In Kosovo, Terre des hommes (Tdh) has been operating for more than two decades, working consistently on strengthening the national and local child protection system, to ensure qualitative delivery of services to all, including socially marginalised groups.
Areas of expertise range from direct psychosocial interventions with vulnerable children, their families, and communities, to education and empowerment of local, regional, and national level governmental institutions, as well as policy influencing, with a view of development and implementation of adequate child-sensitive structures, policies, standards, and procedures.
Child protection
We advocate for and support policy and service improvement, focusing on the implementation of the Law on Child Protection and on the provision of specialised child protection services. To achieve a fully functioning system, our team trains child protection professionals to respond to the needs of children at risk. We have developed a model of specialised services for children in street situations and established the first day care centre in Kosovo for them. Together with our partners, we empower children and their families and mobilise communities to better protect children.
Children and young people on the move & Anti-trafficking
Migrant families run great risks on the way, at their destination or upon return to Kosovo. Tdh provides migrants, refugees and asylum seekers with psychological first aid as well as material support and counselling to improve their mental health and wellbeing. We encourage children to attend school and after-school activities. We promote the social inclusion of the most vulnerable groups, including Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities. We work on strengthening the national and transnational mechanisms of cooperation in the Balkans to identify victims and potential victims of trafficking.
Access to justice for children and young people
The new Juvenile Justice Code in Kosovo requires the application of an integrated protection system with diversion measures for children in conflict with the law. In collaboration with institutions, we seal child protection with juvenile justice by developing administrative instructions deriving from the Juvenile Justice Code and the new Law on Child Protection for these children to enjoy their rights. Our team trains professionals who work with children in contact with the justice system and organises exchanges of knowledge and experience between Kosovo authorities and other European countries.
"I am very satisfied with the lessons and activities at the day care center. The teacher’s advice is very helpful and makes me feel good." – E.L.
Our Day Care Centers in Prishtina and Nashec aim to prevent and reduce the time children spend on the streets by offering them a safe space, food, educational activities, psycho-social services, psychological counseling, medical support and socio-cultural services and others. Throughout the year 2023, a total of 180 children (103 boys, 77 girls) in street situations have benefited from these integrated services.