The Civic Dialogue Small Grants Fund gathers civil society actors to carry out joint projects. Recognizing that CiD sessions have become forums for designing new joint projects, a fund to support these activities was created. These small grants foster and encourage new relationships and networks, through financial support.

The primary condition for applicants to be considered for funding by CiD is to include at least two partner organizations, representing two different ethnic groups from Kosovo and Serbia. It is expected that through this cooperation, better communication and cooperation will be developed leading to long lasting relationships that bridge cultural divides.

In 2003, the Civic Dialogue Board passed a resolution recognizing the number of joint projects that had been instigated at CiD sessions, and also calling for the formation of a fund that would help finance these unique, multi-ethnic programs made possible by CiD.  This funding would be offered to at least two partner organizations that must either represent Kosovo and Serbia or differing ethnic groups within Kosovo. This marked the beginning of the Civic Dialogue Small Grants Fund (SGF). In early 2004, funding was obtained from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund for the launch of this program. Second round was financed by the BTD, and the third round was financed by the RBF, again.
33 projects were founded since the beginning of this program. Around 80 organizations and more than 1000 individuals from Kosovo and from Serbia were involved in the projects financed by this fund so far.

Small Grants Program coordinators are Mirlinda Gojani and Tatjana Tucic

+++ THE THIRD ROUND - The Civic Dialogue Small Grants Fund 2006:

1. CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT OF CIVIL RESOURCES, Nis... more>>
2. PER.ART, Novi Sad ... more>>
3. ONO Omladinska Nevladina Organizacija – Youth Non-Governmental
Organization, Novi Sad... ... more>>
4. Zadruga Res publica, Belgrade... more>>
5. Community Building Mitrovica ( CBM)... more>>
6. BIRD (Balkan Institute for Research and Development) - Prishtina... more>>
7. Youth Camp Kosovo... more>>
8. Youth Center “Rinia” – Hogosht... more>>
9. “Me dorë në zemer” - Mitrovica... more>>
10. National Scout Center of Kosovo - Mitrovica... more>>
11. “Radio Mitrovica”... more>>
12. "Woman 2000" - Peje... more>>
13. “Kosovo’s Women Coalition”... more>>

+++ THE SECOND ROUND - The Civic Dialogue Small Grants Fund 2005:

1. European Law Students Association, Novi Sad... more>>
2. Multilink, Novi Sad... more>>
3. Action for non violence and peace building-Gnjilan... more>>
4.Association for the Protection and Improvement of the Mental Health of
Children and Youth, Nis... more>>
5. Medijski centar BETA, Beograd... more>>
6. Per.Art, Novi Sad... more>>
7. Civil Resource Development Centre, Nis... more>>
8. Radio Premiera - Kamenica... more>>
9. Syndicate for Social Affairs ... more>>
10. Communication for Social Development, Gracanica... more>>
11. Kosovo Women Coalition... more>>
12.NGO MUNDESIA (POSSIBILITY), Mitrovica... more>>

+++ THE FIRST ROUND - The Civic Dialogue Small Grants Fund 2004:

1. Action for Non-violence and Peace Building and Harizma... more>>
2. Community Building Mitrovica’s “Women in Business”... more>>
3. Etika (a youth NGO) and Millennium I RI developed... more>>
4. DONA & FBF... more>>
5. Communication for Social Development... more>>
6. Youth Initiative for Human Rights... more>>
7. Radio UrbaNS... more>>
8. Women studies and research "Mileva Maric Einstein" ... more>>
9. The Chamber Theatre of Music (City Stage Programme)... more>>

+++ THE OTHER PROJECTS:

1. Project “Local Politics in Multiethnic Municipalities” ... more>>
2. Research project ... more>>
3. CIVIC DIALOGUE YOUTH DEBATE - “Together Towards the Future” ... more>>
4. CIVIC DIALOGUE YOUTH DEBATE - “How to Promote Dialogue” ... more>>
5. CIVIC DIALOGUE YOUTH DEBATE - "Youth and Civic Dialogue" ... more>>
6. CIVIC DIALOGUE YOUTH ASSEMBLY PROJECT - "Building Communication Bridges in Multiethnic Areas" ... more>>
7. Joint Think Tank Research Project “FREE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE AND GOODS BETWEEN KOSOVO AND SERBIA”... more>>
8. University Cooperation ... more>>
9. Exit Music Festival ... more>>

In accordance with its previous experiences and the long-term objective to bring civil society actors together in the implementation of joint projects, Small Grants Fund awarded the third round of small grants funded by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. 33 projects have been supported by the SGF so far. The SGF strives to enhance communication and co-operation among the members of different ethnic groups and create sustainable and sound relations in the region.

The Civic Dialogue Board decided to fund 13 projects in the third round of the Small Grants Fund, which included 26 NGOs from Kosovo and Serbia – nine projects came from Kosovo, while four came from Serbia.

1. CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT OF CIVIL RESOURCES, Nis
Partner organizations: Youth Initiative for Human Rights from Prishtine, Citizen's Pact for SEE, Novi Sad, EXIT Festival, Novi Sad

The Center for Development of Civil Resources from Nis, in cooperation with the Citizen's Pact for SEE from Novi Sad and the Youth Initiative for Human Rights from Pristina organized the visit of twenty young activists from Serbia and Kosovo to the EXIT Festival. Activists from Nis, Belgrade, Pristina, and Mitrovica performed together an activist performance entitled "PEOPLE - NOT TERRITORIES" as a follow up to the activities held in Pristina and Mitrovica in May last year. The performance took place on the bench located on AGORA. The main activity during the program at the EXIT festival was the meeting of young people from Kosovo and Serbia, where they exchanged their experiences and made the strategies for the future joint activities outlined in slogan: “PEOPLE – NOT TERRITORIES”. Program and activities at the EXIT festival included the distribution of T-shirts with activists’ messages written by car spray and badges with slogan "PEOPLE - NOT TERRITORIES" in Albanian, Serbian and English language. Also, three workshops addressing the issues of transitional justice and activism were held during the festival and a large number of activists from Serbia and Kosovo participated in the discussions. One of the activities was "ad hoc" survey on youth attitudes on fascism, nationalism, xenophobia and homophobia.
The joint bench of youth from Kosovo and Serbia was one of the most visited during the festival. Activities had to be stopped several times because of the crowd, the lack of possibilities to realize the planned program or to enable the visitors to approach the bench and become the part of its program.
Serbian President Boris Tadic, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vuk Draskovic, as well as Goran Svilanovic, Coordinator of Stability Pact for Eastern Europe and Oli Ren, Commissioner for the Enlargement of EU visited the bench. After a short introduction to basic ideas and activities of this initiative, they received T-shirts and badges with a note a slogan: "PEOPLE- NOT TERRITORY".

back to top

2. PER.ART, Novi Sad
Project name: ID(ifferent) Project Partner: Gallery "Exit", Pec/Peja (Mehmed Behluli)
Active support: Community Buildning Mitrovica (Mitrovica), “Me dore ne zemer” (Mitrovica), Walking Theory, Belgrade

The project presents a successful follow-up to the previous co-operation among artists, activists and young people from Vojvodina and Kosovo. It was preceded by the project Threads – Wedding customs, personal and social connections, and Family Houses project. Mehmet Behluli, an artist from Kosovo and a lecturer at the Faculty of Arts in Prisitina, presented ten videos of young Kosovar artists in the Museum of Contemporary Art of Vojvodina, on March 10th, 2007. 30 visitors attended the presentation covered by daily newspapers Danas and Gradjanski list and Radio 021. In the conversation with Mr Behluli that followed the presentation, the participants had an opportunity to discuss different issues ranging from social preconditions for contemporary artistic production to the system of artistic education in Kosovo. A week after that event, Sasa Asentic, a social activists and performer, presented the contemporary Vojvodinian performing art scene to the Kosovar audience. The presentation took the form of projection, lecture and performance. 60 participant and two media (daily newspaper Express and Radio Free Europe) attended the event. The presentation took place in the Rizome Center - space for contemporary communication.The Walking Theory magazin published in Belgrade was distributed during the presentation. This project attempts to present the most successful activities in the field of cultural co-operation. It has managed to establish links between artists from Kosovo and Vojvodina and plans for future cooperation have been agreed upon.

3. ONO Omladinska Nevladina Organizacija – Youth Non-Governmental
Organization, Novi Sad
Project name: From monologue to dialogue
Project Partner: INPO, Initiative for Progress-Ferizaj/Urosevac

The applicants organized a four day training for 20 young people from Kosovo and Vojvodina in Novi Sad. The aim of the project was to foster dialogue between young people from Vojvodina and Kosovo through the training on team building, public relations, communication skills and prejudices, stereotypes and discrimination. Those topics were chosen to meet the needs of young people and to provide them with skills necessary for the active participation in the community life. Relying on these knowledge and skills, the future engagement of the participants will contribute to the establishment of a society based on tolerance and dialogue. . Both organizations had participated in the preparation and realization of the project, and trainers came both from Kosovo and Vojvodina. That was the first time that the young people from Ferizaj/Urosevac visited Serbia. They unanimously evaluated the project as a very important and excellent experience in their lives. On the other hand, it was the first time that young people from Novi Sad met their compeers from Kosovo and had an opportunity to learn more about their lives, language and customs. In order to improve communication among the participants, additional activities were realized, such as multicultural evening, Forum Theater, “Adventure in Novi Sad”, ice skating and salsa evening.
A strong connection was established between the participants and these two organizations. They built mutual trust and made plans for future cooperation.

back to top

4. Zadruga Res publica, Belgrade
Project title: “The role of media in rebuilding cooperation and normalization of relationship between Serbs and Albanians in Kosovo”
Partner organization: Petrit Selimi , Express

In the light of the ongoing negotiations on the final status of Kosovo, the applicant organization together with their colleague journalists from Pristina tried to find an adequate solution to the normalization of the relationship between Albanians and Serbs in Kosovo. The project gathered prominent journalists, anthropologists, analysts, economists, attorneys, historians and sociologists for a round table discussion. The outcomes of the discussion, which took place in Belgrade, were published.

5.Community Building Mitrovica ( CBM)
Project Name: “My life through camera”
Project Partner: Mitrovica North Office

This project sought to mobilize the youth of Mitrovica region to promote multiethnic and religious dialogue and peaceful coexistence through the creative use of camera. At the same time, the project increased the capacities of young people to advocate for their own interest.

The project consisted of three main components: a workshop; a visit to various religious and cultural places and taking photographs and an exhibition.
15 youngsters of different ethnic background (6 Albanians, 6 Serbs, 1 Bosnian, 1 Roma and 1 Ashkali ) were involved in the project. The participants visited Decani Monastery, Peja and Prizren where they, in an attempt to transmit messages of the peaceful coexistence of different religions and ethnicities, took photographs of the mentioned objects. The best were then selected for exhibition and publication.
With its clear messages of dialogue, co-operation and tolerance, the project made a significant influence on wider audience assuring it in the possibility of coexistence and mutual trust.

6. BIRD (Balkan Institute for Research and Development) - Prishtina
Project name: "Youth Exchange Program Kosovo-Serbia (Through youth dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia towards the understanding and cooperation in the region"
Project partner: ELSA –Serbia (The European Law Students’ Association)

The goal of the project was to increase democratic capacities of the youth from Kosovo and Serbia as a precondition for the stability in the region. This is the follow-up to the exchange program initiated in 2005 with the aim to involve a large number of young people form Kosovo and Serbia in mutual co-operation. During the realization of the project, young people tried together to find a model for peaceful coexistence of different ethnicities and active participation in the establishment of a democratic society. Therefore, the project included various activities such as the presentation of the model of multiethnic coexistence of the city of Subotica and visits to government institutions, both in Kosovo and Serbia. Also, a survey on youth attitudes on the possibilities for co-operation and the establishment of sustainable communication was carried out. Based on its findings, two-day conference entitled Multiculturalism and Nationalism, Youth Education and Cultural Heritage was organized.

back to top

7. Youth Camp Kosovo
Project name: “Multiethnic basketball camp – Brezovica 2007”
Project partner: “Bambi”-Mitrovica, and “Sloga”-Kraljevo

The main goal of this project was the establishment of communication between young people of different ethnic background through their participation in various sport activities. The long-term objective was to strengthen inter-ethnic communication and, therefore, to provide a solid base for dialogue between the youth. The five-day camp took place in Brezovica and gathered 52 children from Peja, Strpce and Kraljevo. During the camp, an informal network for exchange of information was created and it is expected to lead towards the establishment of a long-term communication on regular basis. “Sport can play a very important role in the normalization of the present situation and create a communication channel which will connect Kosovo and Serbia. Furthermore, such initiatives can foster dialogue, particularly among new generations” – said Mr. Perica Geric from Kraljevo. The basketball camp was the first project to bring children form Kraljevo to Kosovo.

8. Youth Center “Rinia” – Hogosht
Project Name: "All together for dialogue and tolerance"
Project partner: "Sveti Nikola"-Kamenica

This project was generally focused on the youth from Gjilani region while special attention was given to young people from rural areas. At the very beginning of the project, a survey screening the prevailing attitudes of the youth towards the possibilities of dialogue and coexistence in this area was conducted. The presentation of the survey results initiated the discussions about common problems youth in this region is faced with.
The partner organizations selected 30 young people of different ethnic background, inviting the most active ones to the five-day joint camp, where different cultural, sport and environmental activities took place. The project also brought together NGOs, representatives of local government and members of the American KFOR located in this area.

9. “Me dorë në zemer” - Mitrovica
Project Name: "Youth- Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow"
Project Partner: PER Art-Novi Sad

The aim of the project was to raise awareness of the importance of inter-ethnic dialogue as a tool for the improvement of the present situation. The objectives were:
1. To create the possibility for dialogue;
2. To establish the youth network from different communities;
3. To promote dialogue through a documentary.

The project brought together the youth from Mitrovica region and Novi Sad with the aim to strengthen the links between them. During the project, a student exchange program between Mitrovica and Novi Sad was realized. Students from both cities shoot a documentary that addressed different issues regarding the past, prospects for the future, co-existence, dialogue etc. At the premiere of the documentary, bilingual leaflets were distributed to the audience.

back to top

10. National Scout Center of Kosovo - Mitrovica
Project Name: "Let’s Change the Life"
Project Partner: Odred izviđaca “KOTA 797”-Zvecan

This project demonstrated how different activities, in this case scout program, can strengthen and encourage inter-ethnic co-operation among young people. The project had the following aims:
1. To deliver a training to youth leaders on decision making process, public relation and leadership;
2. To enhance their existing skills;
3. To strengthen the co-operation between two NGO’s through joint scout and educational activities;
4. To involve experts from the region in the exchange of experiences;
5. To rebuild mutual trust among the youth of different ethnic background.

Beside the Scout Winter School, two more camps were organized in Brezovica and Zvecan. 90 participants of different nationalities received the mentioned trainings. The project attracted significant media attention.

11. "Radio Mitrovica"
Project Name: "Mitrovica contact across the Ibar river"
Project Partner: Radio Kontakt Plus

The project initiated regular communication and exchange of information between local media (Radio Mitrovica, Contact Plus) in the divided city of Mitrovica. The aim of the project was to establish sound communication between Serbs located in the north and Albanians living in the south of the city and to inform them thoroughly about the latest cultural, economical and social developments and their common everyday problems. The project was focused on local community interests i.e. interests of citizens who want to overcome the burden of the past conflicts and build democratic institutions, industry and economy. This is to be achieved through the regular exchange of news from both sides.

12. "Woman 2000" - Peje
Project Name: Exhibition "Internal work of art therapy"
Project Partner: "ARS", "Hana" Vitomirica, "Gorazdanke"-Gorazdevac, Egipcansko drustvo Kosovo".

This project presents an attempt to establish a safe and sound cultural environment in Peja region through the use of art therapy and painting. In the co- operation with young people affected by the war, a temporary school of art therapy was organized. This innovative intercultural approach involved members of all ethnicities living in this area. The creative use of art proved to be an effective tool to combat and overcome the widespread war traumas, particularly traumas experienced by young women.
"Art and painting speak international language and easily overcome obstacles in communication and understanding. That is why the art therapy was chosen as a tool to promote dialogue and tolerance in Peja region" said Vullnet Begolli, the coordinator of the organization. The project also actively involved other multiethnic NGOs active in this area.

13. "Kosovo’s Women Coalition"
Project name: "Is there any place for me…?!!!"
Project Partner: "Svet andjela" Mitrovica

The project started with a research on the participation of women in social and political life of the community with the long-term objective to contribute to the increase in the participation of women in public, social and political spheres. The outcomes of the research were presented in numerous radio shows, while a round table discussion addressing the issue of the visibility of women in decision making process was also organized. The event attracted significant media attention and brought together women from local and central media.

The Civic Dialogue published the publication about Small Grants Program, in December 2006.

1. European Law Students Association, Novi Sad
Partner organization: BIRD, Pristina
Project title: Civil Dialogue Kosovo – Serbia, Through Youth Dialogue Towards Stability in the Region of South-East Europe

This project aimed to build cooperation between the Universities of Pristina and Novi Sad by initiating a Memorandum of Understanding. This memorandum encouraged representatives of the Universities’ Rectories to work together in the fields of education, culture, and student and educational staff exchange. The ultimate goal of this project was the development of a strategy and concrete plan of action in solving the issues surrounding the recognition of UNMIK travel documents. There were three stages to this project, the first two being lobbying in universities and relevant ministries/secretariats and continuous advocacy campaigns through ELSA, while also researching students’ attitudes on cooperation at the University of Novi Sad. The third stage was a four-day regional conference that was lasted from April 20 to 23 in Mt Fruska Gora. The Conference was designed as several workshops, lectures and plenary meetings and contained many famous speakers. This drew 40 participants from Kosovo and Serbia, as well as students from Switzerland, Austria, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece as well as some media coverage in both Greece and Kosovo.

2. Multilink, Novi Sad
Partner organization: Radio Urban FM, Pristina
Project title: Music link

The idea for Music link project emerged from a survey carried out by the applicants in the territory of Vojvodina on familiarity of urban culture and artists from Kosovo. The survey was very enlightening as it indicated that beside the existing knowledge of the lives and creativity of young people in Kosovo, a significant amount of prejudices and stereotypes is present.
Music Link" project was overseen in Novi Sad on the 17th and 18th February where two main events took place. The first event was held on February 17th 2006 which was a round table discussion as well as an opportunity to discuss possibilities and perspectives of cooperation between musicians from Kosovo and Serbia. The next day, DJs from Kosovo and Serbia performed together in Jelisavetin Bastion Club located on the Petrovaradin Fortess. The event was a great success as almost 1000 young people came to listen to guests from Kosovo as well as comments from young people that sounded very positive and interested in knowing more about the everyday life of the Kosovar youth. Significant media attention and was covered by the most popular TV station in Serbia.

Future activities steming from Musiclink
Following these activities, the partner organizations held a press conference and post these materials on their website. In addition, project participants presented these materials on relevant web forums in order to draw attention to the topic.

back to top

3. Action for non violence and peace building-Gnjilan
Partner organisation: Community Centre "Veliko Ropotovo" - Kamenica Project title: The empowerment of youth leaders in public communication

The initial plan of this project was to bring together 50 youth leaders of different ethnic backgrounds, representatives of youth NGOs, and the media to discuss ways to overcome the obstacles they face in communication and cooperation with other communities, to raise their self confidence, and to help them exchange experiences. Surprisingly, 82 NGO activists applied for participation in the project. The first part of the project involved lectures by two well-known professors on the topic of public communication, which took place in the Kosovo Police Academy in Vushtrri. Upon completion of these activities, participants received the book “The Psychology of Success III” by Dale Carnegie.
There was huge interest shown by youth leaders to participate in this seminar and it was identified by the youth network of the Gjilani region. The idea of the project is based on the need, recognized by youth leaders, to improve youth networking in different fields of activities. This project has strengthened the communication skills of the youth of different ethnicities in this region.

4. Association for the Protection and Improvement of the Mental Health of Children and Youth, Nis
Partner organisation: Hareja, Rahovec/Orahovac
Project title: Non-Violent Communication and Mediation

The partner organizations simultaneously organized workshops in areas of Nis and Rahovec/Orahovac for youth 14-18 years of age on non-violent communication and peaceful solution to the conflict. At the end of this cycle of workshops, the most active participants were selected to take part in a five-day multiethnic camp in Divljan. The multiethnic camp ensued in May, with 23 participants from Kosovo and Serbia, containing both educational and recreational components. The aim of the camp was to have the young people get acquainted with each other, develop friendships, overcome prejudices and hopefully continue contact. This resulted in many of the youth making plans for future cooperation as well as the creation of a mailing list, which is still active today.

5. Medijski centar BETA, Beograd
Partner organisation: Kosovalive News Agency, Pristina
Project title: The Albanian-Serbian Forum for Exchange of Information

Beginning in January 2005, in collaboration with Kosovalive and the Centre for Democracy and Reconciliation in South-East Europe, the Serbian-Albanian Forum for information exchange at the web site www.kosovakosovo.com was established, with presentation in Serbian, Albanian and English.
This forum aims to foster dialogue between Serbs and Albanians as well as to recreate a direct channel of communication. This web site has 5000 to 6000 visitors monthly.
In January 2006, a survey titled "Free Movement for Goods and People in Kosovo and Serbia“, carried out by the European Movement in Serbia, the Civic Dialogue and KIPRED, was posted on this site as well as many articles about economical and political issues written by prominent experts and intellectuals

back to top

6. Per.Art, Novi Sad
Partner organisation: Community Building Mitrovicë/Mitrovica
Project title: Family Houses

The project represents a continuation of cooperation between artists, civil society activists and young people from Vojvodina and Kosovo. “Family Houses” is research project focused on empty family houses, abandoned and ruined and which have lost their real meaning. The contents collected through this process are showcased and explored through a visual artistic exhibition [videos, photographs, objects, installations]. The planned activities involved research and collection of audio and video materials, workshops, presentations and performances taking place in Vojvodina and Kosovo, press conferences and continuous press communiqués on the project.
The public presentation and the press conference were held on June 20 in Museum of Contemporary Arts in Novi Sad. Over 50 visitors attended the presentation. Information about the project was released in the media.

7. Civil Resource Development Centre, Nis
Partner organisation: Human Rights Youth Initiative
Project title: "ACTIVIST"

The project was designed as a first step towards future activities that would be carried out jointly by women’s activists, formal and informal groups, LGBT groups, and grass-root activists from Serbia and Kosovo and took place in Pristina and Mitrovica. Five workshops dealing with facing the past were held as well as one street action on both sides of Mitrovica. During the action, participants passed T-shirts and tags with texts in three languages: Albanian, Serbian and English: “People, not territories!” It was planned to hang the banner with the same texts on the fence of the bridge that divides the city, but activists were prevented by KFOR. Activists who participated in the project came from activist and non-governmental organizations from several cities in Serbia (Leskovac, Nis, Beograd, Novi Sad) and Kosovo (Pristina and Mitrovica). 25 participants took part in the basic initiative, both from Serbia and from Pristina and Mitrovica reached 50 active participants on the workshops in Pristina and street actions and workshops/meetings in south and north part of Mitrovica.

Later achievments of Project ACTIVIST
Participants agreed on further cooperation and the project was sucessfully presented by the similiar action on the EXIT festival attended by 150 000 visitors.

8. Radio Premiera -Kamenica
Partner organisation: Radio Kamenica
Project title: "Dialogue as an important process for the common future"

This project promotes dialogue through a series of radio talk shows with well known personalities of society having a project talk show be broadcasted every week and covering topics relevant to both ethnicities living in the area. There are many pressing discussion topics that are brought up, for example; the return process, youth life and issues, disabled people as well as some organized a round table discussion. The aim of the project was to encourage the citizens of Kamenica to establish peaceful atmosphere in their multiethnic city and to promote the standards of co-existence and joint prosperous life for citizens of Kamenica and the region

back to top

9. Syndicate for Social Affairs
Partner organisation: Hand to Hand, Fushë Kosovë/Kosovo Polje
Project title: “It isn’t so dark” - third phase

The project consisted of three phases including researching the topic “One Kosovo for all, you are Kosovar too”, publishing the book “It Isn’t So Dark” and then promoting this book. Funding was requested for the an expansion of the third phase where we wanted to promote the book, create a visual presentation of success stories from the book, have them preformed by the Social Theatre many discussions about ethnic differences of Kosovo. The project’s outcomes were: contribution to building a sound civil society among different ethnicities; affirmation of the new reality in the country; alleviation of the existing inter-human barriers and support to topics on civic co-existence in the country. The project was promoted all over Kosovo and attracted attention of several media particularly National TV (RTK) which launched the recorded edition in the main news edition.

10. Communication for Social Development, Gracanica
Partner organisation: Eyes of the Future, Gracanica
Project title: Together in the future

In this three day seminar held in Brezovica, 20 representatives of NGOs and the media discussed the impact of the media on the interethnic relations and the importance of human rights in the reconciliation process. Participants took part in a training session on conflict resolution and had all there discussions recorded and used as a basis for the two radio programs in both Albanian and Serbian. These were then broadcasted by more than 30 radio stations throughout Kosovo.

11. Kosovo Women Coalition
Partner organization: Svet Andjela-Mitrovica
Project title: How much do we know about human rights in general and women rights in particular?

The aim of the project was to explore the level of knowledge in local communities concerning human rights and the women’s rights in particular. The project was divided into 2 major phases with the first being a two-month phase comprised of research and surveys conducted in 5 cities in Kosovo. The second phase included the analysis of the information gathered and interpretation the results as well as a media presentation. The women coalition has a network of women intellectuals of different professional background all over the Kosovo and proved to be reliable implementing partner.

12. NGO MUNDESIA (POSSIBILITY), Mitrovica
Partner organization: Woman Studies and Researches
”Mileva Maric Ajnstajn”, Novi Sad
Project title: Cooperation of women on research of Roma woman position,
Mitrovica-Novi Sad

The goal of this project was to gather facts, through a research, on the status of Roma women and their living conditions in two Roma camps (Cesmin Lug and Zitkovac in northern Kosovo near Mitrovica) and those living in the vicinity of Novi Sad. This project presented the beginning of official cooperation between two Roma NGOs – “Roma Women for Roma Woman” – Mitrovica and “Amarilis” - Novi Sad. The activities in this project included: workshops at which the questionnaire and methodology were developed, introductory sessions at the Roma community settlements familiarizing people with the project, meetings between the representatives of the Roma organizations, and carrying out field research including analysis and publishing the results. Roma sector of the TV Novi Sad broadcasted the TV show about the event. Based on foundation of this project two more projects were approved.

1. Action for Non-violence and Peace Building and Harizma from Gornje Kusce-Gjilane implemented a joint project “Building Communication Bridges Among Communities” that brought together people from different ethnic backgrounds, focusing on understanding the conflict and exploring methods for non-violent resolution of disagreements. This initiative has encouraged the youth to have a clear vision of a joint future without prejudices within all of the communities living in Kosovo.

2. Community Building Mitrovica’s “Women in Business” project, in addition to its primary goal of training women in entrepreneurship, achieved another social benefit in so far as this was the first time following the March 17-18 violence that Albanian and Serb women participated in an open joint project together. The participants reported that they were happy that this initiative allowed them to meet and develop links between individuals.

3. Etika (a youth NGO) and Millennium I RI developed a joint project “Youth for Peace,” where seven young people representing all ethnic groups worked as a team and led cultural and sporting events to encourage youth to build peace and tolerance. During the project the implementation team attended a formal reception by Former Prime Minister of Kosovo Bajram Rexhepi, who congratulated the groups on this initiative.

4. DONA & FBF (a women’s NGO) from Strpce partnered with the NGO Norma from Pristina, conducting a joint project ”Women’s Legal Rights in Ownership.” Kosovar women, both Serbian and Albanian, deal with the same problems that can be most efficiently addressed through cooperative efforts. A network of women NGOs in Kosovo was the primary recipient. In this network, women discussed concrete issues concerning their status in the civil society, without discussing their ethnic backgrounds.

5. Communication for Social Development based in Gracanica through the project “Youth and Media” encouraged and promoted the spirit of tolerance by conducting and broadcasting a radio discussion about how the youth understands multiethnic society and how the youth can contribute to establishing a tolerant multiethnic society and contribute to the process of integration. The radio programs were broadcast on 18 Albanian and 18 Serbian local radio stations as well as by three multiethnic radio stations.

6. Youth Initiative for Human Rights, offices in Pristina and Belgrade conducted a project “Journalists can do it!” This project brought together journalists from Kosovo and Serbia to combat negative stereotypes. As a result, five texts were published in print media and a TV program was broadcast, which objectively covered every day political, social, economic and cultural aspects of life in Kosovo and in Serbia. An informal network of 15 journalists was created as a result and has remained active following the conclusion of the project.

7. Radio UrbaNS in partnership with the daily Koha Ditore made a documentary about a meeting of two young men, former members of the Yugoslav National Army and the Kosovo Liberation Army, who talk about their former lives with each other. This documentary “Am I Also to Blame?” captures the dramatic fate of these two young people who find themselves on opposing sides of the front line. After the public debate held in Novi Sad where soldiers from the former Yugoslavia also participated, the citizens had an opportunity to listen to a music band from Pristina, which attracted more than 500 young people. Media coverage was substantial and the overall tone of the event was positive and encouraging.

8. Women studies and research "Mileva Maric Einstein" from Novi Sad in cooperation with the NGO Mogućnost (MUNDESIA) from Mitrovica conducted a joint (parallel) content analysis of print media, researching the level of women’s participation in public and political life in Kosovo and Serbia. This research showed that women are faced with similar obstacles in both societies and that more such joint projects would contribute to improving women's position in the region.

9. The Chamber Theatre of Music (City Stage Program)from Novi Sad in cooperation with Community Building Mitrovica confirmed the capacity of culture and art in bringing people together in a performance organized by artists from Kosovo and Vojvodina who wanted to explore and compare the wedding customs of these ethnic groups. The performance was held at the Serbia National Theatre in Novi Sad and for the first time in a long time, one could hear music in Albanian in front of a large audience and media. These “Threads” (or “Niti”), which was the name of the project, connected two cultures, opening a door for continued cooperation among the artists, but also invited the audience to consider different forms of communication, not seen since the conflict ended.

This is a two year project which aims to analyse and evaluate legal and local regulations as well as practice on the subject of the minority rights, inter ethnic relations,  and to build capacity of local governments in multiethnic communities. In this context, project seeks to promote  human and minority rights and inter ethnic collaboration in order to contribute to normalization of situation in the entire Kosova.

Download pdf to find out more>>

As part of Civic Dialogue this year we supported the Research project on existing cross-community and cross-boundary initiatives from 2002-2006. The research was conducted by KIPRED and the analyses are conduct to evaluate the Cid capabilities, flexibility, value ability, aspirations and concreteness through years. In this extend the publications are published in three languages; (Albanian, Serb and English). In addition the database is created with details and information of all NGO’s from Kosovo and Serbia.

Download pdf to find out more>>

CIVIC DIALOGUE YOUTH DEBATE
26 May 2007, Brezovica

“Together Towards the Future”

The Youth Camp Kosovo in cooperation with the Youth Assembly of Strpce organized on May 26, 2007 a one-day debate “Together Towards Future” with youth from Kraljevo-(Serbia), Peja and Strpce.
35 participants actively participated in the debate which took place in Brezovica. The aim of the debate was to establish a network for information exchange and therefore create possibilities for regular communication and partnership. The network should foster wide dialogue among different ethnic groups, independent intellectuals and representatives of cultural scenes.
Mr.Fatmir Basha said: “It was the first time that I participated in those kind of debates, and my impression that communication could play a crucial role in the creation of democratic future for all .”
The debate brought together youth of different ethnic background but with the common will to promote dialogue and coexistence. The guests from Kraljevo were amazed how their fellows from Kosovo accepted them and how friendly they were.
A young from Kraljevo said “When I received the invitation to come in Kosovo, my mum was shocked….She said –“The Albanians are dangerous people and they will kill you!” Now I see that the young from Kosovo are the same as we, we have the same problems, and they aren’t dangerous”!
The participants were divided into small groups and discussed their common problems.

back to top

CIVIC DIALOGUE YOUTH DEBATE
 May 12 2007, Mitrovica

“How to Promote Dialogue”

Mitrovica is a very specific city. It is divided by the river which runs through the city. Before the 1999 Kosovo War, Mitrovica municipality had a population estimated by the OSCE to comprise some 116,500 people, 81% of them Kosovo Albanian, 10% Serb and the remainder other nationalities (notably Roma). In the aftermath of the conflict the ethnically based division became more evident.  The Serbs are situated in the north, while the Albanians live in the south of the city. Although the bridge links two parts of the city, it is still a matter of dispute.  The international community, together with the local and central authorities of Kosovo, is working hard to bring these communities together. In the same manner, civil society actors are taking continuous efforts to promote coexistence without any ethnical, religious or cultural prejudices.
The youth of Mitrovica is actively involved in the promotion of values common to all ethnicities in Mitrovica.
The youth debate “How to Promote Dialogue” was an attempt to encourage and establish dialogue and cooperation among different ethnic groups.
A total of 20 participants, representatives of Serb and Albanian NGO’s from Mitrovica and Novi Sad (NGO Per ART) attended the event.
The aim of the debate was to raise awareness of the importance of interethnic dialogue which was still not a regular practice in Mitrovica. The objectives of the debate were:

1. To create a possibility for dialogue;
2. To establish youth network from different community which will continue activities in the future;
3. To promoting dialogue by a documentary.

The organization ”Me dore ne Zemer” invited youth actively involved in civil society organizations from Novi Sad to share their experiences and explore different ways to promote dialogue. During the debate several entry points for the promotion of dialogue were identified. More frequent communication between Serbia and Kosovo i.e. Mitrovica and Novi Sad proved to be one.  It was also concluded that dialogue could contribute to sustainable peace building, tolerance and democracy. If the will exist, prejudices of both sides can be easily overcome preconditions for new initiatives and further cooperation can be established.
The representatives from Novi Sad expressed their willingness to organize an exchange program and host a group of youth from Mitrovica. 
The lack of funds for such projects was also discussed during the debate. NGO and youth NGO’s are not supported by Municipal Government and is very difficult to find a donor to support such initiatives.
After the debate the participants went together to the local theatre and watched a documentary showing the ways youth from Novi Sad and Mitrovica deal with their problems.

back to top

CIVIC DIALOGUE YOUTH DEBATE
28 April 2007, Kamenica

''Youth and Civic Dialogue "

Kamenicë/Kamenica is the most eastern of Kosovo’s municipalities, bordering Serbia proper, Prishtinë/Priština, Novobërdë/Novo Brdo, and Gjilan/Gnjilane. It is estimated that 58,500 people lived in 74 villages and, according to the unreliable 1991 census, 73% of them were Kosovo Albanians and 25% Kosovo Serbs, with a small percentage of Roma, Macedonians, and Montenegrins. Currently the population is composed of approximately 82% of Kosovo Albanians and 17% of Kosovo Serbs, including a small number of Roma.
The Municipal Working Group on Returns meets on a fortnightly basis and beside all agencies involved in the returns process, local counterparts and IDP representatives regularly participate in these meetings. The group has taken an active approach to this issue which has resulted in the adoption of the Municipal Strategy for Sustainable Return as envisaged in the Kosovo Standards Implementation Plan. According to UNHCR, 374 Kosovo Serbs and 89 Roma returned to the Municipality of Kamenicë/Kamenica form to 5 May 2006. A road is being rebuilt in Gradenik/Gragjenik village with funds for organized returns projects and the municipality believes this will contribute to the success of the returns process. Organized return funds are also being sought for Rahovicë/Orahovica.There appears to be a high rate of departures of minority members for economic reasons in this municipality.

With the aim to facilitate and promote coexistence, tolerance and democratic values in this area, the Youth Assembly in cooperation with organizations Rinia and Sveti Nikola organized a one day debate on youth and civic dialogue for participants from 10 villages in Kamenica municipality. The debate brought together young people of different background but with common problems and needs. Mr Naim Agaj, representative of Rinia NGO, opened the debate. In his welcoming speech, Mr. Agaj addressed the issue of youth participation in decision making processes and the responsibility of young people in overcoming interethnic, cultural and language barriers and promotion of coexistence, dialogue and tolerance.
During the debate, a representative of the Ministry of Culture presented the various modes of support for youth and cultural events in this area. Furthermore he said that Government of Kosovo is working closely with youth NGO’s and UNDP in drafting a short and medium term strategy for youth.
The representative of NGO-Sveti Nikola from Kamenica presented the recent research conducted by this NGO on the readiness of youth to cooperate with their neighbors and their vision of future. The research carried out in 10 villages of Kamenica Municipality showed that common problems for all ethnic groups were unemployment, lack of local government support and the absence of economic. The research also showed that young people from rural areas is generally less supported than youth living in urban settlements. They lack cultural centers and tend to be less active in social life. Another finding showed that the NGOs have not done much to establish a basis for economic and social development. Therefore, the Civic Dialogue needs to be continued and fostered in the future.
All participants agreed that Civic Dialogue is a process which needs to be supported and owned by communities living in this area. It is a tool which can create a supportive environment where different needs, concerns and values of local population will be respected. These statements confirm the presence of good wills to build common future and Civic Dialogue will be a useful tool for youth in future actions. At the end of the debate the youth decided to participate directly in the Civic Dialogue by organizing a joint action for cleaning a Serb house destroyed in war.

back to top

CIVIC DIALOGUE YOUTH ASSEMBLY PROJECT
February 3, 2007, Orahovac

''Building Communication Bridges in Multiethnic  Areas"

The round table ''Building Communication Bridges in Multiethnic  Areas – The Experience of Youth from the Borough of Orahovac'', organized by KHCS ''Mother Teresa'' from Pristina and Youth Centre from Rahovec/Orahovac, took place on February 3, 2007, in Orahovac/Rahovec .

The debate was moderated by Zef Shala – the Executive Director of the Mother Teresa Society from Pristina,  Srdjan Vezmar, the President of the ELSA Serbia National Board from Novi Sad and Jeton Cenka from the Youth Network of Rahovec.

The participants of the debate came from the Borough of Orahovac  and Serbian municipality Velika Hoča. 15 representatives of various NGOs, which form the Youth Network of Rahovec and gather members of different ethnic background (Serbian, Albanian, Roma and Goran communities), attended the meeting.
The reason for the selection of Rahovec/Orahovac is its multiethnic population and the fact that it represents fertile soil for sowing seeds of cooperation, dialogue, understanding and tolerance, especially among youth of this region.

Srdjan Vezmar, the representative of ELSA Serbia, was invited to participate in the meeting and to present experiences in the field of cooperation between young Serbs and Albanians. Since ELSA, Serbia and BIRD from Pristina have been jointly organizing meetings between students from Kosovo and Central Serbia since 2005, the debate was an opportunity to present the most significant results achieved in this field so far. The Civic Dialogue Small Grants Program, which supported  their activities, was also presented.
The participants were also informed about positive results achieved in the cooperation between the young people living in this area and other multiethnic projects implemented in the previous period.
During the debate, the flexibility, good will and possibilities for sound cooperation in this area became evident. The participants expressed their openness for future initiatives and gave concrete ideas and suggestion in this regard.
The OSCE representative of the Rahovec Area supported this event.
At the end of the discussion, a proposal was made to Srdjan Vezmar to visit the youth centre in the Municipality of Velika Hoča. Velika Hoča is a Serbian municipality inhabited by nearly 900 Serbian citizens and is well known for its 13 monasteries which represents a unique case in Kosovo.
The representatives of the youth centre in Velika Hoča arranged future cooperation within the projects which will be realized by ELSA and BIRD.

Supported and coordinated by Freedom House Regional and Serbia programs, the CiD Board, and in cooperation with the regional advisory organization, the Center for Liberal Strategies from Sofia, Bulgaria, a policy research study will be conducted by two local think tanks, the European Movement in Serbia from Belgrade and the Kosovar Institute for Policy Research and Development (KIPRED ), between June and September, 2005. As Freedom House has stated “the need to elicit a common understanding of shared challenges faced in and between Kosovo and Serbia has been clearly demonstrated, especially since 1998. Unfortunately, few of the most compelling policy recommendations have been generated by researchers having a stake in the outcome. To expand and enrich the policy debate to the domestic arenas of Serbia and Kosovo, we are focusing support on the research conducted by actors from and about region. We envisage that advocacy built on this research, with the relevant policy communities promoting European standards, will foster greater regional democratic practices and European integration.”

The length of the research is expected to be six months and the results and recommendations will be available to the public by the fall of 2005.

In early 2005, official dialogue was opened between the students of the Faculties of Law at the Universities of Pristina (UP) and the University of Novi Sad (UNS). Representatives from the European Law Students Association from Novi Sad traveled to Kosovo to discuss future cooperation with their counterparts in Pristina.

In June 2005, a delegation of 20 students from the University of Novi Sad traveled to Pristina to participate in a multi-day session working with their peers in exchanging ideas, developing new programs and identifying areas of common interest to both groups of students. Civic Dialogue served as the umbrella organization to this initiative, providing logistical, expert and financial support, with the help of Freedom House and Mott.

In July, 2005 the Sixth Annual EXIT Music Festival was held at the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad. This is the largest such event in the Balkans and one of the largest in Europe. With Freedom House and Mott support, dozens of youth from Kosovo participated in this event. Musicians, artists, and NGO representatives presented their activities and programs at the NGO Fair that was organized at EXIT by the Citizen's Pact. Civic Dialogue enabled the youth to travel across the border with UNMIK documents and sponsored their room and board.

In 2004, MTV Europe broadcasted live from the event throughout its duration