Innovation Catalyst Initiative for Minorities
The “Innovation Catalyst Initiative for Minorities” Project implemented by The Foundation House, with the support of the “Support to the Civil Society in Kosovo” project funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, cultivates an inclusive digital and financial landscape by building the capacities of civil society organizations (CSOs), ultimately empowering minority and marginalized communities in Kosovo.
The project aims to enhance these organizations’ operational and strategic capabilities through capacity-building activities and a strategic small grant scheme, fostering sustainable development, digital innovation, and financial literacy. The project empowers marginalized and underrepresented communities by strengthening community-based organizations (CSOs).
Expected Results
Result 1: The digital and financial literacy of minority and marginalised-focused CSOs is enhanced
The project’s first result aims to enhance digital and financial literacy in minority‑focused CSOs by training eight organisations selected transparently from more than 100 across Kosovo. These groups, representing diverse ethnic communities and geographical coverage across all Kosovo regions, are receiving tailored capacity‑building support to improve their use of digital tools and financial management, enabling more strategic decision‑making and sustainable impact.
The beneficiaries CSOs are Avoko – Dragash; Liza R – Gjilan; Rin’ON – Ferizaj; IHDNj – Prishtina; Domovik– North Mitrovica; Fourth Wave– South Mitrovica; Durmish Asllano– Prizren; and Activism Roots– Gjakova, representing diverse ethnic communities (Roma, Ashkali, Egyptian, Bosniak, Serbian and Gorani) across eight municipalities. These CSOs went through a needs assessment process in digital and financial literacy, continuing with capacity-building plans and trainings in digital and financial literacy with two experts in the fields.
Result 2: Eight selected minority‑focused CSOs apply digital tools and financial services, resulting in eight sustainable community projects
Building on the training, each of the eight beneficiary CSOs has developed a proposal for a community initiative that leverages newly acquired digital and financial skills. Through The Foundation House, each organisation is receiving a €5 000 grant (totalling €40 000) to implement these small‑scale projects, which range from developing budgeting software to adopting project‑tracking applications tailored to their communities. By financing both activities and the acquisition of simple digital tools, the initiative is designed to translate improved literacy into tangible social impact and ensure that the organisations’ enhanced capacities create lasting benefits at the community level.
Result 3: Utilisation of digital and financial services among targeted beneficiaries is increased
This result aims to enhance economic participation, financial literacy, and community resilience within minority communities. The expected impact of this result includes improved access to digital platforms for economic opportunities, expanded educational opportunities, and enhanced social integration, inclusion, and resilience within these communities.
Below are listed the local initiatives of the CSOs, from digital literacy and youth empowerment to women’s rights, cultural promotion, and digital inclusion, designed to strengthen their communities, foster inclusion, and build resilience across Kosovo.
- Liza R – “Empowered Youth Against Hate and Harm” (Aug 2025–Jan 2026): Liza‑R trains 20 students from diverse ethnic backgrounds to recognise and challenge cyberbullying, hate speech and extremism. Interactive sessions teach critical thinking, digital literacy, peer support and advocacy, equipping participants to become digital safety ambassadors and lead awareness campaigns that foster democracy and inclusive, multiethnic school communities.
- Avoko – “Empowering Youth in Dragash Through Web Development” (Aug 2025–Dec 2025): Avoko equips 20 youths from Gorani, Bosniak and Albanian communities in Dragash with web‑development skills. Held at AVOKO’s Tech House, the program covers HTML, CSS, WordPress, content management and freelancing in more than 12 interactive sessions. The goal is to break geographic and economic barriers and promote intercultural digital education.
- Rin’ON – “e‑Include — Digital Bridge to Community” (Sep 2025–Feb 2026): This six‑month project provides at least 100 Ashkali residents of Ferizaj—including young mothers and scholarship‑seeking students—with the knowledge to use Kosovo’s online public services. Volunteers conduct door‑to‑door outreach and host twelve hands‑on sessions where participants practise opening e‑Kosova accounts and submitting forms. Monthly legal clinics help beneficiaries access benefits, resolve documentation issues and build digital confidence.
- Domovik – “Connected for Impact: Empowering CSOs and Youth to Shape Communities” (Sep 2025–Jan 2026): Domovik strengthens grassroots CSOs and informal groups by training them to use the Entry portal and build capacity in organisational growth, external relations, outreach and youth/child rights. A volunteer program and training curriculum support these efforts. A second work package pilots an adolescent mental‑health program with interactive works.
- Fourth Wave – “Claim Your Space” (Sep 2025–Dec 2025): Fourth Wave empowers Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian women in Mitrovica through training, mentorship and public advocacy. The project builds knowledge of legal rights, financial literacy and advocacy skills, while outreach via door‑to‑door visits, partnerships with grassroots NGOs and community sessions fosters inclusion. It aims to develop feminist advocacy networks that promote economic and political participation and digital empowerment.
- IHDNj – “Empowering Students Against School‑Based Discrimination and Violence” (Sep 2025–Jan 2026): IHDNj seeks to create safer schools in Fushe Kosove by combating discrimination, bullying, violence and substance abuse. The project empowers students, especially from Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities, through awareness lectures, advocacy training and student‑led groups. Collaboration with teachers and parents ensures that campaigns and community engagement promote inclusion, sustainability and student‑driven solutions.
- Durmish Asllano – “Empowering Romani Culture & Media” (Sep 2025–Feb 2026): Durmish Asllano promotes its cultural activities by producing a summary video featuring Radio Romano Avazo, the Romani Theater “Nexhip Menekshe” and the Romani Song and Dance Ensemble. Supported by a marketing strategy, the campaign engages donors through social media, new networks and targeted outreach while integrating Radio Romano Avazo into digital platforms. The aim is to increase funding and ensure sustainable cultural and media initiatives within Kosovo’s Romani community.
- Activism Roots – “The Digital Inclusion for Minorities in Gjakova” (Dec 2025–Mar 2026): This project builds digital literacy and online safety for marginalized youth and women. Two interactive workshops teach basic computer and smartphone skills, safe browsing, scam identification and personal‑data protection on social media. By equipping participants with practical digital skills, Activism Roots aims to bridge the digital divide and empower minorities in Gjakova to navigate online spaces safely and confidently.
Sparking Change
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