KOSOVO/SERBIA – Supported by RYCO and the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund through the second RYCO Open Call for Project Proposals, the Centre for Counselling, Social Services and Research – SIT in Kosovo on behalf of Agribusiness and Technology High School “ABDYL FRASHËRI” in Kosovo and in partnership with the Edukacioni centar Leskovac in Serbia implemented the “Break the Ice” project which took place from December 2019 to November 2020.
The project aimed to connect youth from Pristina, Kosovo and Leskovac, Serbia to break prejudices and foster mutual understanding and dialogue among each other. Moreover, it also engaged young people in discussions and awareness raising activities focused on human rights and dignity, gender equality, youth participation and mobilization.
“This project has been a turning point for most of the young participants in the project. All of them declared that this is the first project of its kind they are participating in, and they have totally different perceptions about one another now. They were requesting to have mixed groups and spend more time discussing several topics, and showed a great interest in learning about each other’s culture. All participants expressed the will to meet, keep on discussing a lot of topics, and visiting each other’s cities as well,” Project Coordinator Ms Liridona Berisha stated.
During the project activities, young participants from Pristina and Leskovac had the opportunity to openly learn about their cultures, exchange knowledge and ideas and present their cities during the online activities held. At the end, to document their experiences and learnings throughout the project, the organizers and participants shared their stories in a video documentary titled “Intercultural dialogue matters”.
“By the time we reached the end of the project, I had created new friendships and I hope I will be able to take part in similar projects in the future”, one of the participants from Pristina Mr Benjamin Avdullahu said.
“Break the Ice” project enabled the young participants to connect and know more about each other by engaging in intercultural activities which led them to valuing their new friendships.
“I was quite sad we could not meet in person but the project was still an interesting experience, and I hope I will have the chance to meet young people from Pristina soon”, participant from Leskovac Ms Katarina Stojanović highlighted.
To watch the documentary, please click on the link below:
INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE MATTERS – PROJECT DOCUMENTARY
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*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.