Education Kosovo Project #42695

Support 1,000 Kosovo Youth Learn by Volunteering

by The Kosovar Organization for Talent and Education TOKA

Support 1,000 Kosovo Youth Learn by Volunteering

Project Report | Dec 13, 2024
Kosova Volunteerism Awards Winners

By Jehona Gjurgjeala | Fouder and Board Member of TOKA

Dear TOKA Supporters,

In Kosovo, extraordinary individuals and groups are making a lasting impact through volunteerism. This year, we celebrated their achievements through the Volunteerism of the Year Awards, a campaign dedicated to recognizing and promoting the incredible efforts of volunteers and their enablers across the country.

Volunteerism of the Year Awards: A Snapshot

This campaign, supported by 50 partners including the President's and Prime Minister's Offices, diplomatic missions, municipalities, and international organizations, highlighted the contributions of changemakers from all walks of life. Here are some inspiring results:

100 Nominations Received: Recognizing volunteers and enablers making a difference in their communities.
307,747 Social Media Reach: Spreading the message of volunteerism far and wide.
175 Attendees at the Awards Ceremony: Bringing together leaders, volunteers, and supporters to honor their contributions.

Key Achievements and Stories:

Most Courageous Volunteer:Gazmend Hasani, a volunteer with disabilities, completed over 180 hours of environmental projects, challenging stereotypes and inspiring his community.
Most Creative Volunteer:Dion Istrefi, at just 17 years old, led a Media Club, raising awareness about internet safety for older citizens.
Volunteer of the Year:Viola Maksuti devoted over 900 hours to empowering 350 young people and promoting gender equality in STEM.
National Service Learning Award Winners: The Kikirikët Youth Club in Prishtina created a mental health awareness platform, impacting over 200 people.
Most Supportive Municipality:Hani i Elezit fostered volunteer initiatives despite limited resources, proving the power of strategic partnerships.
Most Supportive Business:Kutia combined business success with community impact, offering scholarships and IT resources for underserved communities.

These achievements showcase the power of collaboration, creativity, and dedication. They remind us that even the smallest actions can lead to significant change.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Volunteerism is at the heart of TOKA’s mission, and with your support, we can continue to grow this movement. Together, we can inspire even more individuals and organizations to contribute to a better Kosovo.

Thank you for believing in the power of volunteerism to create a brighter future.

With gratitude,
Jehona Gjurgjeala
Founder and Board Member of TOKA

Links:

Visit our web to get to know us better!

Attachments:

1._TOKA__Winners_of_Volunteerism_Awards.pdf (PDF)

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Aug 14, 2024
The difference we've made together in a day!

By Jehona Gjurgjeala | Executive Director of TOKA

Dear TOKA Supporters,

In just one day, the youth of Kosovo made a difference that will last a lifetime. Through our Solidarity Action Day (SAD), over 500 young people, supported by 125 businesses and eight municipalities, came together to raise nearly €10,000 for causes they care about. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration and the dedication of our community.

Solidarity Action Day: A Snapshot

Solidarity Action Day is a simple yet powerful concept: youth work for a day and contribute their earnings to a cause close to their hearts. Since launching in Kosovo in 2023, this initiative has grown rapidly, with 521 young people from Kosovo and the diaspora participating in the most recent event.

Key Achievements:

€9,153 Raised: These funds are now being used to implement community projects that make a real difference.
521 Volunteers: These young individuals gained invaluable experience by working in local businesses, ranging from factories to restaurants.
20% Employment Rate: A fifth of our volunteers received job offers after participating in SAD, with many still working in those businesses today.
45% Boost in Confidence: Nearly half of our volunteers reported increased self-confidence after participating in the event.

The Impact of Solidarity Action Day

Our volunteers didn't just raise funds; they also decided how those funds would be used. Here are some of the projects supported so far:

Small Acts, Big Impact: This project provided 25 children with Down Syndrome the opportunity to improve their speech and social skills.
Empowerment Glossary: Through this initiative, young people were trained to write articles on mental health, equipping them with the skills to research, write, and evaluate important social issues.
A Heartfelt Gesture: In Kamenica, students donated €795 to a fellow student battling cancer, showcasing the incredible generosity and compassion of Kosovo’s youth.

This initiative has not only made a significant impact in the community but has also inspired future leaders to take an active role in shaping the society they want to live in.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Solidarity Action Day is part of a broader movement across Europe, and TOKA is proud to be one of the newest members. With your continued support, we can keep growing this initiative, making a bigger impact every year.

You can read the full report and see more about the amazing achievements of our youth here.

With gratitude,

Jehona Gjurgjeala
Executive Director, TOKA

Links:

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Apr 18, 2024
You've helped us Leap, Laugh, Lead - See how!

By Jehona Gjurgjeala | Executive Director of TOKA

Dear TOKA friends,

In our 9 years of service to the youth of Kosova our mission has always been the same - to make Kosova youth agents of positive change, today and tomorrow. We have enjoyed every moment of making this happen.

Our quiet and consistent work has resulted in great trust of many stakeholders - without whom we could never achieve as much. Here are some of the highlights:

Local government - nearly a third of municipalities in Kosova now support TOKA’s programs through in-kind or financial support. This has enabled us to support a greater number of after-school Volunteering Clubs and train teachers in innovative teaching techniques.

Private sector - businesses from all over Kosova made their offices, stores and factories second homes to our volunteers on Solidarity Action Day. This have over 400 young people a an incredible first job experience, and helped raised nearly 10,000 euros for charitable causes.

Diaspora - by far the most fruitful partnership was with the Stuttgart Albanian Students Association, who supported TOKA’s Volunteering Clubs. Encouraged by this positive experience, we are expanding our partnerships with diaspora associations in UK, Norway and Switzerland.

You - you are receiving this Report because you have helped TOKA in our mission, and made a difference to a life.

We have prepared the Annual Report for you, this Report gives you a snapshot of the impact you helped us make. We are proud to share this journey with you and excited to bring you along to, where with your help we will get steps closer to fulfilling our mission - together. Here's a taste of the report!

2023 in numbers:

TOKA is the #1 Volunteer NGO in Kosova!

1,847 Active Volunteers - The total number of volunteers who contributed their time and efforts to improve their communities through planning and implementing volunteer projects. These amazing youth have improved the lives of 11.5K community members just in the last year.

66 Business Buddies - 66 businesses joined our mission by providing volunteers first work experience and helping them contribute with their earnings to a Solidarity Fund. This fund has supported youth projects for children with Down Syndrome and youth mental health.

1,412 Brighter students - The number of students who learned by doing, thanks to the 101 teachers we trained in this approach. As a result, both teaching and learning have been made more effective and fun - enhancing the quality of formal education in Kosova.

47 International agents - The number of youths who broadened their cultural horizons through TOKA, with opportunities of a lifetime to meet with peers from all over the world, learn from them, and share their experiences. Making our, up to now, isolated youth feel part of a diverse community.

Read the full report on THIS LINK.

With graditude,

Jehona Gjurgjeala

Links:

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