Ethnic bloodshed on Europe’s Balkan peninsula caused deep bitterness that still lingers today. It will take years to soften the hearts of those who lived through the horrendous “ethnic cleansings” of the 1990s.
World Relief has discovered a way to effectively build peace and reconciliation in post-conflict situations – through trade. Today, Beselidhja/Zavet – which translates to “honor and trust” – is one of the most successful business and peace-building initiatives in Kosovo.
Reconciliation
In this volatile region in southern Europe, commerce has the profound ability to subdue hostility and foster reconciliation.
Working with all ethnic groups, World Relief plays a pivotal role in promoting peace and stability.
In 2000, amid a backdrop of intense ethnic distrust, World Relief established Beselidhja/Zavet – “honor and trust.” Since then, the microfinance program has opened the door of opportunity to hundreds of hardworking entrepreneurs – empowering them to set up their own income-generating enterprises.
Sasha’s Story
With loans from Beselidhja/Zavet, Sasha and his brother set up their own candy factory in a Serbian enclave. Sasha sells Turkish Delights to Kosovar Albanian wholesalers – bridging the gap between the ethnic groups as they set aside their differences to interact in mutually beneficial trade. Sasha’s business has been able to employ several workers. It’s a real Kosovo success story.
A Christian Witness
Alongside Beselidhja/Zavet World Relief seeks to share the love of Jesus with those we help. With Christians making up less than one percent of the population, World Relief recognizes the need to encourage Kosovo’s fledgling churches through discipleship training and care groups…so that they in turn can encourage others.
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