Crkvena Vodica/Caravadicë and Janjevë/Janjevo

The project aimed to foster meaningful connections among youth from diverse ethnic backgrounds in the rural areas of Crkvena Vodica/Caravadicë and Janjevë/Janjevo. By creating a safe and inclusive environment, the program encouraged intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect.

KEY ACTIVITIES

After-school English workshops in Crkvena Vodica/Caravadicë and Janjevë/Janjevo
Intensive language sessions during school breaks
Intercultural dialogue exercises and team-building activities
Community events showcasing student progress and talents
Joint excursions and cultural visits to promote mutual understanding

OBJECTIVCES

Empower youth aged 13–16 from economically disadvantaged households.
Provide foundational English language skills through after-school workshops and intensive sessions.
Strengthen communication abilities and promote tolerance.
Bridge language and ethnic divides by encouraging collaboration and shared experiences.

Through bilingual workshops, cultural exchange activities, and interactive learning, participants improved their English proficiency while building confidence, leadership, and civic awareness. The program successfully created opportunities for Serbian and Albanian youth to connect, learn together, and lay the groundwork for long-term social cohesion.

IMPACT

GALLERY:

During the Christmas and New Year holidays, Access Program students organized a festive activity aimed at bringing joy to kindergarten and preschool children. Students visited the children, bringing chocolates and handmade postcards to celebrate the holiday season.

Together with Access Alumni, the students also prepared thoughtful gifts and organized craft-making workshops for the youngest members of their community. Through these activities, Access students from Crkvena Vodica/Caravodicë and Janjevë created a warm and joyful holiday atmosphere filled with creativity, laughter, and positive community spirit.

NEW YEAR/CHRISTMAS ACTIVITY

THANKSGIVING DINNER CELEBRATION

In November, Access Program students from Crkvena Vodica/Caravodicë and Janjevo organized a Thanksgiving celebration. Students led the planning and implementation of the event, which brought together peers from different communities.

Through creative activities, shared messages of gratitude, and warm social interaction participating in all stages of the event, the students demonstrated initiative, teamwork, and a strong sense of community, highlighting the importance of youth-led activities in building inclusive and respectful environments.

In April, to welcome the arrival of spring, Access students, together with their teachers and guest speakers, organized a series of outdoor activities. These included interactive sessions and creative workshops designed to encourage students to explore, appreciate, and care for their surroundings. Through these events, students collaborated, reflected, and connected with nature in a meaningful and responsible way.

Spring Activities Promoting Environmental Awareness

SUMMER CAMP ONE THE OF MOST POPULAR ACTIVITIES

From August 23rd to 26th, Access students from Obiliq/Obilić (Crkvena Vodica), Janjevo, Zubin Potok, and Kamenica, together with Alumni from Leposavić, gathered in Brezovica for an American-style Summer Camp organized in collaboration with KETNET.

The camp brought together students from multiple communities for three days of immersive learning, teamwork, creativity, and fun. Participants engaged in team challenges, cultural exchanges, discussions, and practical sessions that strengthened both their skills and friendships. A particularly popular activity was the First Aid and sports training provided by American soldiers, while additional workshops were led by Peace Corps volunteers and staff from the American Advising Center.

Zubin Potok, and Čabra/Cabra! 🌟 Access Program students from Obiliq/Obilić, Crkvena Vodica, Janjevo, Zubin Potok, and Çabra/Cabra participated in a joint recreational activity aimed at strengthening peer connection and teamwork. The students spent the day together at a local bowling center, enjoying bowling and arcade games in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

The activity successfully fostered interaction among students from different sites, encouraged bonding, and created a positive and memorable shared experience.

bowling with all access program students

COMPUTER CLASSES

Regular informatics classes have been organized for all students to enhance their skills in various areas, including video editing, Word and Excel usage, presentation preparation, and poster and brochure design.These sessions help students gain confidence with technology, develop problem-solving abilities, and prepare for future academic and career opportunities in a digital world.

Access students from Crkvena Vodica (Obiliq/Obilić municipality) and Janjevo had the opportunity to meet Fulbright English Teaching Assistants Joshua and Mary, whose involvement significantly contributed to the final phase of the program.

Joshua talked about California, presenting iconic cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. He shared interesting insights about California’s lifestyle, cuisine, diverse landscapes, and notable personalities, helping students imagine what life is like on the West Coast of the U.S.

Mary introduced students to Montana, emphasizing its distinctive geography and the presence of Native American reservations. She described her own teaching experiences in Montana and provided a meaningful overview of Native American culture, traditions, and everyday community life.