EU-RRK V Project team witness first hand how well former beneficiaries have reintegrated into society

Successful reintegration for former displaced persons is the desired end goal of the EU-Return and Reintegration to Kosovo Programme (EU-RRK V). The purpose of the project is to ensure that former displaced persons (DPs) reintegrate into society after voluntary returning to their homes. The assistance the projects provides through Income Generation and Harmonized Assistance packages, is designed to empower beneficiaries and their families, so they are fully equipped with necessary tools to become self-sufficient and build a sustainable future for themselves and their families.

The project team recently travelled to Fushe Kosove/Kosovo Polje and Peja/Pec municipalities to revisit previous beneficiaries that were provided with assistance from the project in order to witness how well they have reintegrated back into society and how effective EU-RRK V’s assistance has been.

Vladan Vukadinovic, a beneficiary resettled in Fushe Kosove/Kosovo Polje returned to his previous home with the help of EU-RRK V and shortly after returning, he was given the opportunity to assist the Municipal Office for Community and Returns (MOCR) in Fushe Kosove/Kosove Polje.

Vukadinovic emphasized how his job has given him a sense of productivity and strong work ethic. He also stated that his current employment has been integral to his reintegration into society, ‘The MOCR plays such a vital role in supporting the interests of returnees’.

What is most striking to Vukadinovic is that through his role at the MOCR, he has managed to bridge the gap between displaced persons and local authorities in this case MOCR officials.

‘It allowed me to become the focal point for displaced persons, recent returnees and people who are considering to return to their home.  I share my experience as a former displaced person with recent returnees and people who would like to return as they consider me to be an example of a former displaced person who has successfully reintegrated’

For Isuf Zidi, a beneficiary resettled with his family in the municipality of Peja/Pec, life in displacement was defined by dire conditions, instability and extreme poverty. With the assistance of EU-RRK V Programme, Zidi and his family have been living in a house in Peja/Pec, constructed under the auspices of the project for a little over a year.

Previously displaced in Podgorica, Montenegro and after voluntarily returning to Kosovo eight years ago, Zidi and his family depended on the generosity of others for shelter, until the EU-RRK V Project in cooperation with the mayor of the municipality of Peja/Pec changed that.

While proudly giving us a tour of his house and garden, which he has taken care of so diligently, Zidi recalls a time where having a stable home for him and his family seemed impossible.

‘Prior to IOM’s assistance, my family and I were living in extreme poverty and my youngest daughter was severely underweight, with IOM’s assistance, that all changed, my children are now able to live healthy, happy lives’

Zidi could not stress how grateful he was for the project’s assistance and how integral it has been to not only improving the livelihood of both him and his family’s but for widening their prospects for the future. 

‘The work tools provided to me by the project have helped enhance my productivity as they have become an integral part of my day-to-day life, they have helped me develop my skills and eventually create a business to support my family’

The two cases accurately demonstrate how effective EU-RRK V have been in implementing the correct methods to ensure that beneficiaries and their families not only have a stable home but are also provided with the necessary tools that allow them to prosper and thrive.

Financed by the EU office in Kosovo, co-financed by the Ministry of Communities and Returns (MCR) and implemented by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the EU-RRK Project is part of the longer-term partnership that will be implemented in 11 municipalities in Kosovo.