New Description
In our fifth RCT podcast for this year we were pleased to have Emir Hasani, Program Director at Mitrovica Rock School as a guest.
The full video of the podcast will be available soon on the RCT website.
This event was a part of the Reconciliation & Conflict Transformation Activity, implemented by Community Building Mitrovica and partners from New Social Initiative and Youth Initiative for Human Rights – Kosovo, and supported by the American people through USAID Kosovo.
We are excited to announce NGO “Së Bashku” is the second sub-grantee supported within the #RCT Activity. The project “Empowerment of people with disabilities in South and North Mitrovica” aims to engage young people and women with disabilities in cultural and craft activities by increasing their resilience and ensuring the right of participation, as a basic right of people with disabilities. It also aims to promote interethnic dialogue, using art and work as a common language to bring communities together. A new call is currently open for more grants with the opportunity to support innovative ideas that contribute to the reconciliation processes in the communities.
This is part of the Reconciliation & Conflict Transformation Activity, implemented by Community Building Mitrovica and partners from New Social Initiative and Youth Initiative for Human Rights – Kosovo (YIHR KS), and supported by the American people through USAID Kosovo.
The RCT Activity is opening a small-grant call for individuals, non-formal and grassroots organizations to address the needs related to trust-building, reconciliation and conflict transformation among ethnic groups in Kosovo.
Maximum grant amount: $ 4.000
The deadline for applications is 15.11.2022, 16:00h
Where to apply: email at procurement@cbmitrovica.org with mail subject: RCT Grant Scheme: Name of the applicant
Below find guidelines on how to apply.
In the links below please find the following documents:
This small-scale grant scheme aims to offer community support for problem-solving ideas on the topic of reconciliation, conflict transformation, and peacebuilding. The small-scale grant scheme will be implemented in the Mitrovica, Gjilan/Gnjilane, and Prishtina/Priština regions for individuals and grassroots organizations addressing the needs related to trust-building among different ethnic groups in Kosovo.
2.1 Eligible applicants:
Grassroots:
● Legally registered in Kosovo for a minimum period of 12 months prior to the deadline for submission of the proposal.
● Based in the Mitrovica, Gjilan/Gnjilane, and Prishtina/Priština regions.
● Directly responsible for the preparation and management of the project with the co-applicant(s), not acting as an intermediary.
Individuals:
● Be part of the Cohesion Circle from the Mitrovica, Gjilan/Gnjilane, and Prishtina/Priština regions (an informal group of citizens and civil activists- part of the RCT Activity).
● Must apply in cooperation with grassroots/NGO and promotes inter-ethnic social cohesion, by integrating cross-community contact and confidence-building into aims and activities.
Note that applicants:
● May not submit more than one application under this call
● May not be awarded more than one grant under this call
● May not be a co-applicant in another application under this call.
Project proposals that include the following will NOT be accepted:
● Proposals that DO NOT in any way contribute to the achievement of the objective of this call
(Please, the applicant must ensure that the component of reconciliation, conflict transformation, and peacebuilding is central to the proposed project)
● Actions related to political parties and/or political campaigns
● Actions that are mainly related to individual sponsorships for participation in workshops,
seminars, conferences, and congresses.
Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible:
● Proposals should be submitted with forms available and provided with this call; narrative and
budget
● All applications must be written in English
● All pages should be consecutively numbered
● Any annexes should be clearly marked and referenced in the body of the application
● All budgets are in U.S. dollars.
● Valid organizational registration, as a legal entity in Kosovo, with the Department of Registration and Liaison of NGOs within the Kosovo Ministry of Public Administration
● Unique entity identifier from Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS number) is not required
● An MoU between applicants and co-applicants clearly stating the leader applicant and the co-applicant (s).
● Tax administration certificate on entity obligations
● 2021 official tax declaration or audit report, if available.
The narrative form should not exceed 6 pages; The proposal should contain sufficient information for an independent reader to understand exactly what the applicant wants to achieve.
4.1. Budget Proposal
Budget Justification: Applicants must present budgets that are directly and exclusively related to the successful implementation of the proposed activities. Therefore, all prices/costs should be realistic and should be in line with market prices for proposed actions and staff payments. It is imperative that the budget be distributed logically and is approved by the two or more parties applying to this call. Below, you can find the list of expenses that are included/ accepted and those that are not included/accepted. Community Building Mitrovica (CBM) has the right to request modifications/budget (budget plan/budget form) changes if the need arises.
4.2 Covered costs
All costs must be clearly stated in the initial form of the budget and must occur during the
the implementation phase of the project activities:
Costs that will not be covered:
● Debt and debt services (interest)
● Expenses that occur before the implementation phase of this grant, and/or after the end
of its duration
● Provisions for future losses or potential liabilities
● Expenses declared by the beneficiary (s) and financed by other grants
● Purchases of land or objects
| Section | Maximum Score |
| 1. Financial and operational capacity | 15 points |
| 1.1. Do the applicants have sufficient experience of project management? | 5 points |
| 1.2. Do the applicants have sufficient technical expertise (especially knowledge of the issues to be addressed)? | 5 points |
| 1.3. Do the applicants have sufficient management capacity (including staff, equipment and ability to handle the budget for the action)? | 5 points |
| 2. Relevance of the project | 30 points |
| 2.1 Does the project described in the proposal meet the minimum criteria and is in line with RCT Activity:
§ It contributes to the achievement of the RCT Activity goal: address present reconciliation needs between different ethnic groups in Kosovo on the individual, community, or institutional levels; § The activities will be undertaken within the Mitrovica, Gjilan/Gnjilane, and Prishtina/Priština regions. |
15 points |
| 2.2 Does the project described in the proposal contribute to the achievement of renewing trust among different ethnic groups
§ Tackle the issues relevant to community needs § Propose innovative approaches/ideas § Attract, advance, and advocate for creative joint activity initiatives which aim to improve the well-being for Kosovo citizens |
15 points |
| 3. Effectiveness and feasibility of the project | 20 |
| 3.1. Are the activities proposed appropriate, practical and consistent with the objectives and expected results? | 20 |
| 4. Sustainability of the project | 20 |
| 4.1. Is the project likely to have broader or longer-term effects in the community? | 10 |
| 4.2. Are the expected results of the proposed action sustainable, including:
§ Financial sustainability (if any) (how will the activities be financed after the funding ends?) § Institutional sustainability (if any) (will structures allow the activities to continue to be in place at the end of the project? Will there be local ownership of the results of the project?) |
10 |
| 5. Budget and cost-effectiveness of the project | 15 |
| 5.1. Are the activities appropriately reflected in the budget? | 5 |
| 5.2. Is the ratio between the estimated costs and the expected results satisfactory? | 10 |
| Maximum total score | 100 |
Overall Objective of the Activity
The purpose of the Reconciliation and Conflict Transformation (RCT) Activity in Kosovo is to address current reconciliation needs between different ethnic groups in Kosovo on the individual, community, and institutional levels. This will be achieved through building personal and collective awareness on the need to transform understanding of others, prioritizing shared values and approaches, as well as transforming co-existence into shared future social cohesion of all people in the country.
This activity aims to engage youth in expressing their vision of cohabitation and reconciliation with different communities. To achieve this, the RCT team will organize a storytelling event to gather youth around common interests, different activities proposed by Cohesion Circle Members and as well CBM will organize different activities to mark days that aim to raise awareness. The event topics will include sensitive approaches to subjects that are common interests of everyone, such as creative writing, design, art, music, etc.
Purpose of the Assignment
The primary objective of the assignment is to cover different project events and to prepare the content from it in video, audio, and picture format. The prepared material will be published on CBM’S website, RCT website, social media channels, and local/national media.
Duties and responsibilities
Expected specific assignment
Responsibilities of the project team
The CBM project team will provide all the information related to the RCT Activity that is necessary for the expert in the development of the stories or activities. CBM will work closely with the expert in assisting with translation, or in the video development ideas.
Experience and knowledge
Professionalism
Deadline and submission of expression of interest:
To apply for this call, CBM invites interested individuals or companies, to submit the following documents listed below by 14 November (Monday) 2022 to the following mail address: procurement@cbmitrovica.org
Evaluation and Selection Process
The selected contractor will be responsible for designing and executing all the activities described in this TOR in collaboration with the project team. The selection process for the expert will be based on the set of criteria developed by the CBM Evaluation Committee to evaluate the proposals. The Committee will evaluate the proposals by using the combined scoring method. Technical proposals will be evaluated on 60% whereas financial proposals will be evaluated on 40%.
Download the document by clicking HERE.
The RCT Activity is opening a small-grant call for individuals, non-formal and grassroots organizations to address the needs related to trust-building, reconciliation and conflict transformation among ethnic groups in Kosovo.
Maximum grant amount: $ 4.000
Number of grants that will be supported: 2 (two)
The deadline for applications is 28.10.2022, 16:00h
Where to apply: email at procurement@cbmitrovica.org with mail subject: RCT Grant Scheme: Name of the applicant
Below find guidelines on how to apply.
In the links below please find the following documents:
This small-scale grant scheme aims to offer community support for problem-solving ideas on the topic of reconciliation, conflict transformation, and peacebuilding. The small-scale grant scheme will be implemented in the Mitrovicë/Mitrovica region for individuals and grassroots organizations addressing the needs related to the trust-building among different ethnic groups in Kosovo.
2.1 Eligible applicants:
Grassroots:
● Legally registered in Kosovo for a minimum period of 12 months prior to the deadline for submission of proposal.
● Based in northern Kosovo – Mitrovica/Mitrovice (north and south) Zvečan/Zveqan, Leposavić/Leposaviq, Zubin Potok, Vučitrn/Vushtrri, Srbica/Skenderaj.
● Directly responsible for the preparation and management of the project with the coapplicant(s), not acting as an intermediary.
Individuals:
● Be part of the Cohesion Circle from Mitrovica region (an informal group of citizens and civil activists- part of the RCT Activity).
● Must apply in cooperation with grassroot/NGO and promotes inter-ethnic social cohesion, by integrating cross-community contact and confidence-building into aims and activities.
Note that applicants:
● May not submit more than one application under this call
● May not be awarded more than one grant under this call
● May not be a co-applicant in another application under this call.
Project proposals that include the following will NOT be accepted:
● Proposals that DO NOT in any way contribute to the achievement of the objective of this call
(Please, the applicant must ensure that the component of reconciliation, conflict transformation and peacebuilding is central to the proposed project)
● Actions related to political parties and/or political campaigns
● Actions that are mainly related to individual sponsorships for participation in workshops,
seminars, conferences, and congresses.
Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible:
● Proposals should be submitted with forms available and provided with this call; narrative and
budget
● All applications must be written in English
● All pages should be consecutively numbered
● Any annexes should be clearly marked and referenced in the body of the application
● All budgets are in U.S. dollars.
● Valid organizational registration, as a legal entity in Kosovo, with the Department of Registration and Liaison of NGOs within the Kosovo Ministry of Public Administration
● Unique entity identifier from Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS number) is not required
● An MoU between applicants and co-applicants clearly stating the leader applicant and the coapplicant (s).
● Tax administration certificate on entity obligations
● 2021 official tax declaration or audit report, if available.
Narrative form should not exceed 6 pages; The proposal should contain sufficient information for an independent reader to understand exactly what the applicant wants to achieve.
4.1. Budget Proposal
Budget Justification: Applicants must present budgets that are directly and exclusively related to the successful implementation of the proposed activities. Therefore, all prices/costs should be realistic and should be in line with market prices for proposed actions and staff payments. It is imperative that the budget be distributed logically and is approved by the two or more parties applying to this call. Below, you can find the list of expenses that are included/ accepted and those that are not included/accepted. Community Building Mitrovica (CBM) has the right to request modifications/budget (budget plan/budget form) changes if the need arises.
4.2 Covered costs
All costs must be clearly stated in the initial form of the budget and must occur during the
implementation phase of the project activities:
Costs that will not be covered:
● Debt and debt services (interest)
● Expenses that occur before the implementation phase of this grant, and/or after the end
of its duration
● Provisions for future losses or potential liabilities
● Expenses declared by the beneficiary (s) and financed by other grants
● Purchases of land or objects
| Section | Maximum Score |
| 1. Financial and operational capacity | 15 points |
| 1.1. Do the applicants have sufficient experience of project management? | 5 points |
| 1.2. Do the applicants have sufficient technical expertise (especially knowledge of the issues to be addressed)? | 5 points |
| 1.3. Do the applicants have sufficient management capacity (including staff, equipment and ability to handle the budget for the action)? | 5 points |
| 2. Relevance of the project | 30 points |
| 2.1 Does the project described in the proposal meet the minimum criteria and is in line with RCT Acivity:
* It contributes to achievement of the RCT Activity goal: address present reconciliation needs between different ethnic groups in Kosovo on individual, community or institutional level; * The activities will be undertaken within Mitrovica Region |
15 points |
| 2.2 Does the project described in the proposal contribute to achievement of renewing trust among different ethnic groups
* Tackle the issues relevant to community needs * Propose innovative approach/ideas * Attract, advance and advocate for creative joint activity initiatives which aims to improve well-being for Kosovo citizens |
15 points |
| 3. Effectiveness and feasibility of the project | 20 points |
| 3.1. Are the activities proposed appropriate, practical, and consistent with the objectives and expected results? | 20 points |
| 4. Sustainability of the project | 20 points |
| 4.1. Is the project likely to have broader or longer-term effects in the community? | 10 points |
| 4.2. Are the expected results of the proposed action sustainable, including:
* Financial sustainability (if any) (how will the activities be financed after the funding ends?) * Institutional sustainability (if any) (will structures allowing the activities to continue be in place at the end of the project? Will there be local ownership of the results of the project?) |
10 points |
| 5. Budget and cost-effectiveness of the project | 15 points |
| 5.1. Are the activities appropriately reflected in the budget? | 5 points |
| 5.2. Is the ratio between the estimated costs and the expected results satisfactory? | 10 points |
| Maximum total score | 100 points |
We are pleased to invite you to join us on September 29 at the main bridge in Mitrovica for the first Mitrovica Coffee Festival.
One of the most common social habits that bring people together in all communities in Kosovo is drinking coffee. In this regard, CBM, through the Activity for Reconciliation and Conflict Transformation, supported by USAID in Kosovo, organizes an event for communities to contribute to good neighborly relations in our city.
The event aims to bring together all communities in Mitrovica and its region, to enjoy the day with coffee, music, and neighborly conversation.
We hope you will find time to join us!
How do young people see the main Mitrovica bridge? Like a bridge of division or a bridge of connection? The answer to this question is given by Dženita, Marija, and Amar. This text is a continuation of the RCT activities, training the youth on reporting on multiethnic relations. Read below.
In everyday life we meet different people and characters. Everyone has their freedom and is driven by what they want. Such is Mitrovica. A handful of young people, communities, many traditions, future plans … Unfortunately, Mitrovica is often in the focus of the media, but not because of those good and beautiful things. However, this city is different from what is visible in the media.
“Mitrovica is a multiethnic place, it is characterized by the connection of different communities that share the same space,” says Dženita.
“It is characteristic that our youth is divided into two groups. One that is part of different communities and groups, regardless of their ethnicity, and a group that, unfortunately, reacts and thinks based on the stories of others, sometimes so-called grandmother’s stories” – adds Amar.
“I am personally moved by freedom. I believe that it moves the world for the better,” says Marija.
Young people often meet their peers from other communities through civil society activities. One such event was the CBM training where they worked together on texts in different groups.
They have more similarities than differences. They see more challenges in the past than in the future.
They count the parts of the city of Mitrovica – the Bosnian neighborhood, the Three Solitaires, the Miners Hill, and there is the inevitable bridge. They talk openly about what they see as important to themselves and their community.
“We meet at various seminars, events … We speak two official languages (Serbian and Albanian). In my opinion, that should be respected,” says Marija.
“Togetherness prevents quarrels, conflicts, and war, improves the economic situation and brings peace,” says Dženita, adding:
“For me, the bridge of our city is a way to establish the unification of young and prosperous people who want development and cooperation in an equal way, without distinction, regardless of ethnicity.”
“Young people should be more engaged in various sports or cultural activities. I see the bridge as an integral part of the city and I expect that the bridge will be an example for others as a success of our city,” Amar said.
“From the above examples of my colleagues, I do not see the bridge as an obstacle, but cooperation between communities. The institution where I study is an example of cooperation between two communities that are trying to establish good interpersonal relations,” says Marija.
This is just a part of what young people wanted to say. What is hidden in their conversations is what is sometimes not so visible on the surface – openness and readiness to talk, sharing opinions, listen to the other side. In essence, their conversations point to something else – they understand each other much more and better than it seems through the media image, which often does not reflect the real situation on the ground. True cooperation stands out mostly among ordinary people.
This article is a result of the training organized by Reconciliation & Conflict Transformation Activity, implemented by CBM and partners New Social Initiative – Nova društvena inicijativa & Youth Initiative for Human Rights – Kosovo (YIHR KS) and supported by the American people through USAID Kosovo.
The multinational environment has its advantages. Learn about others, others about you. However, such a community can be challenging, especially for those who are a minority. How Bosniaks and Gorani live. We rarely hear about their daily lives and what they face. Azra, Aris and Samra, give their insight. This text is a continuation of the RCT activities, training the youth on reporting on multiethnic relations. Read below.
In “foreignness”, but keeping their own identity; with intentions to be modern, at heart traditional, Bosniaks and Gorani, two different minorities, of the same religion and similar traditions, are often placed under the same “basket” due to lack of information. Although different nationalities, as minorities, face identical challenges. There are always two paths that their lives can take, depending on the environment, friends, neighbors and first of all parents.
Azra was born in Novi Pazar, she originates from Shar Mountain, she grew up in Leposavić. Aris was born in Mitrovica and is originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Samra was born in Switzerland, she comes from the Sharr Mountains, and she grew up in Leposavic.
What do we, as another community, know about them? Exactly the one from the beginning of the text. So much so that we often identify them. But here’s what they say.
“In my case, it was great happiness for my personality that I spent the years in which we form our character in an environment that is mostly of other religion, nationalities, customs, traditions … Why great happiness? Because I always found maximum respect and I enjoyed great freedom in the most critical years of growing up. Therefore, I learned that diversity is not something that separates and distances us, but something that teaches us that accepting diversity is the core of success in creating a healthy environment for us and finding loved ones “- explains Azra.
The feeling of belonging to the place, community, space in which she lives carries her share of importance in growing up as well. Exclusion and marginalization cannot bring anything positive to those who exclude others or to those who are excluded.
“Most of those who belong to a minority, are led through life by the thought that the minority itself is hated by the majority people and that is how it is set up, so mutual animosity follows. I had the honor of growing up among quality and reasonable people, and because of that I never lost my sense of belonging “- adds Samra.
Direct contacts are what matters. Through them, we get an insight into what is difficult to see on the surface. Aris believes that this contributes to the fact that there are no conflicts between different communities.
“When we meet a person, our attitude becomes more personal and we forget the things that are at the core of our diversity. We forget about religion, nationality, language, and the only valid measure remains the character traits of people “- adds Aris.
In addition to their experiences, the three speakers shared more important messages with you, the readers. They learned to getting to know the one “across the road” is best through conversation, information, intention to listen, openness, and their own positive attitude. That recipe could be replicated in everything in life.
“I think that information is the key to understanding. If the public were a little more informed about the life of minorities, they would live in greater idyllicness,” says Samra.
“I am glad that the newer generations want to listen and learn about other people’s cultures and thus break down prejudices,” adds Aris.
“I think the point of a good life is to see what is good in everything. A positive attitude is a matter of choice and the happiness of life itself depends on the quality of our thoughts “- concludes Azra.
This article is a result of the training organized by Reconciliation & Conflict Transformation Activity, implemented by CBM and partners New Social Initiative – Nova društvena inicijativa & Youth Initiative for Human Rights – Kosovo (YIHR KS) and supported by the American people through USAID Kosovo.
The International Human Solidarity Day was recently marked. Sharing with others is the key message of the day. What do young people say? How do they see sharing with others? Flaka, Hamide, Stefan, and Milan clarify their attitude. This text is a continuation of the RCT activities, training the youth on reporting on multiethnic relations. Read below.
Knowledge might be power but it’s much more powerful when it’s shared. If one person knows how to do something it can prevent others from making mistakes.
The importance of learning from the people around us should not be underestimated. When we are open to learning from others, we benefit from their experience as well as our own and we can inherit their wisdom and knowledge.
Some good important sharing’s are traditions, education, culture, views, religion, and many more things also.
How do young people perceive sharing? Our interlocutors have one thing in common – strong empathy!
“In my opinion, one of the most important things to share is nice communication and jokes that make people laugh, because you can create good memories when you are surrounded with good positivity” – says Flaka.
“Why is sharing important? Because, we share our view of culture for a better tomorrow, to make peaceful future especially for youth and people in our community” – Stefan adds.
“Sharing can actually mean, giving something as an outright gift, for example, to share one’s food really means to give some of it as a gift. Sharing is a basic component of human interaction and is responsible for straightening social ties and ensuring a person’s well-being” – Milan explains.
“Sharing helps to interact in a meaningful and pleasant way that builds community” – Hamide states.
All of the interlocutors are pointing out to one of Peter Ellyard’s quotations:
„The future is not someplace we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths to it are not found, but made, and the activity of making them changes both the maker and the destination”.
And what is sharing for you?
This article is a result of the training organized by Reconciliation & Conflict Transformation Activity, implemented by CBM and partners New Social Initiative – Nova društvena inicijativa & Youth Initiative for Human Rights – Kosovo (YIHR KS) and supported by the American people through USAID Kosovo.
