Kosovo Urban Youth
Kosovo, the youngest state in Europe, is on the threshold of becoming a "Failed State". Tens of thousands are fleeing corruption, poverty and lack of prospects. But not only the resigned are left behind: The youth reveals their feelings and perspective about the future.
Tadi
« In my youth, when I used to live in Serbian Part of Kosovo Mitrovica, they asked me why I don’t speak their language, because Kosovo belongs to Serbia following their opinion. It's absurd! We should work better together and stride into the future to get closer to Europe. »
Dardan
« My neighborhood is very conservative and religious, it has about five mosques within a few kilometers. Sometimes when I walk I hear people whispering about me. It is not easy when one behaves somewhat differently or get dressed than anyone else. You are losing your identity, confused, following up how other describe you. That's why I'd like to see me once under completely other conditions, such as in another country and culture. »
Nesa
« The first lesson of ballerina I took when I was six years. I would have liked to become a ballerina in Russia, due to an injury I will probably not make it so fast. I try it anyway. Next year I want to go to a dance school in Tirana. »
Mirjana
« This place belongs to the outcasts. Serbs, Ashkali and other Romas live here in some poorest. Until recently, I dared myself as a Serb not in the city Pristina, my parents said it would be dangerous because of the Albanians. I do not intend to leave this place, except for my architectural studies in Pristina. We take each day as it comes. »
Visar
« If I could study Songwriting here, I might would have remained here in Kosovo. But there was no other way, which is very regrettable. Now I am studying in Vienna. It gives me a lot more opportunities to create my future. Anyway, I always like to come back to Pristina. This summer for example I can conduct the music of a piece in National Theatre here. »
Milena
« I am a punk girl by heart, but it can be very difficult in Pristina to look and act different than all the others. There’s a small punk scene here that occasionally meets for concerts. »
Edona
« Pristina is a bipolar bitch. A small, pretty girl inside, but outside it is raw and nasty. Somehow it colored off on me. »
Nita
« We are the most isolated country in Europe with the youngest population. Someone who wants to go abroad, studying or just traveling has wait three months to a possibly negative visa decision. That's is frustrating. »
Almir
« It is no secret that in school the kids don't study. Young people in Kosovo have no idea what is a noun, a verb or an adjective. Cheating all the years and then wonder why they get a job. But having 400 Likes on Facebook and carry the most fashionable clothes. »
Diona
« In our it said recently schoolbooks it says: When women wear skirts or tight blouses, a man should exually harass, ultimately this is a sign that they want to. Read this in a schoolbook of our time shocked me, we protested with success against the textbook has now changed. »
Linda
« The rights of woman in Kosovo are behind everything. But first, everyone should be free to follow the religion of their wish. »