The town of Mitrovica has witnessed a high frequency of ethnic incidents. In order to promote reconciliation and facilitate access to the North of Kosovo, the Government of Kosovo and a coalition of donors made an effort to establish a not-for-profit international independent higher vocational centre of competence in Mitrovica. The International Business College in Mitrovica was established in March 2010.

Project Goal
To bridge the deep ethnic separation in the divided town of Mitrovica, leading to gradual normalisation of relations and the reduction of high inter-community tension. The initiative shall further foster private sector development in the Mitrovica region and assist Kosovo on its path to EU integration.

Project Outcome

• To improve employability through study programs with a heavy focus on practice and skills as well as facilitate graduates to start their own enterprises;
• To create a sustainable, genuinely inclusive higher vocational institution, producing young professional civil servants and business leaders in the Mitrovica region ready to work in multi-ethnic teams;
• To provide modern curricula in doing business with the EU and training (future and existing) civil servants in EU integration.

Target group
The project targets youth in a disadvantaged area. Due to its inclusive agenda, the initiative steers towards full inclusion of all ethnic communities living in the Mitrovica region. IBCM now counts 50% ethnic Serbs and 50% ethnic Albanians as its students. Youngsters from other non-majority communities are also enrolled in this college.

Phase Duration  01.05.2012 - 31.12.2013

Swiss Contribution CHF 1'250'000

The project is implemented by the international development organisation SPARK. The project is supported by other partners such as: the Government of Kosovo, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Municipality of Mitrovica.