The government-to-government agreement with municipality Gjilan/Gnjilane  will improve the local government service delivery performance. A direct award to the municipality for the construction of a preschool in Gjilan/Gnjilane will help increase the efficiency and capacity of target municipal administrations to respond to the needs of all citizens, which is also an objective of Advancing Kosovo Together (AKT) activities.

Through this activity USAID is helping the municipality construct a new preschool facility (for kindergarten and preschool classes) to provide a safe and healthy environment for up to 120 children, divided into two age groups: 45 children who are six weeks to three years of age, and 75 children who are between the ages of three to five. It will be located in Dardania, one of the most urbanized neighborhoods of Gjilan/Gnjilane, with a population of 8,000 residents.

The new preschool facility will meet or exceed all necessary building standards required for this type of institution. The total estimated cost of the activity is $392,274, of which USAID will contribute $200,000 and the Gjilan/Gnjilane Municipality will contribute approximately $192,274.

The Gjilan/Gnjilane Municipality will be responsible for providing sufficient funds to cover maintenance and operational costs, as well as covering staff salaries for 18 new employees.

Expected Results:

• Increase the ability of the municipality to govern more effectively and democratically and to be more transparent and accountable to local citizens
• Increase the ability of the Mayor of the municipality of Gjilan/Gnjilane and the directors of departments of the municipality to set development priorities, improve municipal service delivery, implement realistic plans, and empower municipal staff to perform better
• Increase the number of children who are enrolled in preschool institutions by 120 children and increase the number of new employees. Eighteen professional and support staff (educators, health workers, guards, chefs, suppliers, cleaners, fuller and maintenance personnel, etc.) will be hired to work at the preschool
• Improve the quantity and quality of pre-education services in the Dardania neighborhood in Gjilan/Gnjilane municipality

Project Duration: November 2015 - November 2016 

Contact: Jeton Cana  

Partner: Municiplaity of Gjilan/Gnjilane 

Geographic Target: Gjilan/Gnjilane