Author Archives: Zana Pacarada

Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe supported kindergartens in Prishtina by providing 160 mattresses, 41 beds, 145 bedsheets, 400 small wooden toys, 20 sets of logical toys, and 3 walking toys, ensuring comfort and engagement for children.

To improve facilities, we supplied 2 industrial carpet cleaning machines, 2 vacuum cleaners, 1 floor cleaning machine, 2 clothes washers and dryers, 1 iron, and 2 outdoor wooden playsets. Additionally, 5 laptops, 2 TVs, 1 projector with a screen, and 1 printer with a photocopier were provided to enhance educational activities.

This initiative improves learning conditions and supports early childhood development in Prishtina’s kindergartens.

Following the devastating earthquake that struck Albania, leaving 51 dead and over 3,000 injured, Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe Mission in Kosovo swiftly mobilized to provide emergency relief. The hardest-hit area, Durres, saw widespread destruction, with ongoing rescue efforts for those trapped under collapsed buildings.

As part of its regional emergency aid efforts, Help allocated funds for distributing blankets and sleeping bags to assist those forced to spend nights outdoors. With over 20 years of experience in Southeast Europe, Help is coordinating its relief mission in close collaboration with local and national authorities to ensure efficient and effective support. Additionally, the team is assessing further assistance measures to extend long-term recovery efforts in Albania.

In our ongoing effort to foster economic growth and community development, we have successfully provided a total of 2,088 grants across three key sectors:

🔹 751 Grants for Services – Supporting businesses in hospitality, retail, and professional services.

🔹 636 Grants for Crafts – Encouraging artisans, small-scale producers, and traditional craftsmanship.

🔹 701 Grants for Agriculture – Strengthening farming, agribusiness, and sustainable food production.

We have been committed to supporting vulnerable groups in Kosovo through a range of initiatives aimed at alleviating the impacts of COVID-19 and improving long-term well-being.

We provided 20 laptops to 10 safe houses, enabling children in shelters to continue their education through e-learning. In response to COVID-19, we also supplied essential hygiene and safety items to the Elderly Care House in Prishtina and various crisis-affected families.

Our relief efforts extended to 345 families, delivering food and hygiene packages, and 649 individuals, including shelter residents and impoverished families, directly benefitting from our initiatives.

Key achievements include donating medical supplies and disinfectants to the Prishtina Emergency Operations Center and Kosovo Correctional Services, producing 2,000 reusable face shields, and supporting 7 women farmers in Kishinice village with greenhouses. We also supplied 50,000 surgical masks to the University Clinical Center of Kosovo and boosted local production with BONEVET to produce 700 face shields weekly.

These efforts have played a vital role in easing the economic challenges posed by the pandemic and continue to provide critical support to the most vulnerable communities across Kosovo.

A total of 46 staff members have been certified within the Kosovo Correctional Service (KCS) through specialized training programs. These training sessions are designed to enhance technical skills, improve security protocols, and support the professional development of staff.

Key training programs included:

IT Essentials: HTML, CSS, JavaScript

Dynamic Security (AUK)

IT Training: Microsoft Office, SQL Database

IT/Coding; IT/Network Administration & IP Services

These certifications ensure that staff are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their roles effectively, improving overall security, communication, and technical capabilities

A total of 116 vocational training programs have been implemented to enhance skills, improve employment chances, and support reintegration into society.

💼 Job Readiness: Strengthening Employment Chances in Post-Penal Period
💻 Digital Skills: Introduction to Microsoft Office, IT Training
🎨 Creative Trades: Screen Printing, Jewelry Training, Sewing Training
🔧 Technical Skills: Welding with ISO Certification
🌿 Sustainability: Greenhouse for Ex-Inmates
📊 Entrepreneurship: Micro Business Game (Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe)
🧠 Personal Development: Cognitive-Behavioral Training Program

Through our ongoing initiatives, we are proud to announce the creation of 2,900+ jobs across various sectors.

Our efforts focus on:

– Fostering Economic Growth – Strengthening the local economy by creating new employment opportunities.

– Supporting Local Communities – Empowering individuals and businesses to thrive through sustainable job creation.

– Enhancing Workforce Development – Investing in skills training and capacity-building programs to improve employability.

– Promoting Sustainable Employment – Ensuring long-term job stability and career growth opportunities.