Newsroom
OSCE to open community centre in Mitrovicë/ Kosovska Mitrovica
PRISTINA 23 February 2001
PRISTINA, 23 February 2001 - The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is launching an important project in Mitrovicë/ Kosovska Mitrovica with plans to open a community centre in the town. It is part of the OSCE's continuing work with all Kosovo communities.
The planned community centre is being made possible by financial support from the Swiss government through its Liaison Office in Kosovo. The grant of DEM 220,000 will cover not only basic costs, but will also enable the community centre to become a focus for community projects. A letter of agreement between the OSCE and the Swiss Liaison Office will be signed shortly.
Community centres aim to encourage the confidence building process in areas where Kosovo Serbs and other smaller communities live by helping develop initiatives in areas where there is little formal civic organization. They provide space, resources, and support services for community-based civic initiatives and activities. Such centres are presently operating in Leposavic/Leposaviq and Strpce/Shtërpcë. Other areas to soon benefit from this programme are Dragash/Dragas, Kamenicë/Kosovska Kamenica, Viti/Vitina and Zubin Potok.
The community centres form a part of the OSCE's existing network of resource centres, which provide specialized training, counselling and referral services to local organizations and other civic groups, as well as logistical support to the rapidly growing civil society. This network represents a valuable resource for mutual exchange, sharing of experiences, and the developing of expertise.
Community centres are an important part of the development of civil society which is central to the OSCE's work in Kosovo.
For more information, contact the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Mission in Kosovo, Claire Trevena, Spokesperson, Tel: (+381-38) 500-162 ext. 260 / mobile: +377 (044) 500-150; email: press@omik.org, website: /kosovo
The planned community centre is being made possible by financial support from the Swiss government through its Liaison Office in Kosovo. The grant of DEM 220,000 will cover not only basic costs, but will also enable the community centre to become a focus for community projects. A letter of agreement between the OSCE and the Swiss Liaison Office will be signed shortly.
Community centres aim to encourage the confidence building process in areas where Kosovo Serbs and other smaller communities live by helping develop initiatives in areas where there is little formal civic organization. They provide space, resources, and support services for community-based civic initiatives and activities. Such centres are presently operating in Leposavic/Leposaviq and Strpce/Shtërpcë. Other areas to soon benefit from this programme are Dragash/Dragas, Kamenicë/Kosovska Kamenica, Viti/Vitina and Zubin Potok.
The community centres form a part of the OSCE's existing network of resource centres, which provide specialized training, counselling and referral services to local organizations and other civic groups, as well as logistical support to the rapidly growing civil society. This network represents a valuable resource for mutual exchange, sharing of experiences, and the developing of expertise.
Community centres are an important part of the development of civil society which is central to the OSCE's work in Kosovo.
For more information, contact the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Mission in Kosovo, Claire Trevena, Spokesperson, Tel: (+381-38) 500-162 ext. 260 / mobile: +377 (044) 500-150; email: press@omik.org, website: /kosovo