Partner: PADEM Luxembourg
Project Title: Promoting Rights and Equitable Access to Education and Social Protection Services for Persons with Disabilities and Other Vulnerable Groups in North Kosovo
Implementation Period: 2024 – 2028
During the period 2019–2023, DEA Kosovo engaged in various forms of collaboration with Centers for Social Welfare (CSWs) and representatives of primary schools in North Kosovo. These interactions laid the groundwork for identifying key areas of intervention. The findings, informed by project outcomes and extensive communication with relevant stakeholders and beneficiaries, highlighted critical gaps in the existing systems.
A primary concern identified was the limited capacity of social workers and teachers to prevent violations of children’s rights and effectively address incidents of violence. It became evident that specialized training is required to enhance their ability to promote and protect children’s rights.
Information regarding cases of domestic violence and the infringement of children’s rights was obtained through direct communication with CSWs and educational consultants from primary schools. In joint meetings, the main challenges identified were the lack of skills and knowledge among social workers and teachers to recognize and appropriately respond to human and child rights violations.
In response, the following activities are proposed under this project:
- Delivery of practical, case-based training modules
- Support for social workers to conduct fieldwork
- Provision of flexible social funds for CSWs to implement small-scale interventions in documented cases
- Support for proactive initiatives by schools (particularly those in rural areas), including the establishment of school teams and student parliaments
- Training in the implementation of project-based educational initiatives
- Support for the Special Education School “Bozur” through the provision of materials, workshops, and speech therapy training
- Facilitation of joint extracurricular activities between special and mainstream schools
Training Activities
Training programs will be tailored for different categories of participants and may be further expanded based on input from Technical Working Groups and trainee interest.
For Teachers and Special Education Professionals:
- Prevention of discrimination, neglect, and abuse
- Inclusive practices in working with marginalized children and those with disabilities
- Support for students with autism and other developmental challenges
- Development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
- Strengthening of teaching teams
For Social Workers:
- Engagement with children with disabilities and their families
- Support for youth in conflict with the law and traumatized children
- Assistance for women who have experienced violence and abuse
- Mediation in family conflicts
- Management of specific cases within CSWs
- Protection and mental health support for social workers, including management of occupational stress
- Introduction to speech therapy and logopedic techniques
- Basic physical therapy for children with disabilities
For Primary School Students:
- Identification and prevention of peer violence, bullying, and abuse
- Organization of awareness-raising events
- Promotion of human rights and inclusive education for all children, regardless of ability
Community Engagement
The broader community will be actively engaged through participation in professional training sessions, round tables, and public events. These will include annual commemorations of internationally recognized days dedicated to children with disabilities, social justice, human rights, and child protection