heks

With the collapse of communism the Balkans underwent profound social and economic upheavals, which resulted in some sections of the population becoming increasingly marginalised and left a legacy of underdeveloped sectors in the economy. People were often unable to keep up with the rapid pace of change and the states are still too weak to support marginalised groups and to build up effective democratic structures.

Together with its partner organisations, HEKS champions the cause of these excluded groups in the Balkans. As well as direct aid, the groups concerned are enabled and assisted to claim their rights and to campaign for democratic government.

Aims, points of focus, initiatives:

In Albania HEKS works mainly on overcoming direct, structural and cultural violence: victims of domestic violence are given support in a women’s centre in Tirana. Courses on career entry and an employment agency help them to find jobs. Campaigns on the subject of women’s and children’s rights are carried out in addition to this.
The community centre in Elbasan allows the excluded children of internal migrants and of the Roma community to attend school. Adults can escape their social isolation by taking part in various local activities, whilst the HEKS partner organisation “Voice of Roma Women” empowers the Roma to exercise their rights in self-determination.
In the suburbs of Tirana and Elbasan, social and vocational courses help young people from problem communities to find a job and to practise conflict prevention in their districts. The young people are supported by the “Profesionale Alternativa” alumni organisation, a network of graduates who have successfully completed the social and vocational integration courses.

In Serbia, the work done by HEKS has two points of focus: firstly, to enhance the social integration and living conditions of the Roma and, secondly, to develop social welfare services (Spitex). In geographical terms, the 2009-2012 Serbia programme focuses on Vojvodina.
HEKS helps people living in Roma slums to renovate their houses and facilitates vocational training for young Roma. In addition to this, HEKS is supporting the Ecumenical Humanitarian Organisation (EHO) in Novi Sad with the development of a service to provide care for the sick and elderly. Provision includes a Spitex service and a day centre offering various activities and services.

The programme in Kosovo focuses on the social and economic integration of Roma, Ashkali und Egyptians (RAE communities) and the improvement of their living conditions: efforts made towards this goal include educational projects (basic and vocational training), the promotion of earning opportunities, the improvement of infrastructures, and advocacy work for the citizens’ rights of these marginalised groups. HEKS is also furthering the development of the Roma organisation “Voice of Roma” and other local RAE grassroots organisations.