Coalition of NGOs for Child Protection in Kosovo – KOMF in collaboration with Terre des Hommes, held the annual awards ceremony for journalists in the field of child protection and the “Friend of Children” annual acknowledgments for contributors to child protection in Kosovo.

The Assesment Panel for the Journalism Awards, composed of Evliana Berani – journalist, Luljetë Prekazi – psychologist, and Imer Mushkolaj – journalist, has selected three journalists to be awarded the Annual Journalism Award 2024 as follows:

• Blerta Ahmeti, Betimi për Drejtësi, for her investigation that exposes the challenges faced by children in divorce proceedings and the neglect of justice institutions in prioritizing divorce cases involving children.
• Bujar Vitija, Kosovo 2.0, for his article addressing a critical and often overlooked topic in society: the health and well-being of infants and mothers in Kosovo. Through in depth research and touching real life stories, the article highlights the systematic failures in healthcare.
• Blerta Zuka, T7, for her program shedding light on the painful reality of children from marginalized communities in Kosovo, who, due to poverty and lack of infrastructure, are forced to play in the streets, putting their lives and safety at risk.

Meanwhile, the Assessment Panel for the “Friend of Children” Acknowledgements composed of Blerta Perolli Shehu – Faculty of Education, University of Prishtina, Anita Çavdarbasha Korenica – Ombudsperson Institution, and Natyra Agani – Faculty of Philosophy, University of Prishtina, has evaluated and awarded the “Friend of Children 2024” Acknowledgement to six individuals who, throughout 2024, have provided support and contributed to the protection and well-being of vulnerable children.

The awards were given as follows:

• The Foster Family of Ganimete and Veli Memaj from the Municipality of Prizren receives the Annual Acknowledgement “Friend of Children 2024” for fostering and caring for 13 children without parental care, including children of various ages, nationalities, and those with disabilities. Since 2015, the Memaj family has provided all the care and love that these children need.
• FINCA Kosovo Microfinance Institution receives the Annual Acknowledgement “Friend of Children 2024” for supporting 10 assistants for children with disabilities in kindergartens and schools for two consecutive years. The organization “Autizmi” has signed a third agreement with FINCA to support assistants for children with autism, with FINCA increasing support from 10 to 15 assistants.
• Artan Hasani (Music Arts Teacher) receives the Annual Acknowledgement “Friend of Children 2024” for donating a parcel of land to build a holiday home or training center, a place where children can relax and feel safe. For many of them, this will be an opportunity to spend joyful time, create secure and lasting bonds, learn, and feel loved, offering them a chance to develop in a safe and supportive environment.
• Banka për Biznes – BPB receives the Annual Acknowledgement “Friend of Children 2024” for their direct contribution to the sustainability of therapeutic services for children with Down Syndrome, donating 9,600 Euros for therapeutic services. BPB has committed to supporting these services for a five-year period, amounting to 48,000.00 Euros.
• ProCredit Bank receives the Annual Acknowledgement “Friend of Children 2024” for supporting various campaigns of SOS Children’s Villages over the years to assist children and families in need. In 2024, through the “There’s No Place Like Home” campaign, ProCredit contributed 6,000 Euros to support 40 families and nearly 150 children by providing essential and inclusive services for both children and their parents. Furthermore, ProCredit has had a positive impact beyond financial contributions, supporting SOS Children’s Villages in launching an e-commerce donation platform on their website.
• Cycle Kosovo for Children (CKC Cycling Group) receives the Annual Acknowledgement “Friend of Children 2024” for their support to the healthcare sector in Kosovo and the Action for Mothers and Children for more than a decade, donating over 100,000 Euros for the provision of medical equipment and essential medications to regional hospitals and pediatric and neonatology clinics, as well as to Family Medicine Centers. This initiative has addressed critical needs and helped hundreds of children benefit from high-quality and specialized care.

KOMF expresses its gratitude to all the winners, journalists, and Friends of Children, individuals, corporations, partners, and collaborators, who continuously and selflessly demonstrate their commitment and dedication to supporting the community, and above all, to children, towards the shared noble mission of protecting children and their rights.