When you’re trying to think creatively, strategically and collegially to accomplish important objectives, sometimes it helps to go through the process outside of the normal work environment. That is why most of the USAID/Kosovo mission went on a two-day retreat to a quiet hotel just an hour north of Pristina in June 2012. The objective was to reflect on what USAID goals have been met in Kosovo, what remains to be done, and to begin developing a five-year development strategy for the country. Mission accomplished!
Lots of people in Kosovo conduct business transactions solely on the basis of a handshake. Written contracts are rare. In fact, many people in Kosovo consider written contracts to be insulting to the integrity of the people involved in the deal.
On May 24, 2012 the people of Kosovo turned out in huge numbers - an estimated 70,000 volunteers for a nationwide environmental cleanup advertised as “Let’s Do It Kosova” Day. It was Kosovo’s first contribution to an annual one-day global cleanup organized by a consortium of NGO’s with the support of businesses, corporations and international donors.
Residents of two communities in Leposavic are enjoying improvements to local infrastructure with the support of the American People. The U.S. Agency for International Development recently renovated a playground in Ibarsko Postenje and re-surfaced a road in Gornji Krnjin. Both of the projects were implemented by the USAID Kosovo Activities for Supporting Schools Program at the request of local residents. The program assists similar infrastructure improvements in communities throughout the North.
An exhibition Wednesday (April 25, 2012) in Pristina showcased new educational technology products that are available to schools from local business outlets. The technology already is being used in some schools with the support of the USAID Basic Education Program in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
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