Abstract

The sustainability of human rights trainings in Kosovo remains a critical issue, particularly as the country seeks to develop a rights-oriented society aligned with Euro-Atlantic values. This case study evaluates the sustainability efforts of two trainings conducted by a non-governmental organization, focusing on their alignment with objectives, participant feedback, and systemic factors such as institutional support and follow-up mechanisms. It also explores broader challenges like participant disengagement and the limited integration of human rights education into the national curriculum. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining survey data from participants, interviews with NGO representatives, and analysis of internal documents. To ensure consistency, two trainings from the same 2023 project were selected. Despite efforts to center participant perspectives, the study faced methodological challenges, including low response rates, unavailability of certain stakeholders, and limited geographic and demographic diversity – factors that influenced the depth and generalizability of findings. Key results show the trainings were more effective at refreshing knowledge and influencing behavior than delivering new content. Training A demonstrated moderate sustainability efforts, reinforcing professional skills but exhibiting limited broader impact. Training B demonstrated moderate to high sustainability efforts by targeting educators as multipliers; however, barriers such as rigid curricula, limited resources, and insufficient follow-up mechanisms constrained its reach. The study concludes that sustainability hinges on systemic reforms, follow-up mechanisms, participant engagement, and stronger collaboration between NGOs, donors, and educational institutions. Future efforts should prioritize continuous monitoring, integrate sustainability into donor criteria, and expand access to educational resources. Addressing curriculum rigidity and building institutional partnerships will be key to ensuring these trainings foster lasting societal change.

Publication Date

7-2025

Document Type

Senior Project

Student Type

Undergraduate

Advisor

Venera Demukaj

Advisor/Committee Member

Albina Balidemaj

Advisor/Committee Member

Ariana Qosaj Mustafa

Campus

RIT Kosovo

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