In 1999, in the wake of the NATO campaign, Islamic Relief established operations in Kosova. The objective was to help vulnerable returning refugees to reconstruct their lives.

Since then, the organisation has been active in a number of significant initiatives including Emergency Shelter, School Rehabilitation, Micro-enterprise development, Children's Play Activity Programmes, Psychosocial Programmes for Women and notably, a major Mine Awareness project contracted by UNICEF.

Vulnerable People
The conflict left many women widowed and thousands of children were orphaned. In order to address the needs of this especially vulnerable section of society Islamic Relief implemented its Widows and Orphans Welfare Programme.

The Welfare Programme was established in Skenderai Municipality in the Drenice Valley - the scene of the worst massacres and brutality of the war. The project comprised of three main components which created a holistic approach to healing the wounds of returnees and in creating opportunities to rebuild lives.

Psychological Trauma
The psychosocial component of the programme involved visits to the homes of over 270 traumatised war-widows in 16 villages. The aim was to provide psychological support, both on an individual and group basis. The programme also distributed food and other goods to help the women prepare for re-integration into society.

Training and Therapy
In September 2001, Islamic Relief established three Vocational Community and Women's Training Centres in some of the most badly affected villages. These centres offer group therapy, health education and special vocational training in traditional crafts and skills as a means of generating income. Apprenticeships in automotive engineering, welding, electronics, hairdressing and cooking were also offered to older children of school-leaving age.

Business Loans
The final phase of the programme provides some of the women with interest-free loans for enterprises such as chicken farms, livestock rearing, small shops, hairdressing salons and beekeeping businesses.

Sustainability
In order to ensure that IR's development programmes in Kosova are sustainable Islamic Relief has committed itself to the professional development of its local partner organizations and staff. In Skenderai IR's local partner is a women's organization called Antegona, which is responsible for the implementation of the Widows and Orphans Welfare Programme. They have received training in organisational development, psycho-social support, micro-credit implementation, and project management.

Uncertain Future
Although Kosova's political status remains in limbo, the Kosovar people are working hard to recover from the horrors of the recent conflict and face a future where their freedom and human rights are protected. Meantime, Islamic Relief remains committed to supporting poor and vulnerable Kosovars for as long as there is a need to do so.