UNICEF Taps JDC Expertise in Kosovo School Rebuild

As Winter Begins, Renewal Continues

PRISTINA, KOSOVO -- At the request of UNICEF, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) is currently building two elementary schools in separate villages. The schools are scheduled to be ready by March - April 2001. The government of Japan is financing the work, while JDC acts as UNICEF's project manager.

As the rebuilding of Kovoso continues, UNICEF has also asked JDC to manage the construction of an additional two schools and the repair of three others at UNICEF's expense. Owing to harsh winter conditions, no construction will begin until March 2001.

UNMIK and the "Nuhi Berrisha" school in the village of Tugjec have asked JDC to help the school lay pipes for supplying potable water. JDC is providing the school with pipes and fixtures, including toilets, as well.

In a separate partnership with UNICEF, JDC is overseeing the publication of the student-run Kosovo Youth Journal. Currently in its fourth edition, this multi-ethnic publication is budgeted for eight more editions by June 2001. Due to the demand created by this youth journal, UNICEF is in discussions with JDC about the creation of a second youth journal.

In the area of adult education and vocational training, UNICEF has asked that JDC arrange for local workers to be trained in metalwork (e.g.: welding). In partnership with ORT World Union, JDC is currently creating such schools, to increase the available number of local professionals.

Having already restored or built 34 new primary schools in Kosovo since last year's return by the refugees, the renovation of the "Shkendia" primary school in the village of Hajvali and the repair of additional schools and gyms in Pristina are the newest JDC education rebuild projects in Kosovo. Additionally, JDC is beginning the renovation of the "Xhevdet Doda" secondary school in the center of Pristina.

Following its earlier support of school orchestras with supplies of musical instruments and school uniforms, the construction and furninshing of a new Audio Lab at the Pristina music center is nearly complete. Provided by JDC, the lab will be administered by the local music academy and serve those students studying musical composition.

In a repeat of last autumn, JDC has purchased and distributed 5,000 school bags, to the students of Kosovo. This year, students will receive 5,000 winter coats as well. The majority of the distribution will be in the villages, and for poor children.

In JDC's ongoing partnership with ORT World Union, JDC and ORT have opened another vocational training center for welders and metal workers in Kosovo early this month. The center will be given over to the local vocational school for immediate use by students. The training center continues to offers courses on sewing, computers, and the teaching of English. Plans for a rural vocational training center in sewing are being discussed.

In the wake of the conflict, disbursal and subsequent return of the Kosovar refugees, the United Nations Monitors in Kosovo (UNMIK), along with the World Health Organization and the University of Pristina, have asked JDC to expedite the creation of a Department of Psychology to produce professionals who can help the local population deal with their experiences in a psychologically healthy way and avoid a prolonging of the cycle of hate and violence which has enveloped this region. The new department will be organized and established with the help of Dr. Moshe Landsman Ph.D. of Tel Aviv University.

The JDC's operations in Kosovo have included immediate response to the needs of the refugees, and helping to rebuild the fabric of society for a more inclusive and stable future.

Since the refugees' return to Kosovo, JDC has:

Repaired and reopened more than 25 elementary schools at the request of UNICEF in Pristina, Podujevo and Prizren.
Distributed 3,600 school bags to first graders in more than 20 schools in Kosovo.
Distributed 5,000 pairs of children's winter shoes among children in Macedonia, and 15,000 pairs among orphaned or poor children in Kosovo.
Provided 160 students at the Zeinel Haidini School with orchestra uniforms.
Provided five winterized tents that were used as temporary school facilities.
Donated pharmaceuticals valued at $20,000 to a Prizren hospital.
Donated 800 sets of bed sheets to the gynecology department in a Pristina hospital.

The non-sectarian activities of JDC are funded entirely from private donations. The administrations of these activities are funded by the Federation campaign of the United Jewish Communities.