Skip navigation

0Meta Navigation

× Close search

Navigation

Home Resources Role models serving their communities
Resources

Role models serving their communities

For individuals belonging to the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities in Kosovo - life can be a challenge on many levels. Often socially and economically marginalized - they face difficulties every day. These stories are about struggles and inspiring potential of those who succeed and turn every chance into a fight for a better life.
  • Arlinda Muqa: Knocking Out Gender Stereotypes
    Arlinda is a young Roma amateur boxer and we recall, when we first met, that she had mentioned applying for a small grant to receive additional equipment for the boxing club where she trained. Back then, we could not have imagined that the young woman standing in front of us was a multiple medal-winning champion and a true fighter.
    Story
  • Fitim Krasniqi: A community bridge of success
    “I am just a small bridge between communities and the Danish Refugee Council,” begins Fitim Krasniqi, who we met at his office in Mitrovicë/Mitrovica South. In 2016, through his job Fitim became a focal point for addressing the concerns of non-majority communities, using his knowledge and experience to give advice on issues faced by local residents.
    Story
  • Albina Avdiu: Becoming a role model 

    At 27, she is the first woman to be elected Chairperson of the CC in Podujevë/Podujevo. The committee is a mandatory body established within municipal assemblies and is mandated to promote communities’ rights and interests through ensuring the compliance of municipal legislation, policies, and practices with laws guaranteeing community rights.
    Story
  • Lendrit Qeli: A Story of Perseverance
    Lendrit works on issues related to the sustainable return and reintegration of returnees, repatriated persons, and displaced persons. As Head of the Municipal Office for Communities and Return, established in 2010, his job is to promote the rights and interests of different communities. All those trying to get back on their feet and start over.
    Story
  • Mergita Hoti: A Woman in Action
    “In 2017, a group of friends from the Kosovo Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities and I decided to establish our own organization,” says Mergita. The NGO is active in the municipality, organizing a variety of activities from education to sport and youth empowerment. The ultimate goal of the NGO is to raise awareness among the three communities and promote the Romani language.
    Story
  • Edis Galushi: Differences are part of us
    We met Edis Galushi in the café of a quiet bookstore in Prizren. One of the first things he told us was that in Prizren, unlike other places in Kosovo and Europe, Roma were experiencing a renaissance thanks to the engagement of Roma intellectuals and stakeholders. In 1989, the same year of Edis’ birth, a Roma Theatre was founded in Prizren as a forum for discussing social issues and transforming them into plays.
    Story