USAID/OTI Kosovo Program Description
FY 2001 Budget - $6,200,000
The primary goal of USAID/OTI's Kosovo Transition Initiative (KTI) is to maximize the number of Kosovars involved in, and recognizing the value of, participating in decision making and the future development of democracy in Kosovo. Through its initiative, OTI encourages political diversity, increased citizen participation in political and community affairs, and professionalism and transparency in media and public service institutions. OTI has four focus areas: Community Improvement Councils, Media, NGO Support, and Local Governance.
- Community Improvement Councils:
The major part of OTI's portfolio in Kosovo has consisted of assistance to communities in forming and organizing Community Improvement Councils (CICs). These Councils were designed to support Kosovars in the process of rebuilding their communities while preparing them for the challenges of democratic self-governance. CICs are a body of 15 citizens democratically selected to represent a community. Together, they engage the community by identifying and prioritizing the needs most important for community improvement, ranging from shelter and school reconstruction to electrical upgrades and road rehabilitation.
- Media:
OTI works with media outlets in Kosovo, providing them with assistance to ensure that professional, moderate, and high quality media is available to as many Kosovars as possible. Staff also work closely with these media outlets to help them understand their role in civil society, practice that role responsibly, and leverage KTI's community-based programs.
- NGO Support:
OTI assists groups engaged in social and civic awareness activities. During the run-up to municipal elections, OTI supported civic leagues, youth forums, and women's coalitions encouraging broad voter education and participation.
- Local Governance:
Following Kosovo's municipal-level elections in October 2000, OTI refined its focus to contribute to the cultivation of long and lasting relationships between citizens and their elected governments. Specifically, OTI tries to build community-municipal relationships through the joint implementation of community-identified projects and encourage communities to work with their elected officials to increase transparency and accountability in public policy formation and resource allocation.
OTI's Kosovo program is implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and has offices in Prishtine/Pristina, Ferizaj/Urosevac, Gjakova/Djakovica, Gjilan/Gnjilane, Mitrovica, Peja/Pec, and Prizren).
OTI is scheduled to exit Kosovo in September 2001, handing off activities to the USAID Mission and other donors.
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