As part of the initiative for dialogue and civic inclusion, a discussion was held this week with young people from the Ashkali and Roma communities in the municipalities of Lipjan and Fushë Kosovë.
The aim of the meeting was to hear about their everyday experiences, identify the main challenges they face, and reflect on opportunities for inclusion and interethnic coexistence.
Key issues raised by participants included: Discrimination and social exclusion in schools and the labor market; Lack of genuine political representation and low trust in institutions; Unequal access to public services such as healthcare, infrastructure, and justice; Corruption and lack of transparency in the distribution of institutional support; Segregation in schools and urban neighborhoods, particularly in larger cities.
At the same time, participants emphasized that interpersonal relations with Albanian and Serbian communities are often positive, although prejudice remains present. It was noted that in villages such as Plemetina and areas of Fushë Kosovë, the level of racism is lower compared to urban zones.
It was also highlighted that many children drop out of school due to poverty and are engaged in early labor. While non-formal education and public life participation are more visible in these communities, they mostly happen through the support of various community-based organizations.
Participants expressed hope that education will be the key to future inclusion and mutual respect. Although scholarship opportunities exist, enrollment in higher education remains very low. The youth voiced a strong desire for integration, dignified employment, and reduced discrimination.
This activity was carried out within the framework of the project “Fostering Political Dialogue on Interethnic and Social Cohesion”, supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and implemented by the Institute for Social Policy Musine Kokalari.
