The Kantar Index Kosovo Report on the Impact and Opportunities of TOKA’s programs

The Kantar Index Kosovo Report on the evaluation of the Impact and Opportunities for the TOKA Strategy 2024-2029, conducted in December 2023, presents comprehensive findings on the assessment of youth needs in Kosovo, aiming to identify unaddressed needs and provide recommendations for future strategies. The main findings from the report are detailed across several key areas:

Everyday Life and Passions of Young People

• Young people’s daily routines involve school, extracurricular activities, spending time with friends and family, and engaging in hobbies such as sports, arts, and technology.
• Stress and information overload from social networks and school commitments are significant issues affecting young people’s well-being.
• Differences in routines and access to resources between urban and rural youth highlight disparities in opportunities and lifestyles.

Perceptions of Empowerment and Marginalization

• Empowerment is associated with self-confidence, family and social support, education, and personal development.
• Marginalization issues include bullying, social isolation, poverty, racial discrimination, and barriers like early employment and forced marriage.

Assessment of Youth Needs and Application Through Programs

• Key needs identified include awareness and self-improvement, mental health and emotional wellbeing, communication skills, social skills, and relationships.
• Other areas of focus are the development of personal passions and interests, education and academic skills, career preparation, and professional skills.
• The importance of addressing physical health, security, stability, technology and digital media literacy, financial independence, and community engagement is emphasized.

TOKA’s Impact on Personal Development

• Participation in TOKA programs is seen as beneficial for developing personal skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence.
• Parents and teachers report positive changes in youth involved in TOKA, including improvements in communication, confidence, and social awareness.

Conclusions and Recommendations

• The report concludes with a call for increased programs aimed at self-confidence, mental health services, parent education, equality and tolerance education, career guidance, expansion of programs to rural areas, community building, and empowerment of women and girls.
• Suggestions include improving education and the education system, providing professional development for teachers, addressing social awareness, and supporting marginalized youth.

This report underscores the diverse needs of young people in Kosovo and the significant impact of TOKA’s programs on their development. It highlights the importance of tailored programs that address both individual development and broader social challenges, recommending a multifaceted approach to empower youth and ensure their well-being and success​​. To read the full report click on this LINK.