On March 16th 2010 I introduced a new column written for New Kosova Report, focusing on the young people of the Republic of Kosovo. In October 2009 advertising company Saatchi & Saatchi launched the campaign ad “Kosovo – the young Europeans” (see video below). The purpose of the ad was to spread a new image of the Republic of Kosovo as being ready for a new start after declaring independence from Serbia on February 17th 2008.
Kosovo has an average age of 25.9 – over 50% of the population is under 25, which means that the world’s newest country also has a very young population. Considering that Kosovo is one of the the poorest countries in Europe but with such a huge crowd of young people in need of education and jobs, I figured there would be plenty of information out there about these young people. I started browsing around for a blog or similar that focuced only on the young people of Kosovo. I didn’t really find anything.
The ”Young Kosovo – behind the scenes” column is written by a young European about the new young Europeans. With a young and fresh perspective in my writing my aim is to target young people in Europe or anyone who is interested in learning more about what it is like to be a young Kosovar, inside and outside of Kosovo’s borders.
-> Young Kosovo - behind the scenes. Introducing the column. We – the young people of Europe – are in many ways the same and our future is together, so let’s get to know each other! March 16th 2010.
-> The young music and lyrics of Kosovo. What is it like to be a young woman from Kosovo with a heart beating for classical music? 11 years have gone by since the end of the Kosovo war and the return of classical music is here to stay. Featuring Genta Hoxha from Prishtina. April 16th 2010.
-> Existence in between alienation and familiarity – a piece of young Kosovo in exile. Jeta Pajaziti left Kosovo for studies at the age of 17 and is now joint-majoring from a Canadian university. After five years abroad, she sees Kosovo with critical but loving eyes. Featuring Jeta Pajaziti from Peja. May 13th 2010.
-> Rain from an Albanian sky. Sunday June 27th 2010. Kosovo Albanian heavy metal band ”Troja” performing in Germia Park, Prishtina, Kosovo. The band’s signature song ”Amaneti i Clown-it” was understood among my friends as a clear jab at local politicians. Can politics change the will to move and live? What is done wrong? Is there any solution? July 2nd 2010.
-> Agents for change in the Rugova Valley. British writer, teacher and education consultant Elizabeth Gowing is one of the organizers behind the Rugova summer programme for children age 10-15, a summer camp for children of the Rugova Valley with focus on learning English and how to take care of the environment. October 13th 2010.
->Young Kosovars spreading their wings. Jeton wants to be a pilot. “For Kosovars, it is not so easy to become a pilot. It is so expensive… and the nearest place to get a license for flying is in Kumanovo in Macedonia, he says.” November 9th 2010.