Introduction

 The International Organization (IOM) announces a Call for Expressions of Interest from civil society organizations and NGOs to submit proposals for participation in the project ‘Promotion of Language and Human Rights in Kosovo – Phase II’ funded by the UNMIK.

Background

The Law on the Use of Languages mandates that all public institutions and service providers in Kosovo  ensure equal access and status for both official languages, Albanian and Serbian, as well as other languages officially recognized at the municipal level. Established in April 2012 within the Office of the Prime Minister, the Office of the Language Commissioner (OLC) monitors the implementation of this law. Its responsibilities include promoting the preservation, promotion, and protection of official languages, ensuring their equal status, and raising public awareness about language rights among various communities.

The ‘Promoting and Advancing Language Rights in Kosovo’ project, funded by UNMIK and implemented by IOM, plays an important role in improving the implementation of the LUL through various activities. Building on previous efforts, the second phase of the project began in September 2024.

In this phase, IOM is seeking for reputable and experience NGO to implement eight language courses online or in-person for law enforcement officials, public servants, and citizens using the VocUp language learning methodology. Additionally, NGO should create 12 video animations in both Albanian and Serbian to encourage language learning. Once completed, these videos will be promoted on social media and broadcasted on RTK1 and RTK2, further expanding their reach and impact.

Objective

The objective of these interventions is to enhance the implementation of the Law on the Use of Languages in Kosovo by fostering equal access to official languages, Albanian and Serbian, and promoting language rights among diverse communities. Through language courses and media content, the project aims to improve language skills among law enforcement officials, public servants, and citizens, thereby strengthening cross-cultural communication and supporting the preservation and equal status of Kosovo’s official languages at both the national and municipal levels.

Proposed interventions

The proposed interventions involve providing eight language courses and creating 12 video animations to promote the use of Albanian and Serbian in Kosovo.

The courses, targeting law enforcement officials, public servants, and citizens, will be delivered online and in-person using the VocUp methodology. The video animations, produced in both languages, will be broadcasted on RTK1, RTK2, and shared on social media to encourage language learning. These efforts aim to enhance language proficiency, support the implementation of language laws, and foster cross-cultural communication.

Overarching Outcomes:

Improved skills in Albanian and Serbian among law enforcement officials, public servants, and citizens, leading to better communication and service delivery. More effective commitment to the Law on the Use of Languages, ensuring equal access and status for official languages in Kosovo.

Greater understanding and motivation for language learning among the general public, supported by engaging media content and targeted outreach.

Expected results:

• Participants in the language courses will show measurable improvement in their proficiency in Albanian and Serbian.
• The video animations will achieve significant viewership and engagement on social media and television, effectively promoting language learning.
• Public institutions and service providers will demonstrate improved commitment to the Law on the Use of Languages, reflecting equal use and status of both official languages.

Impact:

The interventions will enhance language proficiency in Albanian and Serbian, leading to better communication and public service delivery. Increased public awareness of language rights will encourage more engagement in language learning. Overall, these efforts will strengthen social cohesion and improve interactions across diverse linguistic communities in Kosovo.

Partnerships and collaboration

 The project will collaborate with experienced NGOs to deliver language courses and create video animations. Media partners like RTK1 and RTK2 will broadcast the content, while public institutions and community organizations will support implementation and outreach. These partnerships will enhance the project's effectiveness and reach.

Proposed timeline:

 15 October 2024 to 15 May 2025

Qualification and experience

• Proven track record in language education and media production, with experience in delivering effective language training and creating engaging multimedia content.
• Established presence and reach in broadcasting, with capabilities to effectively promote and disseminate educational content through television and social media.
• Familiarity with the Law on the Use of Languages.
• Experience in community outreach and engagement, with the ability to mobilize and support diverse linguistic communities.

Submission of the project proposal

The application must be submitted by e-mail to the IOM.

Applications are submitted exclusively via the e-mail address: iompristinaapplications@iom.int,

The application is submitted via e-mail in PDF format (signed and scanned).

Place and deadline for submission of the project

 The Application must be submitted electronically, and documents signed via email at:  iompristinaapplications@iom.int, no later than 04^nd of October 2024, before midnight. Late Application after the deadline will not be considered.