The project aims at reintegrating and building capacities of children in conflict with the law or predisposed to it, by improving their skills in communication, conflict resolving, leadership, decision-making and such in order for them to serve as a positive example in the community. This project made possible the strengthening of the cooperation with Centers for Social Work, Centers for Professional Skills, Probation Service and local NGO’s by offering psychosocial counseling, life skills trainings and courses for children in need of integrative rehabilitation services.

PEN with the support of UNICEF and European Union Office in Kosovo, as part of the third phase of the program “Justice Reforms for Children in Kosovo 2013-2017” is implementing the project Supporting the enactment of Local Action Plans for Child Protection by offering activities and services to prevent, protect and reintegrate children in the Municipality of Gjakova and Gjilan. This project has identified 30 teenagers in conflict with the law and 10 teenagers predisposed to it, by engaging about 31 boys and 9 girls.

–          Around 100 psychosocial sessions from licensed psychologists have been held;

–          700 students from 5 elementary schools have benefited from lectures held by PEN on conflict resolving, and addressing violence and bullying’

–          40 children from both municipalities were given the opportunity to attend a course in English or German language for 3-4 months;

–          In cooperation with Innovations Lab Kosovo Podium was held, during which they learned how to write and implement a project;

–          4 roundtable discussions were held with institutional representatives to discuss the prevention, protection and reintegration of children in conflict with the law;

–          4 campaigns have been held with about 1400 people reached.

The next steps within the project include prevention of bullying and conflicts through a more comprehensive approach, by working with parents and teachers, and training them in effective means of communication and support. Trainings will be held with teachers to explain bullying, disputes, and their impact on their child’s well-being, hence they will be able to discern their child’s antisocial behavior and take precaution earlier on.

This project contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals: