The second annual Municipal Competitiveness Index Survey conducted by the USAID Business Enabling Environment Program www.usaidbeep.org found that most municipalities had taken to heart the results of last year’s survey and undertaken reforms. The result is higher scores this year for most municipalities in Kosovo. The survey measures to what degree local business regulations and procedures enable businesses to get established and flourish.
When you’re trying to think creatively, strategically and collegially to accomplish important objectives, sometimes it helps to go through the process outside of the normal work environment. That is why most of the USAID/Kosovo mission went on a two-day retreat to a quiet hotel just an hour north of Pristina in June 2012. The objective was to reflect on what USAID goals have been met in Kosovo, what remains to be done, and to begin developing a five-year development strategy for the country. Mission accomplished!
Lots of people in Kosovo conduct business transactions solely on the basis of a handshake. Written contracts are rare. In fact, many people in Kosovo consider written contracts to be insulting to the integrity of the people involved in the deal.
On May 24, 2012 the people of Kosovo turned out in huge numbers - an estimated 70,000 volunteers for a nationwide environmental cleanup advertised as “Let’s Do It Kosova” Day. It was Kosovo’s first contribution to an annual one-day global cleanup organized by a consortium of NGO’s with the support of businesses, corporations and international donors.
Residents of two communities in Leposavic are enjoying improvements to local infrastructure with the support of the American People. The U.S. Agency for International Development recently renovated a playground in Ibarsko Postenje and re-surfaced a road in Gornji Krnjin. Both of the projects were implemented by the USAID Kosovo Activities for Supporting Schools Program at the request of local residents. The program assists similar infrastructure improvements in communities throughout the North.
An exhibition Wednesday (April 25, 2012) in Pristina showcased new educational technology products that are available to schools from local business outlets. The technology already is being used in some schools with the support of the USAID Basic Education Program in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
Kosovo`s farmers and food processors produce wonderful local products using the freshest of berries, plums, peppers, and much more. The problem for the farmers and processors is that the people of Kosovo tend to buy imported foods because of concerns about quality and sanitation. The USAID New Opportunities for Agriculture Program www.noakos.com is working to change that, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development.
Kosovo has a lot of natural water, but getting it to people in need requires infrastructure and money. The Regional Water Companies build and maintain the pipes, but they have trouble maintaining them properly because so many water customers do not pay their bills. In fact, some people tap into the pipes illegally, causing damage and introducing potential contaminants.
Kosovo youth who believe they have the power to make a difference in their communities and in the world-at-large turned out for a variety of USAID-sponsored events in commemoration of Earth Day and Global Youth Service Day, 2012. Both are annual events celebrated internationally to bring attention to environmental issues and the importance of youth involvement in community affairs.
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