“ToKeQark”
The project “ToKeQark” SB NI KOS 09/2023 has as its primary goal the promotion of environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation by addressing environmental challenges through community involvement in discussion, as well as to provide updated information regarding the transition towards the circular economy in Kosovo, in particular the four municipalities of Kosovo: Ferizaj, Fushë Kosovë, Graçanicë and Mitrovica. The project is funded by SMART BALKANS, financially supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NMFA) and implemented by The Balkan Forum.
Debate on local TV
With the implementation of four initiatives in each municipality [Fushë Kosovë, Graçanicë, Ferizaj, and Mitrovica], the youth from these municipalities have engaged in debates on their local television stations. The first debate was held by the youth of Mitrovica Municipality, in the studios of TV Mitrovica. The youth of Mitrovica conducted two TV appearances, including a debate where the project manager, Drenusha Canolli, was a guest. The first debate took place on TV Mitrovica on July 12, and besides the project manager, the Director of the Department of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Fahri Jashari, and Ensar Sadiku, the leader of the Mitrovica youth group, were invited. In this discussion, the youth initiative in Mitrovica was discussed, including a flower holder made from recyclable materials as a symbol of green promotion. Jashari supported the youth initiative and promised further backing after the project ends. Canolli highlighted the training of over 50 youths within the “ToKeQark” project and their opportunity to develop creative campaigns to promote the circular economy.
In the second debate, held on July 13, the youth involved in the initiative for the circular economy—Dea Kurti, Arlind Rushiti, and Aulona Ferizi, with the local coordinator Valbona Sadiku—discussed their initiative, including an installation made from recycled materials in the Mitrovica city park. Their main goal was to raise awareness among their peers about environmental protection and the use of recyclable materials. Similarly, debates were held by the youth of Graçanicë on Radio Televizion Graçanica and Ferizaj on TV Tema, where youth leaders discussed their circular economy activities.
Promo on local radio
The youth from the targeted municipalities aimed to promote their initiatives through a radio promo in their local communities. The promo, part of the “ToKeQark” project supported by Smart Balkans, was broadcast five times a week for 10 days on TV Mitrovica and RTV Graçanica. These promos highlighted the youth initiatives and campaigns related to the circular economy.
TV Reports/Short Documentaries
Short documentaries were produced by the youth from the four targeted municipalities, focusing on environmental protection and circular economy initiatives. For example, Mitrovica youth titled their video “Promoting Environmental Protection and Greening in Mitrovica,” showcasing their circular economy initiative in the city park. Similarly, the youth of Graçanicë and Ferizaj produced videos about their initiatives, and the youth of Fushë Kosovë created a sculpture entirely from recycled materials. These videos were shared on The Balkan Forum’s social media platforms.
Art Installations/Sculptures
The youth of Mitrovica, with the help of mentor Jeton Sadiku, created an installation made from recyclable materials to promote recycling and greenery. Ferizaj youth organized a painting activity in the city park to raise awareness about environmental protection, and Fushë Kosovë youth designed a dress made entirely from recycled cans, symbolizing the importance of recycling in their community. The youth from Graçanicë illustrated part of their neighborhood center’s wall with an environmental protection theme, reminding everyone of the need to care for the environment.
Student Awards
On February 2nd, 2024, The Balkan Forum awarded five commendable students who are expected to contribute in the fields of innovation and technology, green future, and peace education.
The program was established under the framework of the “ToKeQark” project, with the aim of supporting university students in Kosovo who are pursuing careers in these areas. The initiative encourages the next generation to commit to creating positive change within their communities.
Networking Meetings
Municipality of Mitrovica
On January 22, 2024, the first networking meeting took place in the Municipality of Mitrovica, gathering 16 participants, including representatives from the Directorate of Environment, the Department of Agriculture, Labor, and Social Welfare, as well as business leaders, civil society representatives, and environmental activists. Discussions centered on collaboration to foster synergy for the transition to a circular economy. The ideas and solutions shared during this meeting focused on creating more cooperation between stakeholders.
Municipality of Ferizaj
Held on January 25, 2024, at the Municipality of Ferizaj offices, the second networking meeting brought together representatives from the local government and youth from the community. Key attendees included members from the Directorates of Urban Planning, Environment, Economic Development, and Youth and Sports. Discussions focused on how the municipality can transition from a linear to a circular economy, while youth participants shared innovative ideas on increasing environmental awareness through local initiatives. These ideas received strong support from local stakeholders.
Municipality of Fushë Kosovë
The third meeting, held in Fushë Kosovë, gathered municipal representatives, non-governmental organizations, and young activists to address local environmental challenges. The meeting highlighted key issues such as illegal dumping, waste collection, air pollution, and the need for better budget alignment to meet residents’ needs. Notably, the municipality is in the process of building a large park across three municipalities, constructing a wastewater treatment facility, and piloting solar energy projects. Youth and NGO representatives emphasized the importance of citizen awareness and stronger law enforcement regarding environmental regulations.
Municipality of Gračanica
The final networking meeting took place in Gračanica, where 18 participants, including local institution representatives, NGOs, and youth, discussed the future of environmental sustainability and the transition to a circular economy. The meeting facilitated an open dialogue between the community and the local government, focusing on how Gračanica can address its environmental challenges and leverage collaborative efforts to promote a greener future.
Seminar
After the three-day intensive training held in December 2023, as part of the ongoing activities within the “ToKeQark” project, The Balkan Forum organized a seminar on February 8th, 2024, for youth from four municipalities in Kosovo (Ferizaj, Fushë Kosovë, Graçanicë, and Mitrovica), led by trainers Esmeralda Metko, Franceska Korance, Granit Gashi, and Sytrime Dervisholli.
The participants, guided by the trainers, had the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of project proposals, identify their target audience, and explore ideas for circular economy initiatives. They also structured their project proposals, and the seminar culminated in the drafting of these proposals. The selected projects within each group will be implemented in their respective municipalities.
The overall goal of the “ToKeQark” project is to improve the handling of environmental challenges and facilitate the transition towards a circular economy in Kosovo, benefiting citizens in these four municipalities and beyond.
Three-day Training
Sixty young and motivated members of the ToKeQark Network, from the municipalities of Ferizaj, Fushë Kosovë, Graçanica, and Mitrovica, participated in a three-day intensive training program held from December 20 to 23, 2023. They acquired new knowledge and skills on how to address and promote the implementation of innovative and sustainable solutions for climate change, tackle environmental challenges, and facilitate the transition towards a circular economy for the benefit of citizens in their four municipalities and beyond.
Throughout the three-day program, the four trainers—Esmeralda Metko, Franceska Korance, Granit Gashi, and Sytrime Dervisholli—guided the group in discussing innovative ideas and helped them conceptualize project initiatives that the youth will later undertake. These projects aim to meet the needs of their communities and empower the participants to become true agents of change.
