As part of the on-going development in Kosovo, which remains the poorest country in Europe, Islamic Relief implements a range of programmes encompassing shelter, school rehabilitation and child welfare.

The Orphans and Child Welfare Programme started in April 2003 with the goal of contributing to the alleviation of child poverty in Kosovo by supporting children and their households through a monthly income that can be used for all daily necessities.

Additionally, Islamic Relief has been running a programme of vocational training courses since 2007, to provide a way of helping underprivileged youth in Kosovo to develop professional skills and access a profession of their choice.

A Vocational Training Centre (VTC), which has been funded by Charity Week and City Circle, is designed to have multiple functions; with all objectives orientated towards the target of educating orphans and disadvantaged children. Training schemes offered include Computing, English, Electrical and Tailoring which are open to both genders.

A number of students have benefited from the training centre, finding employment with the skills gained. A beneficiary, Mirjeta Demaj, an orphan that has benefited from the scheme commented, “Islamic Relief is giving me an opportunity to gain knowledge and different skills”.

By combining the orphans project with the vocational training centre, it allows for greater support for orphans, helping them gain skills, providing better employment opportunities, thus becoming independent from charities.

Find out more about Islamic Relief in Kosovo

Find out more about Islamic Relief's Education and Training projects