A Glimpse into What’s Missing: Children’s Voices from the “Prospero ” Programme (Kosovo)

As part of the “Prospero” Programme, the Community Development Fund launched a series of creative, interactive extracurricular activities aimed at children aged 10–14 from underserved communities. These activities included theatre-based workshops, storytelling circles, team-building games, and guided discussions on emotions, values, and friendship, all designed to create a safe, expressive space for children to learn, share, and connect.

For many of these children, this was their first experience with structured, positive extracurricular engagement. Coming from marginalised areas with limited access to social support and enrichment, they are among those most at risk of social exclusion, which can serve as a gateway to radicalisation and violent behavior if left unaddressed.

The feedback from participants speaks volumes about what they had been missing—and what they need:

“Everything was perfect.”
“The best hours of my life.”
“Thank you for making us so happy.”
“I wish the activity lasted longer.”
“Do this more often, once a month.”
“Invite other students to see the play too.”

These heartfelt comments underscore the profound emotional and psychological impact of even short, well-designed interventions. They also reveal a critical gap in children’s lives, the absence of safe spaces for expression, play, and positive social connection.

By addressing the drivers of vulnerability at an early stage, “Prospero” offers more than just joyful moments: it lays the foundation for long-term social cohesion and peacebuilding.