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Inter-ethnic relations throughout Kosovo and in southern Serbia are characterized by mistrust and segregation. Without direct connections, mistrust grows and grievances self-perpetuate. The declaration of independence in Kosovo has initiated a new chapter in inter-ethnic relations, but the age-old challenge of connecting ethnic groups who mistrust each other around issues of shared concern remains the same.
Young people of different ethnicities grow up isolated from each other. Their isolation feeds extremism that can prevent discourse and moderation. Conversely, crossing ethnic lines can motivate young people to undertake initiatives that alter attitudes and bring positive change.
Current Programs
NDI is implementing a program funded by the U.S. Department of State through 2008 to foster grassroots activism and inter-ethnic tolerance and cooperation among Albanian, Romani, and Serb secondary school students in Kosovo and southern Serbia. NDI recruited multiethnic pairs of young people in each community to serve as program coordinators. These young people distributed questionnaires and organized group discussions among high school students to gauge interest in community affairs, knowledge of interaction across ethnic boundaries, and readiness to work with other students on development projects. Despite ongoing tension, the coordinators have engaged more than 300 students from 20 high schools in this phase of the program. Based on their assessment, the Institute established student teams responsible for designing and implementing advocacy projects that allow youth to address problems in their communities and cooperate across ethnic and physical boundaries.
Student teams have realized that they can make a difference in their communities by engaging local decision-makers. In southern Serbia, a multiethnic team from Bujanovac has begun to clean up the area around a local lake, while Presevo students are helping the mayor apply for Serbian government funds to open a youth center. In Kosovo, students in South Mitrovica successfully lobbied for an expansion to the municipal library’s collection, and are preparing for dialogue with counterparts in North Mitrovica who are advocating for an arts center. As students pursue their project goals, they are learning that their neighbors have similar aspirations.
Contact Information
For more information about these programs, use our contact form or contact:
Kosovo
Sarah Workman
+381 28 422 807
Washington, D.C.
Brian Paler, Program Officer
(202) 728-5441
Pictured Above: Serb and Albanian high school students in Presevo (Serbia) meets with Mayor Nader Sadiku to discuss government funding for a new community youth center.
