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

The Evaluation Panel for the “Friend of Children” nominations, composed of Blerta Perolli Shehu – Faculty of Education, University of Prishtina, Anita Çavdarbasha Korenica – Institution of the Ombudsperson, and Natyra Agani from the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Prishtina, assessed the nominations and awarded six annual “Friend of Children 2025” recognitions to four individuals and entities that, throughout 2025, provided support and contributed to the protection and well-being of vulnerable children.

The recognitions were awarded as follows:

• The Embassy of Luxembourg, under the leadership of Ambassador Eric Dietz, has been a driving force behind one of the most transformative investments in the field of child health in Kosovo: the Home Visiting Programme for children aged 0–3 years. The programme has expanded to 30 municipalities, providing 25,776 visits to children and their families, strengthening primary healthcare through early, preventive, and personalized support for the most vulnerable families.
• Foster family Mihrije and Imer Ahmeti from the Municipality of Prishtina received the annual “Friend of Children 2025” recognition for providing care and shelter to 10 children without parental care, from different age groups and nationalities, including children with disabilities. This family has had a significant impact on the emotional and social rehabilitation of children, strengthening their trust and supporting their sustainable development, serving as a healthy family model during a highly sensitive stage of their lives.
• National Commercial Bank Kosovo (BKT Kosovo) received the annual “Friend of Children 2025” recognition for its support to children without parental care and children at risk of losing parental care. Bank employees have donated hundreds of working hours, valued financially, to support 30 children in alternative care and more than 600 children through empowerment programmes. Furthermore, the bank has increased employees’ financial contributions through a matching scheme, transforming the support into a dual engagement model that increases the real and sustainable impact on children.
• Diaspora donors: Irfan Perçuku, Bali Baliu, Arbren Grajqevci, Kenan Dema, Naser Dervishaj, and Fitim Merovci, who have provided an extraordinary and vital contribution to children with autism from families facing severe social challenges in Kosovo. During the period 2023–2025, they ensured dedicated financial support for the direct coverage of individual therapeutic services for beneficiary children.

The Evaluation Panel for journalistic works, composed of Evliana Berani – journalist, Luljetë Prekazi – psychologist, and Imer Mushkolaj – journalist, selected four journalists to receive the 2025 annual journalism awards in the field of child protection, as follows:

• Besian Beha, Nacionale, for the video report “A Kick Against Racism”, which focused on Belgin Jashari, a 15-year-old football player from the Ashkali community in Fushë Kosova. It was precisely journalist Besian Beha’s report that broke the silence, triggering a chain of reactions from institutions and civil society. The report prompted responses from security and justice institutions.
• Albijona Hoxhaj, Betimi për Drejtësi, for the investigative documentary “Armed Teenagers Appear Fearlessly Online”, which exposed the darker side of digital risks faced by children in Kosovo. The investigative documentary addressed the exposure of firearms and the glorification of violence in groups on the social network “Snapchat”, known as “shared stories”. As a result of the investigation and public pressure, several groups were closed and many others were identified, which were also targeted by law enforcement and security institutions.
• Herolind Ademi, Klan Kosova, for the story “What Is Happening in Schools?”, addressing the presence of drugs in Kosovo schools and revealing serious realities faced by children. Through this story, he highlighted the significant risks posed to students by narcotic substances being sold in public environments.
• Faton Polisi, Koha Group, for the story “Sara, the Football Player Who Inspires”, which brings attention to the inspiring story of 15-year-old Sara Bulliqi, who was born without part of her right arm but has not allowed this to stop her from pursuing her dream of becoming a football player.