Islamic Relief is enabling young people to reach for the stars, with skills to set up successful businesses and secure work in one of Europe’s poorest countries.
Islamic Relief’s latest project is helping individuals to overcome the challenges of a stagnant jobs market in Kosova. A staggering 40 per cent of the country’s population is unemployed, with young, working-age people finding it toughest to get a job.
Inspiring and training young people
In Drenica, the country’s poorest region, Islamic Relief trainers have delivered inspiring workshops in ten schools, promoting the importance of education and helping 1,000 young people to build their self-esteem.
In addition, we are giving young people aged 15-24 the chance to build brighter futures. A total of 416 young people – mostly females – are attending our Professional Training Centre. Students can take classes in languages, computing, and a range of vocational skills such as construction and sewing. The items produced by budding tailors are given to the families of orphaned children, providing 100 households with much-needed new clothing.
“I will always be grateful to Islamic Relief for supporting us,” says Vjollca, 25, who is enrolled on our sewing course. “One day I will be the one to give support to others.”
A challenging project management course is nurturing young entrepreneurs – with a small business start-up grant on offer to the students who developed the best business plan.
A men’s hairdressing salon has already opened, whilst a raspberry-growing business and mini-clothing factory are to open shortly.
In total, more than 1,400 young people are benefitting from the scheme, which is due to complete this summer. It is one of a range of poverty-tackling projects delivered by Islamic Relief in Kosova.