Successful Advocacy for Scholarships for Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian
Pupils by ECMI

In October 2023, pupils from Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities faced barriers applying for scholarships due to missing ethnic affiliation documents. ECMI Kosovo and its paralegals intervened, advocating with municipal authorities and MESTI to extend the application deadline. As a result, around 200 pupils benefited from the extension, gaining access to scholarships for the 2023/2024 academic year. This success promoted inclusivity, helped break systemic barriers, and set a precedent for future efforts to ensure equal access to education. ECMI also helped a Roma family of 15 members who lived in poor housing conditions in Gracanica/Graçanicë for over 22 years. ECMI Kosovo, through its paralegal, tirelessly advocated in 2021 by engaging with local and central authorities to find a solution. As a result, in 2022, the family was granted an apartment—the first time the Roma community in the municipality benefited from social housing. This success not only secured a safe home for the family but also strengthened trust between the Roma community and public institutions.

Each of these stories illustrates how Human Rightivism translated advocacy into action, and action into impact. The project’s ability to generate powerful, visible moments of change significantly elevated its credibility, attracted strategic allies, and solidified its role as a national force for justice and inclusion.