EU SIMRAES

EU Support for the Implementation of the RAE Strategy (EU SIMRAES) aims to support Kosovo government in the implementation of the RAE Strategy and its Action Plan. Improvement of socio-economic well being of RAE communities is targeted through this project by facilitating access to education of RAE communities, by preserving and promoting RAE cultural heritage, and by improving information about RAE communities in mainstream media. In Education component focus is on 6 community centers in five municipalities: Ferizaj/Uroševac, Gjakovë/Djakovica, Gračanica/Graçanicë, Mitrovicë/Mitrovica, and Prizren, whereas in the field of Culture and Media the activities take place throughout Kosovo. Project is funded by the European Union, managed by the European Commission Liaison Office to Kosovo and implemented by the Kosovo Foundation for Open Society (KFOS). KFOS is the project implementing organization along with its partner organizations and subcontractors involved in specific parts and activities: Kosova Education Center (KEC), NGO Close to Children (PF), Iniciativa 6 (INI6), Durmish Aslano (DAS), Balkan Sunflowers (BSF), Kosovar Catholic Church Caritas (CARITAS KOSOVO), Bethany Christian Services (BCS), Roma and Ashkali Documentation Center (RADC), Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN), Multimedia Center, and Urban FM.

Project location: Throughout Kosovo with special attention to 5 municipalities (Ferizaj/Uroševac, Gjakovë/Djakovica, Gračanica/Graçanicë, Mitrovicë/Mitrovica, and Prizren) where the community centers that are involved in the project are located

Project duration: 24 months, from September 1, 2010 until August 31, 2012

Objectives

The overall objective of this project is to support the Kosovo Government in developing democratic and multi-ethnic society by implementing the RAE Strategy and its Action Plan.

The specific objective of the project is to improve the socio-economic well being of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities in Kosovo by facilitating access to education, by preserving and promoting RAE cultural heritage and by improving information in/on RAE and mainstream media.

Results:

• By the end of the Project the number of RAE children and youth from the beneficiary communities enrolled in formal education has increased for at least 5%
• Improved representation of RAE culture and coverage of RAE problems in mainstream media