YOUth can change the future for Kosovo

As we are wrapping up the year 2022, the activities led by PLAY International as part of the project « YOUth can change the future for Kosovo » continued its path to empower youngsters from Kosovo.

On the 5th of December, the 13 youngsters from three different municipalities previously recruited and trained as part of our project have been certified, among other PLAY volunteers. This event took place in a hotel in Prishtina, and the event started with a small energizer.

This date during which the ceremony was held – 5th of December - is a very symbolic one, as it is the International Volunteer Day. It is a time of worldwide celebration of solidarity through volunteering, an opportunity to thank them for their service and to shine a light on their impact. In the case of our project, the youth implemented more than 50 game sessions with girls and boys from their communities, including the ones with special needs. Over the course of their time with PLAY, we offer youth trainings in first aid and child protection, give them opportunities to strengthen friendships and make new connections, and support them to lead groups of children in fun and active games.

One of our key areas of focus at PLAY International is to empower the youth of Kosovo with new skills to allow them to create concrete and lasting change in their societies. Inspired by the Scouts, during the certification day, a ‘Skills Booklet’ to remind youth of everything that they have learnt and to help them to show off these new skills to future employers and universities was handed.

The skills booklet is divided into different categories of skills; organisational skills, responsibility, interpersonal skills, intercultural skills, pedagogical skills, and knowledge. Youth tick for themselves whether these are skills that they have mastered, skills that they are still developing or skills which they don’t yet have. There is space in each section for youth to write examples of these skills from their own experience. These columns translate their experiences and talents into the language that employers and recruiters are expecting. If during an interview they’re asked to provide an example of their skills, they can think back to what they wrote in the booklet. After successful completing a training programme with PLAY International, each young person is given their own skills booklet, alongside a certificate of achievement and a small sports-themed gift.

Our 13 volunteers now have all the tools required and are qualified to continue to implement activities. Let’s encourage them to continue this way and to be as impactful as ever on their communities!