 18 women under the action 6. The
Employment Office will help the project with identification of the beneficiaries.
The implementation is aimed to start towards the end of October 2013 due to
preparations required by the EO.
All beneficiaries are and will be selected based on specific criteria set by the
TEP design based on project objectives and human security dimensions.
The Municipality of Fushe Kosove/Kosovo Polje has organized a signing
ceremony for the TEP, where all stakeholders that have a role in the process
have signed up to its implementation. The event was covered by all national
media and it has withdrawn a lot of public interest. TEP as a development tool
has had a mayor impact in the way that municipalities will approach the local
economic development and citizen’s empowerment in the future.
In the Municipality of Obiliq/c, TEP will be delivered through 5 interventions.
The project identified an existing organization provided vocational training on
tailoring and embroidery for one year to 15 vulnerable women from Obiliq/Obilić
Municipality. The programme ended in May with fair showcasing beneficiaries’
showcased hand-made works. The Territorial Audit identified a potential for the
beneficiaries of the programme to collaborate with this organization , ‘The Home
of Hope’ that will operate as a social enterprise focusing mainly on textile
products for the local market, generating employment for another 15
disadvantaged women producing textile clothing and accessories. From a
prompt market research it results that uniforms for workers and pupils and
textile shopping bags 2 are in high demand in the local market and there is
room for new entrants.
With the objective to contribute to environment protection, especially as
targeted municipalities are considered as the most polluted and exposed to
environment risk hazards, the TEP in Obiliq/c aims to provide a grant to an in
individual or a group of people who will set up a nursery for urban decorative
trees that will eventually be planted in the region of Obiliq/c an d wider.
The 24 disadvantaged youth lacking basic education or having no appropriate
vocational skills, living in degraded peri-urban or rural areas will also benefit in
terms of skills development and employment under the Obiliq/c TEP. They will
be trained on 11 profiles and receive grants in form of work tools to provide
services to communities after which they will be registered as self -employed.
Subsidized employment will also be applied under this TEP and
- 22
individuals will benefit on the job training and 12 month jobs.
2
The administrative decision on banning non-recyclable plastic bags provides an opportunity for alternative shopping bags in
Kosovo.
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Kosovo will soon identify the typologies of organizations that bridge economic
and social criteria in the given context and that suitable policies will engender
the creation of social enterprises. Despite some initial efforts that have already
taken place, there is still lack of clarity in Kosovo on what social enterprises are
and how they can become an important instrument of social policy. UNDP
Kosovo, through the project called “Parliamentary Development for Social
Policy (PDSP)”, has obtained the pledge of the Parliamentary Commission on
Economic Development to consider the issue of social enterprise in the
legislative agenda in the coming months. With due consideration to the current
situation in Kosovo and the on-going investment in approximating the acquis
communautaire in several areas, there is a need to advance the policy debate
on social enterprises (according to the EU definition) and identify a set of
recommendations for the Parliamentary Commission (leading to the
establishment of the relevant legislative framework). UNDP Kosovo is working
intensively with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and is planning a
review the existing legal framework in order to produce recommendations for
the new law that would allow establishment of social enterprises and its
functioning. This is a parallel effort to the projects work FKP and it can serve as
a model on which Kosovo can build in the future.
Inter-municipal cooperation is an important element of this work. The project, under
the economic component, decided tp deliver activities that contribute to stronger
cooperation between the municipalities after the two TEPs implementation is up and
running.
b) Education
The education sector continues to face challenges and difficulties in the reform
process. Access to education and retention in education for vulnerable and
disadvantaged children remains a challenge for the public education system.
There is a gap in awareness of the public sector in particular on issues related
to early childhood and measures required in its regard – the root causes of
many problems that the system is facing. In addition, insufficient relevant
financial resources and the number of donors in support to the sector remain
very low. To focus on issues of absolute priority among many other reform
issues that require attention, is quite a challenge for donors and agencies.
UNICEF, as one of the most significant players in this sector and with great
comparative advantage due to great knowledge of the context and long history
of policy and technical support, has identified specific issues to address under
this project that – activities that complement their other ongoing programs.
UNICEF undertook specific steps to address the issue of Out of Scho ol
Children (OOSC), specifically focusing on the children coming from the most
marginalized communities such as Roma, Ashkali, Egyptians, children with
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disability, the poor, children coming from the repatriated and returned
communities and children that have entered the education system at a more
advanced age. A particular attention has been paid to incorporating early
learning and school readiness within the OOSC initiative focusing on pre primary grade as a contribution to equal opportunities for quality education for
the most vulnerable groups of children. Consultative meetings and workshops
were organized with central and local education authorities, including civil
society representatives on introducing Out of School Initiative framework and
agreed on a municipal action plan template related to out of school children for
the municipality of
FushëKosovë /Kosovo Polje and Obiliq/Obilić . The
European Centre for Minorities is engaged to support the development of
action plans for municipalities in order to ensure reduction of number of out of
school children. The aim is to reduce the phenomena of OOSC through
strengthening of capacities of public officials in the local education sector and
establishment of Prevention and response teams toward abandonment and
non-registration (PRTAN). There is a positive response on the side of public
officials to cooperate in any form and commit their time to learn about the
process. Intensive parallel communication is carried out between UNCEF and
local authorities and players in one hand and UNICEF and central authorities in
the other. The efforts focus on planning capacities of public officials,
identification of OOSC and implementation of specific activities that aim to
reduce drop-outs, the OOSC re-integration in the education system and
advocacy activities with the purpose of institutionalization of best practices that
contribute in reduction of OOSC.
Implementer’s acting on behalf of UNCEF have signed the Memorandums of
Understanding (MOU) with both Municipalities that ensure close cooperation in
delivering on activities related to OOSC. A two-day training course was
organized for municipal officials and school representatives on data collection,
monitoring and evaluation related to OOSC. This was followed by a four day
workshop carried out in Macedonia in programme planning related to OOSC
and experiences shared with a Macedonian CSO active in issues related to
education of vulnerable groups.
As result of both events, the Municipalities made progress on establishment of
working groups to draft the action plans to address the OOSC. Instruments
have been drafted for development of municipal action plans on OOSC, such
as municipal action plan template, instruments for identification and profiling of
out of school children, situation analysis etc., which are being used by th e
working groups for the process of municipal action planning on OOSC. Both
municipalities have been paired with four other municipalities (Ferizaj, Istog,
Klina, Peja) to develop municipal action plan on OOSC, which will be used as
a model for scaling up in other municipalities. Capacity development of
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FushëKosovë /Kosovo Polje and Obiliq/Obilić municipal officials is being
provided by technical advisers assigned to each municipality.
There seem to be a stronger understanding, particularly on the public sector
side, that OOSC issue should be integrated in to their day to day work.
There are continuous discussions with central and local officials
identification of key partners for networking on inclusive education.
on
Selected number of education, welfare and health officials benefited from a two
days introductory workshop on International Classification of Functioning ,
Disability and Health, while the Child Friendly School Standards developed
with UNICEF support have been disseminated through the Peda gogical
Institute of Kosovo to education institutions and other relevant stakeholders
throughout Kosovo, including FushëKosovë /Kosovo Polje and Obiliq/Obilić
municipalities. In the meantime, baseline survey Baseline survey on practices
around OOSC and drop-out prevention and response has been carried out by
Pedagogical Institute and the result will contribute to monitoring and evaluation
of impact of interventions related to OOSC issues.
c) Health
Overall health sector reform has been conceptualized and all major provisions for its
implementation are adopted. The final legislative framework, the health insurance law
is expected to be issued to government end of October 2013. This will include
improvement of the access for vulnerable groups, through introduction of basic social
health insurance, separation of political and professional medical issues by
establishing medical chambers and establishing the autonomy of the providers to
respond to the new performance based financing scheme, as well as strengthening
governance, stewardship and strategic management of health care sector.
However, although that the health sector strategy 2014 -2020 is being drafted
there is a severe need in addressing local health needs.
There have been continuous efforts to improve the basic health service
provision at municipal level, especially targeting the marginalized
populationwho lack the economic or social power to make informed health
choices, enable access based on equity, mitigate environmental hazards and
improve access to services. WHO, UNICEF and UNFPA have made continuous
efforts to address the areas of concern and are continuing so under this project
both individually and through joint efforts.
WHO have organized at initial stage of the project a workshop with
representatives of health, environment and CS sector of FKP and Obiliq/c
municipalities in order to identify key priorities and explore the best way forward
with project activities. The turnout in the event and the interest of the
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stakeholders participating was highly satisfactory. All agencies involved in the
project have participated and made their contributions. The general finding is
that comprehensive health services, planned on the basis of a needs
assessment with the full and active involvement of the community remain a
constant goal of Kosovo Institutions, in particular Primary Health Care (PHC).
As a decentralized competence, the PHC acts as the gatekeeperto the health
system and the nearest service that can be accessed by the public. Kosovo
institutions and donors have made significant impact in shortening the distance
between the PHC and the communities by upgrading the infrastructure and
building of family medicine centers in most of the rural areas of Kosovo.
Besides the improvement in access that this provides it also provides the best
opportunity for the community involvement and contribution to planning and
evaluation
of
health
needs.
Intensive discussions between the stakeholders brought up many issues
requiring attention such as the full implementation of the concept of family
medicine with emphasis on the inclusion of more marginalized communities,
increase the scale of vaccination within the RAE communities and
strengthening the home care services.
In June 2013 was organized a two days follow up workshop with
representatives of health, environment and CS sector in order to develop a
three year Local Health Sector Action Plan for municipalities of F.Kosove/
Kosovo Polje and Obiliq/c.
As a result was developed a draft Local Health Sector Action Plan (2013 -2015)
for Fushe Kosove/Kosovo Polje and Obiliq/c – a detailed plan that clarifies the
priorities, actions required, roles and responsibilities of the different actors and
timing.
An inter-sector coordination group of ten members was established. This coordination
group consists of representatives of Main Family Medicine Centers from both
municipalities, representatives from municipal directorates of health and social welfare
as well as municipal directorate for Environment and CS representative. The
coordination group will monitor the implementation of the local health sector action
plan.
The draft local Health Sector Action Plan (2013 -2015)
Kosove/Kosovo Polje and Obiliq/c defines four priority areas:
for
Fushe
1. Increase quality of health services at PHC
with main focus in
strengthening of the community based health services
2. Human capacity building (that will include not only health workers but
also development of the concept of community/ health mediators)
17 | P a g e
3. Promoting healthy life style, through development of the sustainable
health promotion programmes.
4. Strengthening inter-sectoral and municipal collaboration
In line with Kosovo Health Strategy 2009-2013 objective to reduce child
mortality and morbidity and promote child growth and development, the project
has introduced and implemented child growth standards in everyday practice in
primary health care services in Fushe Kosova/Kosovo Polje and Obiliq
Municipalities. WHO held six workshops around 100 primary health care
workers involved in the child health care were trained, to measure properly
child’s growth, interpret child growth indicators and counsel mothers on child
growth and feeding.
Mixed groups consisted of Pediatricians, Family Physicians, General
Physicians and Nurses were quite successful on promoting team work and
increasing trust between involved health care professionals. The workshop has
provided a great platform to enhance the team work in PHC institutions that
unfortunately is not at the desired level at present.
This was an important step toward sustainable and necessary quality
improvement in child health care and family medicine team engagement in child
health problems. It is obvious that this programme offers an good opportunity
for that. Working environment, proper management and organization are a
prerequisite for any skills upgrade to be properly utilized and eventual positive
impact on citizens.
For the first time, after the Kosovo conflict, with support from Director of main
Family Medicine Centre (MFMC) in Obiliq, the project has succeeded to
organize a joint workshop with participation of Kosovo Albanian and Kosovo
Serbian Health Care workers. This is considered as a very positive step ahead
of contributing to inter-ethnic relations and a unified health care system at local
level.
18 | P a g e
One of the three critical human security challenges that this project is
addressing to is the improvement of the health prospects of those most at risk
from environmental and lifestyle hazards in two of Kosovo’s most polluted
municipalities. WHO Regional Office for Europe in October 2012 has set up a
mission to Kosovo to assess the environment impact on health. During the
mission, discussions with high level decision-makers (Minister of Health,
Ministry of Environment and Agency of Environment Protection high level
officials) as well as with representatives of local institutions such as National
Institute for Public Health (NIPH) of Kosovo, Hydrometeorology Institute, PHCs,
CSO’s, international organizations.
The assessments found that the data on environmental health risks – and their
distribution within the population and population subgroups are insufficient for a
comprehensive environmental health risk assessment. The assessment found
that the existing data show that there are environmental health challenges in
Kosovo such as contaminated sites, air pollution and water contamination as
well as challenges in occupational health protection. However, for a
comprehensive environmental health risk assessment the available data on
environmental health risks and their distribution within the population and population
subgroups are insufficient.
19 | P a g e
In terms of legal framework, the process of harmonization with EU legislation
is ongoing and represents an excellent opportunity to strengthen the legal
framework, harmonize mandates of actors and institutions involved and identify
a responsible agency for health impact assessments and its mandate.
The assessment also shows that there are many institutions that hold the
responsibility on environmental health, nonetheless, effective coordination in
reality is lacking. The clear vision on environmental health policy is not in place
and evidence base linking health and the environmental risks is insufficient for
priority setting by policy-makers. Human technical capacities on environmental
healthcare is limited, resulting in insufficient monitoring, reporting and
evidence-based policy actions.
The report is disseminated in April 2013 in a workshop organized by WHO that
was attended by all stakeholders relevant to the assessment. The report
produced recommendations for the Kosovo institutions for each finding and
conclusion.
WHO in September 2013 conducted an expert mission in order to explore the
existing and available air quality and health status data and their adequacy for
assessment of impacts of air pollution on health ( short term and/or long term effects).
The mission was led by Dr. Michal Krzyzanowski, former Head of the WHO European
Centre for Environment and Health in Bonn, who was recently honoured with the John
Goldsmith Award for his outstanding contribution to environmental epidemiology. The
mission report including recommendations will be available end of October 2013.
Dentistry Clinic (Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry) at the Pristina
University Clinical Centre in collaboration with MFMC in Obilic conducted a study on:
Oral health status and treatment needs among preschool and school children in
municipality of Kastriot/Obiliq.
The aim of the studies was to assess caries prevalence, oral hygiene index and
treatment needs among children in municipality of Obiliq/c.
219 children (6- to 14-year old) were randomly selected, in only one elementary
school that exists in the city. Dental caries and treatment needs were evaluated using
standard WHO oral survey methods.
The study showed that the prevalence of dental caries among children was very high
(97%), only 3 % of the subjects were caries-free.
Also, dental examinations based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria
were performed on 108 randomly selected preschool children. The prevalence of early
childhood caries (ECC) in children is very high (25%), compared to that of the world
population.
20 | P a g e
Findings and recommendations from both studies suggest development of the
relevant oral health prevention and education materials. As result the oral health
promotion group at the Dentistry Clinic (Department of Pedodontics and Preventive
Dentistry) at the Pristina University Clinical Centre has developed a manual on oral
health education for teachers and a leaflet for general public aiming to increase
knowledge of parents about healthy eating habits and oral health practices.
WHO supported financially printing of the manual on oral health promotion for
teachers and leaflet for general public aiming to increase knowledge of parents about
healthy eating habits and correct oral health practices.
UNICEF continued to provide technical assistance to the health managers, advocated
and supported to provide quality and access to health services, especially for the most
vulnerable groups and supported partially Community Vulnerability Assessment.
With other grants and contributing to the joint efforts, UNICEF continued to support
the Main Family Centers with promotion of continuum of care through home visits for
mothers and children in FKP.
With other grants, through volunteers of the Red Cross of Kosovo are supported and
organized outreach health education sessions, to increase knowledge of mothers and
fathers of different ethnicities on antenatal health, child care and development,
breastfeeding and infant feeding, communicable diseases, personal hygiene and
reproductive health. Health educational activities were conducted from 26 branches of
Red Cross of Kosovo by 127 volunteers of the Red Cross of Kosovo including in FKP.
As part of the joint programme, UNICEF has signed a new project agreement with the
Red Cross of Kosovo and with remaining funds will support outreach activities on
health education from September 2013.
Reproductive health and rights are central to women’s ability to build their capabilities,
take advantage of economic and political opportunities, and control their destinies.
Investing in reproductive health — in particular, family planning and maternal health
services — is a cross-cutting and cost-effective solution to achieving progress on all of
the Millennium Development Goals. Access to voluntary family planning saves the
lives of women and children, reduces poverty, promotes environmental sustainability,
increases security, and allows women to pursue educational and income-generating
opportunities.
Family planning, a human right that allows parents to make informed decisions about
the size of their families and to determine the spacing of children, is vital to the overall
development.
Among the most vulnerable communities in Kosovo, are Roma, Ashkalia, and
Egyptian minorities that live in extreme poverty with poor nutrition and limited access
to health services. UNFPA efforts within joint project were focused towards improving
21 | P a g e
empowering community through knowledge increase of in the area of reproductive
health. Different outreach activities, including community information courses, and
social mobilisation campaigns were conducted.
UNFPA supported local NGOs “Health for All” to implement community education
courses/lectures, and outreach activities, during which important issues such as
sexual and reproductive health, family planning and health care, as well as hygiene
were promoted to these communities.
Sessions were organised by RAE trainers and volunteers, who had undergone ToT
training facilitated by experts of the National Institute of Public Health. Sessions are
tailored according to community needs, are culturally appropriate and very interactive.
During the sessions, trainers used power point presentation other visualisation
materials, and used RAE language terminology which made easier for participants to
understand the topics. During monitoring visits, it was noted that participants were
very active, shared their experiences and asked a different questions.
In total, 108 RAE community members attended community sessions; of which 90
female and 18 male, in separate groups. Condoms and hygienic packages were
distributed for all participants.
Also, UNFPA is in a preparatory phase to introduce the health mediators’ concept in
FKP and Obiliq. During the monitoring field visit in FKP Main Family Health Center,
we were told that the number of RAE community members who seek medical services
is very high and that their patients are not only from FKP but also from Obiliq
Municipality, while the basic diagnostic equipment at specialist gynecology services is
very old and does not meet criteria for proper diagnostics. Issue of equipment was
also raised during the workshop on developing health action plan for these two
22 | P a g e
municipalities. Based on the above facts, UNFPA has initiated procurement
procedures for one ultra sound and some gynecology instruments.
UNFPA works not only towards strengthening community knowledge on sexual and
reproductive health, on improving health service infrastructure but also is the main
and only donor in Kosovo for contraceptives. Thus, community members who
participated in community sessions may go at public health facilities and get
contraceptive supplies, according to their needs, for free. They will also receive
counseling in that particular method by FM doctor, who is trained on FP.
UNFPA, jointly with WHO, supported a two days’ workshop with FKP and Obiliq
stakeholders engaged in health sector. From the workshop, the immediate need for
establishing a multi sectorial, inter municipality coordination group for health.
Coordination group would oversee implementation of the action plan for the two target
municipalities.
Civil Society
CS is rightly considered the most effective resource to help identify problems of
the community and but also represent their interests in the best way. The
programme, through all implementing agencies, is working closely with CSO’s.
The benefits are mutual – they gain more experience by implementing the
programmes activities and the programme benefits in terms of better targeting
OF the individuals that are mostly in need. In this programme, CSO’s played a
crucial role in bridging the divide between communities themselves, but also
between the communities and the public institutions.
23 | P a g e
In the health sector the CSOs are used to directly to promote basic health
standards of municipal residents without the economic or social power to make
informed health choices, enable access based on equity for all, mitigate
environmental hazards and take advantage of services – as well as improving
the capacity of authorities to better target and tailor services for them.
The NGO ‘Integrohu’ based in FKP, is member of FKP LAG and is engaged
with implementation of action 3 of TEP. They were responsible to raise the
awareness of the communities about the project benefits and manage the
application process for the disadvantaged youth in FKP.
The NGO “Health for All” has been involved in the selection and training of
Green Jobs beneficiaries from the FKP TEP. They are also on of the
representatives of the Civil society in the FKP LAG.
The European Centre for Minority Issues (ECMI) is engaged through the project
to enhance the access to education and retention in education for vulnerable
and disadvantaged children in six municipalities, with a particular focus in the
two municipalities (FKP and Obiliq/Obilić), through strengthening the capacities
of municipal officials and Prevention and response teams toward abandonment
and non-registration (PRTAN) in compulsory education teams to reduce the
number of out-of-school children
Terre Des Homes is engaged to promote a multidisciplinary, coordinated and
participative Child Protection Safety Net (CPSN) and help integrate it in FKP
and establish it in Obiliq/Obilić..
The NGO Ashkali Golden Rays (AGR), a local Ashkali-based NGO from FKP
has been identified as a partner for implementation of the project for the
empowerment and inclusion of RAE youth in decision making as equal partne rs
of society. Therefore, this NGO started working as of 1 st August 2013, with
young people in the targeted municipalities of Fushë Kosovë/Kosovo Polje and
Obiliq/Obilić, in order to support and increase Youth involvement and
participation from Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian (RAE) communities, in the
processes of local decision making in the above targeted municipalities. With
the project, it is also envisaged to expand the social dialogue between the local
structures, youth organisations / institutions, and the youth itself from RAE
communities. Since the project started as of 1 st of August 2013, during this
initial phase a RAE Youth Assessment was done with 200 youth from both
targeted municipalities, outlining their most urgent and basic needs, along with
some recommendations on the way forward, that will be taken into account
during the implementation of this project. Meetings and workshops are planned
to be implemented with Local Youth Action Councils (LYAC) of the targeted
municipalities as well as with the municipal assembly members, with the
24 | P a g e
Department of Youth, as well as trainings on advocacy, social media are
planned to be implemented and several youth volunteer activities as well.
Overall, the project show to date that it can contribute to promotion of a more
effective, responsive, transparent and sustainable governance. It will increase
the awareness of all stakeholders including the public sector, of the roles that
they need to play to ensure sustainable economic development, better health
outcomes and inclusive education. It will bring the services closer to the
population and improve their quality as well. The CSO’s will strengthen their
expertise and increase experience in the areas in which they operate. The
project makes them better placed to advocate on key issues under the sectors
covered by the project and a more credible representative of the communities.
UNDP/UNV collaborated very closely with NGO The Ideas Partnership in FKP and
NGO Balkan Sunflowers in Obiliq/Obilić with aim to assess the needs of community
deliver literacy and numeracy courses for RAE Women and Youth and working with
community change makers. UNDP/UNV used an innovative approach in engaging
above mentioned NGOs to assess and convert community needs into actions that will
be implemented by them with support of our project. This will ensure ownership,
increased participation of the community, sustainability and will lead in achieving
measureable results.
Strengthen child and family protection and referral systems
In FKP, the main issues faced by children from minority groups are school drop out,
early marriage, health (around 54 cases managed by the CSW are children with
special needs) and domestic violence. At the beginning of 2013, 124 children in need
were reported to be managed by the centre for social work, and 23 children at
medium and high risk of abuse, trafficking and neglect were reported regularly
begging in the streets of Pristina. In Obiliq/Obilić, children from RAE communities face
the same issues as in FushëKosovë/Kosovo Polje. At the beginning of 2013, 104
children in need were reported to be managed by the centre for social work . A
majority of them are children with special needs (80 cases).
Responses to these alarming figures are often uncoordinated, and protection and
reintegration measures offered to these children are mostly weak. The
decentralization process of social services has in part contributed to the degradation,
as the responsibilities of institutional stakeholders in the frame of direct intervention
are confusing and communication between the different institutions is often inefficient
or non-existent.
At the root of this situation is the absence of an adequate strategy for child protection
from the government of Kosovo. Institutionalized and coordinated mechanisms of
prevention and protection against child abuse and neglect, violence and trafficking do
not exist. The gap between international obligations (such as the UN Child Right
25 | P a g e
Convention and EU integration principles), national laws and policies on the one hand
and their implementation on the other remains large.
In respond to the above mentioned situation UNICEF in close cooperation with
implementing partner Terre des hommes (Tdh) has supported the establishment of an
efficient Child Protection system in Kosovo with objective to support development and
coordination of an efficient system for Child Protection services in Kosovo in order to
better protect children against neglect, abuse, exploitation, trafficking and
delinquency. During this period, Terre des hommes has successfully established
model of case management round tables in few municipalities of Kosovo and Fushë
Kosovë/Kosovo Polje as well, that enabled local stakeholders to clarify their roles and
responsibilities and to better coordinate and respond to child rights violations. At the
same time consultative meetings were organized with child protection and justice for
children responsible agencies in Obiliq/Obilić with objective to introduce and initiate
the establishment of the same model (child protection case management roundtable)
within the CSW Obiliq/Obilić. The purpose of the task force is to manage cases of
children at risk of being abused, neglected, trafficking and exploitation as well as at
risk of delinquency or in conflict with law. In order to have an effective oversight of the
situation of children in both municipalities, the situation analysis has been undertaken
by UNICEF implementing partner Tdh, by assessing the institutional capacities and
existing child protection services in the tw selected municipalities of intervention. The
first draft is expected to be published on early November 2013. The findings will help
identify the current needs and gaps which will then serve as a basis for the creation of
the Case Management Round Table (CMR) in Obiliq/Obilić and further strengthen the
capacities in the existing CMR in Fushë Kosovë/Kosovo Polje.
During the project implementation consultative meetings have been conducted with
relevant institutions and community leaders in order to identify best suitable
candidates for Community Counseling Groups. The aim of the CCG is to identify the
needs and difficulties of children from RAE communities and to find appropriate
solutions to these difficulties. These groups also organize various activities for
children (awareness-raising activities, campaigns, meetings with parents etc). CCGs
are represented in the CMR with one or more members, through whom cases of child
abuse are also referred to the CMR. Tdh is in charge of proper functioning of the
CCG and for coordinating the activities by delegating responsibilities to the members
in charge, according to their function within the group.
New Community Counseling Group (CCG) in Obiliq/Obilić municipality will be
established based on the same principle used in FushëKosovë/Kosovo Polje.
Relevant institutions will be identified in the Obiliq/Obilić municipality for supporting
the existence and functionality of CMR and CCG.
Key achievements to date by Agency
26 | P a g e
UNICEF

Key stakeholders and agreed engaged in FKP and Obiliq/Obilić
municipalities on the Out of school Children (OOSC)framework in order
to reduce the number of children out of school, including Roma,Ahkalii,
Egyptian children, children with disabilities, forced return children etc.

Municipal officials and civil society representative have been exposed to
evidence based planning through data collection on issues related to
OOSC Instruments drafted for development of municipal action plans on
OOSC, such as municipal action plan template, instruments for
identification and profiling of out of school children, situation analysis etc.

Baseline survey on OOSC conducted in six municipalities, including
Fushë Kosovë /Kosovo Polje and Obiliq/Obilić municipalities

Coordination in two municipalities strengthened on issues related to
OOSC, e.g. the Task Force led by the FKP municipality has been able to
organize catch up classes for 34 RAE children identified by CSOs and
enable their timely registration in primary school in the school year 2013 2014

Preparation completed for the review of the Early Learning and
Development Standards to be applied for children of age 0 -6 through inservice teacher training programme to be delivered in all preschool
institutions and primary schools.

The situation analysis has been initiated for assessing the institutional
capacities and child protection existing services in both municipalities of
intervention.

The representatives of child protection and justice for children institutions in
both municipalities’ have increased their understanding on their roles and
responsibilities for the successful functionality of child protection case
management roundtable.

Relevant institutions have been identified in the Obiliq/Obilić municipality for
supporting the existence and functionality of case management roundtables
and community counseling groups.

In total, 15 on going cases of children at risk were evaluated by case
management roundtable in FKP based on the Universal Well-Being Indicators
– Safety, Health, Achieving and Nurtured

RAE Youth needs assessment report produced as an outcome of a
survey done with 200 RAE youth from the targeted both municipalities.
27 | P a g e
UNDP/UNV

Strong relationship and trust between UNDP and the ,Muncipalities is
established that will serve as a platform for further effective cooperation.

Cost Sharing agreement reached with Municipality of FKP contributing
with 279,000 Euro and municipality of Obiliq/c with 40, 000 Euro for
implementation of TEPs.

FKP TEP finalized and signed by all stakeholders involved in both
municipalities. Both events managed to attract significant public attention
and media interest. Activity implementation is in progress.

The TEP is perceived by the public as one concrete tool to achieve
employment generation and makes a perfect model for use and
replication by the municipalities in their future efforts to local economic
development.

The NGO that operates under the principles of a Social Enterprise is
established for the first time in Kosovo and has attracted significant
public interest, especially in FKP.

20 individuals are now delivering more effectively and safely on the
green job activities.

24 individuals are actively attending professional training. Another 30 to
enroll at the beginning of October.

Community needs assessment conducted by community based
organizations in Fushë Kosovë/Kosovo Polje and Obiliq/Obilić in relation
to implementation literacy and numeracy courses for RAE women and
youth which corresponded with CVA results.

Joint proposal related to conducting literacy and numeracy courses and
raising capacities of community change makers / advocates prepared by
two NGOs operating in Fushë Kosovë /Kosovo Polje Obiliq/Obilić and
agreement signed.

An implementation of activities is initiated with innovative bottom up
approach targeting 130 beneficiaries RAE Youth and Women from Fushë
Kosovë /Kosovo Polje Obiliq/Obilić
WHO
28 | P a g e

A draft Local Health Action Plan (2013- 2015) for F.Kosove/ Kosovo Polje
and Obiliq/c municipalities developed.

Intersectorial coordination group has been established in order to monitor the
implementation of the Local Health Action Plan (2013- 2015).

100 primary health care workers from both municipalities including
Serbian health workers were trained on WHO Child Growth standards.
The 100 health workers are able to measure properly child’s growth,
interpret child growth indicators and counsel mothers on child growth and
feeding.

WHO conducted an environmental health mission in order to analyze current
situation regarding environmental pollution and estimate existing institutional
and other capacitiesfor risk and health assessment, risk management and
mitigation in health sector.

The WHO environmental health mission report including recommendation for
priority actions to reduce population exposure and for strengthening national
capacities in environmental health area was disseminated in April 2013 at a
high level stakeholders meeting.

WHO in September 2013 conducted an expert mission in order to explore the
existing and available air quality and health status data and their adequacy for
assessment of impacts of air pollution on health (short term and/or long terms
effects).
UNFPA

Improved quality of SRH services due to Ultrasound machine and other
basic instruments purchase for the Family Medicine Centre in FKP

Increased knowledge of RAE community members on SRH and RR in FKP and
Obiliq

Joint Workshop with WHO on identifying stakeholders, setting priorities
and developing comprehensive action plan for health 2013 -2015
III RESULTS
Results Table for Objectives and Outputs
29 | P a g e
Project Logical Framework
Objectives
Project
Human
Security
Goal:
Objectively
Progress achieved
verifiable indicators
(OVI)
Important
assumptions
risks
% vulnerable and
excluded
groups
with basic needs
met
Local security in all
Kosovan
municipalities
depends
upon
regional
political
developments.
Decline
or
stagnation
in
Pristina-Belgrade
dialogue,
further
agitation
in
the
disputed
northern
municipalities
and/or acceleration
in refoulement of
RAE families from
Europe
could
disrupt local efforts
to
promote
cooperation.
Community
Vulnerability
Assessments (CVA)
(initial and final)
Community
Vulnerability
Inter-ethnic %
inhabitant Assessments (initial
threats and satisfaction
with and final)
associated
quality of
public
socioservices delivery
economic
Focus group polling
decline are
during
monitoring
mitigated in #
inhabitants visits
extremely
experiencing
fragile
healthy cooperation
communitie and
integration
s
between
different World Bank Kosovo
Poverty Assessment
ethnicities
(dates tbc)
UNDP
(annual)
and
Mosaic
Municipal
commitment
and
leadership
to
engage
with
Statistical Agency of
communities on an
Kosovo reporting
equitable level and
improve
services
will be essential to
success.
Their
commitment in turn
depends
on
political
support
30 | P a g e
from Pristina, in
addition to speedy
and
efficient
disbursement
of
municipal
funds
from the centre.
Long
delays
in
budget
disbursement
or
budget
execution
will
aggravate
already
deep
service inequities.
Lack of information
and
ingrained
“family-first”
customs
underlie
poverty and poor
health/education
status, particularly
among
Kosovo’s
RAE. A cultural
shift
towards
willingness
to
embrace a degree
of
integration
groups
is
necessary from all
ethnic to realize
project goals.
31 | P a g e
Project
Output 1:
Excluded
communitie
s
in
FushëKosov
ë
/Kosovo
Polje
and
Obiliq/Obilić
have
increased
equity
in
livelihood
opportunitie
s
# jobs created for TEPs finalised for
vulnerable
and FKP and Obiliq/c. 44
excluded groups
Individuals
are
already selected and
will enter the labout
market by the end of
October
on
completion
of
training. They come
.
from
the
most
vulnerable
communities
such
# new or expanded as RAE and other
business initiatives marginalized.
improving
ethnic
relations
Economic
conditions
are
stagnating
in
Kosovo, hindering
the emergence of a
self-sustaining
private sector and
locally
vibrant
economies. Further
economic
decline
could deeply affect
investments in job
and
enterprise
stimulation. Hence,
interventions
provided
through
TEP
can
easily
prevent
the
unemployment
situation
deteriorating.
The
social
enterprise
is
established in FKP
to
contribute
to
sustainable
employment.
In
employ 24 people on
various profiles by
the end of October
Promoting inclusive
2013.
and gender-friendly
16
rural
micro- employment
enterprises different depends
upon
ethinc communities shifting
beliefs
have been selected limiting
job
to
be
upgraded opportunities
to
through
provission male
family
of live stock and members or family
tools.
Advisory friends from the
services
are same ethnicity.
by
the
# new or expanded foreseen
enterprise initiatives project to help them
as
an An intensive public
related
to operate
32 | P a g e
environmental
sustainability
information
drive
and conditionalities
The project trained placed upon credit
and
equiped
20 will
be
green
job fundamental.
beneficiaries
who
will register as self
emplyed with the EO
in FKP In January Environmental
protection is still
2014.
seen as a state and
Activities related to not
a
inegration of LEAPs personal/business
with MDPs in the responsibility. This
two
municipalities project will work
#
of
business are
adressed
by with municipalities
centers established REC and SIDA. The to help raise the
project
contributes awareness
of
to
LEAP’s institutions
and
implementation
individuals on the
Municplaities.
roles
they
are
expected to play to
Due
to
TEP contribute positively
approach introduced to this agenda.
in
the
two
municipalities
and
approval of change
in approach by the
project
board,
Business
advisory
support
is
mainstreamed
through TEP actions
including
the
ongoing
advise
provided
by
the
established
Social
Enterprises I both
municipalities.
Project
Objective 2:
33 | P a g e
organisation.
# Municipal action Four
consultative
plans which have meetings carried out
established
in two municipalities
functioning
for development of
Success depends
upon
municipal
willingness
and
capacity
to
set
consultative
municipal
action
processes/mechanis plans on OOSC
m in place.
20
municipal
officials from two
municipalities
#
of
municipal trained on evidence
public management based planning for
officials trained on OOSC
human rights-based
management,
Draft Local Health
planning, monitoring Action Plan for both
evaluation.
municipalities
developed
Participator
y
governance
systems
empower
excluded
families
in
FushëKosov
ë
/Kosovo
Polje
and
Obiliq/Obilić
to improve
their quality
% vulnerable and
of life
excluded groups as
a
proportion
of
general population
using
public
services that were
previously excluded.
%
of
“at
risk”
inhabitants aware of
and
adopting
mitigation strategies
of
environmental
and lifestyle health
hazards
# of RAE women
having access to
health
and
education services
34 | P a g e
realistic targets and
understanding
medium-term
approach to service
delivery
improvement. The
project
assumes
that where capacity
is weak, the will to
learn and improve
is there.
Timely
and
effective budgetary
mechanisms within
Pristina
and
at
municipal level will
be
critical
to
prevent delay and
disillusionment.
Lack
of
participation of the
target communities
could
affect
objective
and
realistic
priority
setting.Participatory
planning is a new
concept and may
be marginalised by
key
decision
makers, or it may
take time to ensure
a full buy-in of this
planning
process
among
all
stakeholders.
# of RAE children
enrolled in early
childhood education
programmes
Project
Objective 3:
# CSO involved in
the municipal action
plans development. 5CSOs participated
and contributed to
preparations
for
Ethnic
development
of
groups
in
municipal
action
FushëKosov
plans on OOSC
ë
/Kosovo # of CSOs created
Polje
and and/or strengthened Legal mobile aid
mediate proivided in each
Obiliq/Obilić to
effectively for inter- municipality to all
participate
community dialogue and especially the
and
cooperate
vulnerable
for
their
communities
mutual
security and
socioFrom the RAE Youth
economic
Needs assessment
wellbeing
the main conclusion
35 | P a g e
Data to monitor
progress
is
extremely hard to
collect
at
the
municipal level due
to weak and poorlymanaged systems.
This
project
assumes and will
support
improved
data collection –
without
which
evaluation will be
limited
to
qualitative
perspectives.
Long-term capacitybuilding initiatives
at the community
level take time to
manifest in better
services
and
cooperation.
Dissatisfaction and
“participation dropout” is a risk if
people do not see
immediate
improvements. This
requires
public
information/awaren
ess
campaigns
balanced
with
projects addressing
immediate needs of
the population, as
was that 90% of the
well as community
surveyed 200 youth,
participation
in
expressed
the
priority setting.
# official and non- concern
that
official
fora
organized
for
communities and/or
CSOs to discuss
mutual welfare and
resolve disputes
# of RAE registered
at birth and death
# Initiatives partially
invested in justice
and human security
by municipalities.
municipalities
of
FKP & Obiliq are
doing very little to
improve
their
situation, therefore
they are expecting
much more to be
done
from
local
authorities
in
addressing
RAE
youth needs. On the
other side, 75% of
youth are not active
neither participate in
any
Youth
organization/structur
e where they could
raise and advocate
for
their
needs/issues,
although the Local
Youth
Action
Councils
(LYAC)
and Youth Centers
(YC) are available in
those
both
municipalities.
The situation analysis
has been initiated for
assessing
the
institutional capacities
and child protection
existing services in
both municipalities of
intervention.
Increased knowledge
of
municipal
authorities on their
roles
and
responsibilities for the
successful
functionality of child
36 | P a g e
CSOs
currently
have
extremely
weak capacity to
absorb
funding
effectively.
This
project must take a
longer-term view to
assist communities
in “weeding out”
those CSOs without
a
genuine
constituency
and
respect,
while
slowly
building
others to avoid the
risk of overload and
loss of integrity.
Local
improvements
in
inter-ethnic
relations made over
the long-term can
be easily shattered
by
unpredictable,
isolated
events
outside
the
immediate locality.
Progress
towards
inter-ethnic
cooperation under
this project can
therefore only be
measured against
the
regional
protection
management
roundtables.
case political context.
Increased
commitment of the
identified institutions
Obiliq/Obilić
municipality
for
supporting
the
existence
and
functionality of case
management
roundtable
and
community counseling
groups.
In total, 15 on going
cases of children at
risk were evaluated
by case management
roundtable in FKP
based
on
the
Universal Well-Being
Indicators – Safety,
Health, Achieving and
Nurtured
Implementation constraints, including plans for addressing them: In
regard to output one of the project, the TEP design was quite a challenging
approach due to the fact that it is being applied for the first time in Kosovo and
therefore required long time to do the analyses of the market and review
legislation and findings of the Census, in order to come up with concrere
recommendations. It is absolutely crucial to meet all the stakeholders that will
and can play a role in the implementation of TEP in order to ensure their
stronger understanding about the process and shape the stakeholders thinking
around the social responsibility towards the vulnerable communities. This in
itself was quite thorny debate that required building some level of trust on the
stakeholder’s side towards the process. For these reasons, , the design stage
has taken more time than originally envisaged.
37 | P a g e
For the project team it was challenging to maintain the flow of debate on the
graund around TEP and to avoid delay of implementation of activities as the
end of year one was approaching. The challenge remains though, given that we
reached the stage of implementation of FKP TEP where we are to deliver on
majority of actions foreseen (initiation and finalization of procurement process
within September) - implementation and completion of activities for this year
the end of December 2013.
Lessons learned: Overall, the participatory approach in design of activities is
crucial to ensure ownership and commitment of the partners and beneficiaries
especially when new processes and concepts are proposed.
Also, the implementation of different activities at community level by
community members, using everyday language and approach is much more
culturally accepted and gives better results in raising awareness and behaviour
change. Building capacities of youth NGOs and activists in minority areas
greatly contributes to social inclusion
Working with partners: Overall, good experience. Partners have shown high
degree if interest and commitment to the project implementation.
With NGO AGR from Fushe Kosovë/o, as a UNICEF (Youth unit) partner, up to
date, we have a good experience and are satisfied with their commitment and
willingness to implement in most effective manner the agreed and planned
activities.
Good Practice/Innovation: While TEP approach is known in other countries,
especially in some EU member states, it is a new programmatic tool applied in
Kosovo to achieve certain employment objectives. It has withdrawn significant
attention of the media and public. TEP approach is the first attempt in Kosovo
to realize local-level debate around employment issues and recommends clear
interventions in this regard. Driven by both Local Action Groups, the Pact
defines the roles and responsibilities of over 25 actors involved in efforts to
generate and formalize employment in FKP and Obiliq/c - provides with a much
stronger social cohesion and makes local partners to take on a more
responsible approach towards provision of services to the most vulnerable
citizens; it turn the vulnerable individuals in players in the labor market and not
only beneficiaries. In addition, the concept of social enterprising is introduced
in Kosovo using this project as a platform, both in the two municipalities and at
the central level. The model has been embraced as result of successful
introduction by project to the partners about the values of social enterprising
and befits it brings to the community.
38 | P a g e
Application of human security concept: While key challenges that are
related to human security are being addressed, the project through the relative
sectors is contributing to a stronger governance system by using the project as
a platform to effective dialogue between the stakeholders in the process. Of
course the project is not working from scratch in this respect but rather builds
on other previous efforts, including agencies involved under this project. What
is different this time is that the process makes stakeholders view each other as
equal partners and recognizes the fact that key development objectives are
only achieved through partnerships. In addition and equally important, the
human security approach is ensuring that the same individual is benefiting
better health outcomes, better access to education services and better
economic prospects simultaneously.
Project management: The project is consisted of four staff, the project
coordinator, two municipality officers and the project associate engaged by
UNDP. Other agencies have assigned one person why is responsible to
manage and oversee the activities of respective agency. _
Gender perspective: The project supports the women that are constrained by
various vulnerabilities. Through employment interventions (TEP), 18 women
are being identified by the EO who will receive support in their skills
development and subsidized employment in the last quarter of 2013 and 201 in
FKP only. In Obiliq/c, the project and the partners under TEP there are in the
process of identification of 15 disadvantaged women to be engaged in
producing textile clothing and accessories.
Other highlights and crosscutting issues, as applicable: Gender dimension
is mainstreamed throughout the whole project. Women benefit directly from
various interventions such as better housing conditions and rural micro enterprise upgrade. Interethnic relations are also addressed through the project
activities rather than directly. This is to strengthen further the communication
between the different communities. Otherwise, there are no interethnic issues
in the municipalities under this project.
Safety ansd security: UNDP Kosovo Small Arms Control (KOSAC) project has met
with key stakeholders in order to put in please the coordination mechanisms to assist
target municipalities in developing and implementing “Safer Community
Plans”. UNDP KOSSAC has presented the work plan to Ministry of Internal Affairs Division for Community Safety and ensured their full support during the process of
implementation.
The work plan and the approach has been also presented during the meeting of
Steering Group for monitoring the implementation of National Strategy on Community
Safety and Action Plan and also during 10th Local Public Safety Committee Executive
39 | P a g e
Council meeting in order to promote the cooperation and get partners’ commitment
during the process.
In addition, the KOSSAC Team agreed on the approach and material for problem
analyses to be used during the workshop which contains: Situation analyses, problem
solution three method and SWOT analyses.
Ongoing activities: During the September the Safer communities’ workshop will be
organized in FushëKosova/Kosovo Polje and Obiliq/Obilic on problem analyses and in
cooperation with local actors will do an outreach campaign on safer community issues
identified by local stakeholder. The first workshop will take place on September 24,
2013 ( TBC). Moreover, KOSSAC will implement the following activities with the aim
to prove technical support to policing and judicial institutions: Organize a focus group
with LPSC members in Fushe Kosova/Kosovo Polje and Obiliq/Obilic and do a risk
assessment related to policing and judicial issues; publishing information brochures
related to LPSC role and citizens engagements and also organize train the trainers
workshops by using for LPSC trainers to train young members of their community.
IV: Forthcoming annual work-plan
It is agreed with the HSU that the work plan reflecting September 2013-Aug
2014 will be submitted at the end of November 2013.
Section V: Resources and financial implementation
Table 1: Consolidated financial summary report
Imple
menti
ng
Orga
nisati
on
Appr
oved
Bud
get
in
Year
1 (I)
Fund Appr
s
oved
Budg
recei et in
ved
Year
in
2 (III)
Year
1 (II)
Fund
s
Recei
ved
Year
2 (VI)
Appr
oved
Bud
get
in
Year
3 (V)
Fund
s
Total
funds
recei
ved
in
Year
3 (IV)
recei
ved
to
date
(VII =
II+IV
+VI))
Expe
nditur
e to
date
(VIII)
Vari
ance
betw
een
fund
s
recei
ved
&
Expe
nditu
40 | P a g e
Deliv
ery
rate
as a
per
cent
(X =
VIII/
VII*1
00)
re
(IX =
VIIVIII)
UND
P/UN
V
285,
690
285,
690
Progr
amm
able
amo
unt:
155,
003
USD;
Spen
t:50,
366
USD
UNIC
EF
WHO
41 | P a g e
67,4
133,3
47
152,
343
46,6
%
Progr 50,36
amma 6
ble
USD
amou
nt:
155,0
03
USD;
Spent
:50,36
6
USD
104,
637
USD
32.5
%
5,691
32,8
29
14.7
%
65,88
1,52
97.7
Indire
ct
progr
amme
cost
(7%):
10,86
3
USD
Indir
ect
progr
amm
e
cost
(7%):
10,8
63
USD
UNFP 38,5
A
20
285,6
90
38,5
20
67,4
Total
10
10
9
1
%
546,
623
546,
623
255,2
93
2913
30
47%
Section VI:
Promotional activities: The Human Security approach is applied in Kosovo
before, but only came to the attention of the targeted municipalities through this
project. Given its multi-sectoral approach and intensive communication with
external partners, the project is perceived by the municipality authorities in
particular as a strong initiative to addressing the key challenging in one go
such as health and education services and unemployment. Given its
employment element, the project has gained big attention by the wider public
and the media.
Initial Community Vulnerability Assessment (CVA) is conducted for targeted
communities. The report summarizes the key findings of the UNDP 2013
Community Vulnerability Assessment carried out in the period April-May 2013.
While some data have been obtained at individual members’ level, most of the
data presented in this report refer to household as the main analysis unit. The
degree of vulnerability is determined by the unit's exposure to r isk and its
ability to cope with or withstand stressful situations 3. More specifically, the
factors that determine a condition of vulnerability can be grouped into two
types:
External factors: transitory, seasonal or chronic shocks and changes. These
factors essentially constitute factors of risk.4
Internal factors: factors tied to the characteristics of the household or
individual, their general living conditions and the internal dynamics of the
household that limit its ability to avoid becoming "food inse cure" and influence
its ability to be resilient against the above external factors. Such factors
described here can be classified as the household's characteristics.
In short, the ability to capitalize upon their assets (internal factors) (human,
social, natural, physical and financial capital) for survival purposes, and the
influence that these assets face from external factors, such as structural
Food and Agriculture Organization. Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Methodologies. 2003. Available at:
ftp://ftp.fao.org/OSD/CPF/Tools/B2-Vulnertability%20and%20Risk%20Analysis/Vulnerability%20Assessment%20Methodologies.doc
3
4
Ibid.
42 | P a g e
(policies, legislation, cultural norms, market conditions) or transitory "shocks"
(seasonal changes, shocks), provide for an in-depth understanding of
vulnerability of the communities in Obiliq/Obilic and Fushe Kosove/Kosovo
Polje.
The communities surveyed during the CVA assessment display different types
and intensities of vulnerabilities and risks they face. Of ten both the prevalence
and intensity of vulnerability and risk are associated with ethnicity, which
appears to be clearly the most influential demographic variable in the CVA
2013 survey. The differences in results obtained from male and female
respondents (main interviewees in the household) are in most cases
statistically insignificant. This however does not mean that women are not more
vulnerable than men in the society. As evidenced across all parameters and
indicators of vulnerability collected for each individual member of the
households, women scored lower than men, although in most parameters the
difference is little.
Health Security. This dimension was thoroughly analyzed for the purpose of the
CVA and the results obtained concerning this aspect show several risks that
are associated to the current situation in the households interviewed. While the
distance to health facilities is relatively short and physical access to service
providers is assessed to be easy, the ability to treat diseases (due to high cost
of treatment particularly for chronic illness) is significantly lower. One of the
most concerning aspects pertains to vaccination, whereby 14.2% report only
partial vaccination of household members aged fourteen or younger, and an
additional 2.7% which report that their family members under the age of
fourteen have not received any immunization. The most concerning reason
provided for non-vaccination is the inability to get vaccination free of charge,
despite the legal provisions foreseeing free immunization for all. Prevalence of
chronic illnesses among family members is also not considered to be a major
risk for with the households interviewed. Among the most frequent types of
chronic illness and conditions, households report high blood pressure and other
cardiovascular diseases as the most often encountered ones.
Economic Security This dimension in the Human Security Multi -Sectorality and
Externalities Framework appears to be the biggest vulnerability that the
communities surveyed are faced with. The communities included in the CVA
face immediate risks to their wellbeing that have high probability of occurrence.
Given the high percentage that cost of utilities accounts for in the household
budgets, any electricity price increases, would seriously impact the households
reporting lowest income levels in the survey. High unemployment, dependency
on social assistance schemes, and high cost of basic food supplies and utilities
makes the majority of households in the communities surveyed dependable on
instable/extra ordinary income coming mainly from remittances or some other
43 | P a g e
form of cash transfers. The vast majority of households interviewed report to
spend the biggest part of their household budgets on food, basic supplies and
utility payments.
ood security appears to be a serious risk identified by the CVA 2013 survey
particularly among the Roma households whereby on average they report to
spend 90% of their total household budgets on food. Given the inflation trends,
as well as continuous increase of prices due to global markets fluctuations (i.e.
oil prices), this risk posses an immediate threat to the communities and is
directly linked to the survival of the households. The high percentage of
persons reporting difficulties to currently supply food and basic supplies for
their families is an indicator of the alarming situation in the field.
Personal Security Physical security and safety of communities is considered
not to be an issue of concern for the respondents included in the CVA. The
sense of security and protection is displayed by all communities.
Community Security: The highest challenge to the security of communities
across all ethnicities is group/community security. Security and protection is a
responsibility of the local level government and the KP and should be
addressed through these structures.
Political Security is ensured by the highest legal document in Kosovo -its
constitution. This document has been often considered as one of the most
progressive documents of its kind, ensuring high degree of representation and
participation of ethnic communities and providing for warranties to the right of
representation.
Environmental Security for the communities in Fushe Kosove/Kosovo Polje and
Obiliq/Obilic municipalities is concerning. As it is mainly affected by large
(national) processes, for addressing of which some steps have already been
taken, the environmental risk factors are expected to decrease both in intensity
and prevalence. The worst environment indicator assessed by respondents wa s
the presence of toxic substances.
In general, the report confirms the situation on the ground and does not provide
information that is not mainstreamed in to the project original activities. Where
applicable, the findings will be reflected in to the activities for Sep 2013 – Aug 2014.
44 | P a g e