Project Background
Following the departure of Serb forces and the deployment of KFOR in Kosova, about 760,000 refugees and displaced persons began their return to Kosova. Upon their return however, many faced numerous difficulties, most significant of which was the mass destruction of local infrastructure and homes, destroyed by Serbs during the war and upon their departure from the area.

Initial needs assessment conducted in the area revealed that over 67,000 homes had been damaged or destroyed. Islamic Relief operations in Kosova began in June 1999 and as one of the first NGOs to enter the region, IR quickly established itself and began the distribution of food and non-food packages as well as tents.

In continuing its relief efforts, the IR campaign in the area included the distribution of emergency winterised materials consisting of dry and warm room packages, which included materials necessary for temporarily rebuilding of around 3000 homes.

The dry / warm shelter program was aimed at providing a temporary shelter for the returnees and succeeded in ensuring that the beneficiaries were able to survive the winter periods.

With the coming of spring, international agencies working in the area are focusing efforts towards providing more permanent assistance to the communities enabling them to ensure that they are able to reconstruct their homes with permanent sustainable structures.

Project Objectives
To assist the rehabilitation of returnee refugees to their existing accommodation to provide returnee refugees with shelter kits allowing them to accommodate one weather protected room until they are in a position to make repairs on their own.

Project Activities
IR distributed approximately 3,000 dry kits in the project area 1,400 warm kits were purchased and distributed.

Beneficiaries
Total beneficiaries of the program are estimated to be over 16,100 people. IR distributed approximately 3,000 dry kits in the project area 1,400 warm kits were purchased and distributed.

Total benefits of the program are estimated to be over 16,100 people.

Other Activites in the Country

• Supporting the Islamic Faculty of Prishtina – Prishtina

• Shelter Support Program – Obilic, Podujevo, Prishtina and Gllogovc

• School Rehabilitation Program