European Union

In an effort to improve education prospects among Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian (RAE) communities, the EU-funded "Support for the Implementation of the RAE Strategy" project (EU-SIMRAES) in cooperation with Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) is awarding an additional 39 scholarships to secondary and university level RAE students today, bringing the total to 220 beneficiary students having benefited from this scholarship scheme (200 for secondary school and 20 for University). The activity is part of the wider project which aims at empowering RAE communities through education, as well as culture and media. 

The event also marks the establishment of 6 learning centres, in five municipalities, which offers pre-school preparatory activities, homework assistance for pupils, illiteracy courses and youth activities. The event was opened by Ms. Carole Poullaouec, team leader for Social Development at the EC Liaison Office together with Mr. Habit Hajredini from the Office of Good Governance in the Prime Minister's Office, Mrs. Enesa Kadić from MEST, Mr. Luan Shllaku from Kosovo Foundation for an Open Society (KFOS), RAE communities, and international and national partner organisations.

The EU-SIMRAES project aims to support the implementation of Kosovo Government RAE strategy with specific emphasis on improving socio-economic wellbeing of RAE communities by facilitating better access to education, and preserving and promoting RAE cultural heritage. The EU is providing EUR 1 million for these activities (under its IPA 2009 programme) which are implemented by KFOS.