Donor Assistance Nurtures Economic Independence
A small textile factory employing six women from Llaplleselle/Laplje Selo (Pristina municipality) is a small but significant step toward economic independence for women in this small Serb community in Kosovo.
Established by Avenija Women Business Association, the factory produces textile products for hotels and home use (tablecloths, towels, napkins, and sheets), as well as clothes, woven products (rugs) and ornamental dress embroidery. Dr. Michael Farbman, USAID/Kosovo Director, visited the factory on July 15, 2008 to learn more about Avenija’s work and accomplishments.
Various fashion designers have expressed an interest in the traditional Kosovo design and styles, and have initiated business discussions with the Association. Previous support to the Association includes a donation of sewing equipment from Finnish Kosovo Forces (KFOR) and refurbishment of facilities from USAID's Kosovo Cluster and Business Support project. Today, the small textile factory is progressing rapidly toward self-sustainability.
Following the visit to Avenija, Dr. Farbman visited the DTS Kondi Company in Graçanica/Gracanica where he learned about the production of Turkish delight candy. The owner of DTS Kondi shared insights into the production process and discussed challenges that the company faces in its daily operations.
Both Avenija and DTS Kondi are partners of USAID's Kosovo Cluster and Business Support Project, a four-year activity that works to stimulate growth in key economic sectors.
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| Working on a new design for rugs at the Avenija Women Business Association. |
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