Handikos Ferizaj, in collaboration with the Kosovar Civil Society Foundation (KCSF), convened the meeting on “Challenges of Social Services in Kosovo and Fundraising for NGOs” to mark June 1st – International Children’s Day.

The panel of discussion included Enver Kosumi – Handikos Ferizaj, Deputy Mayor of Ferizaj, Lulzim Aliu, Donjeta Kelmendi from KOMF, Adile Basha Shaqiri – Ministry of Justice, Ahmet Kryeziu – Save the Children Kosovo, Taulant Hoxha – KCSF, andGresa Behluli from Handikos Ferizaj.

Donjeta Kelmendi addressed the need for support of social services by the Municipality of Ferizaj, the immediate need to increase the budget for social services, and the creation of a sustainable scheme for contracting social services provided by non-governmental organizations. Furthermore, she emphasized the need for participatory budget planning involving social service providers, so that the planning is based on the needs of children and families in the Municipality of Ferizaj.

Handikos Ferizaj is a member organization of KOMF, licensed to provide social and family services. Handikos Ferizaj offers specialized services for children and persons with disabilities. In addition to service provision, Handikos Ferizaj is also highly active in local policy-making. Currently, they are supporting the Municipality of Ferizaj in developing an action plan for social services.