Kosovo
During the 1998-1999 war in Kosovo, more than 10,000 Albanian Kosovars were killed. 863,000 Albanian Kosovars fled the country, 590,000 were displaced within Kosovo, and 40% of the homes were destroyed. The impact of such loss has been monumental. Families have been torn apart, children are being raised in fatherless homes, primary bread winners are gone, and youth are forced to step into leadership roles they are not yet ready to assume.
Protection of Women and Children
The loss of men within the Kosovar family has had a monumental impact on the protection of women and children, who are victims of physical, emotional, and societal abuse every day. An estimated 50% of women have been abused by loved ones. In addition, the margin of extreme poverty has increased to 12% of the population. The Roma Gypsy community makes up nearly 60% of the people living in extreme poverty.
Through our strategic partner in Kosovo, Bethany is able to provide care and education for minority children. Children receive tutoring to help disadvantaged children catch up to the academic levels of other children. We are able to provide basic food assistance to make sure children receive one good meal every day. Through Bethany’s life skills training, people gain the necessary skills, self-esteem, and confidence to obtain employment and support their families.
All sources for the statistics on this page were obtained from the US State Department, OSCE “Kosovo/Kosovoa: As Seen, As Told”, International Red Cross, Country Reports, Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Unit, Europe and Central Asia Region