Forum for Civic Initiatives has organized the traditional awarding ceremony FIDES in order to honor the philanthropic contribution of individuals, organizations and businesses in Kosovo, who systematically and sensitively contribute to the environment, culture and traditional values, and who have supported activities and projects of common interest.

The ceremony was held on December 7th 2016 at the Emerald Hotel in Prishtina in the presence of 300 invitees.

During the ceremony, awards were given to philanthropists in the following categories:

FIDES Award for Contribution at National Level “Hasan Prishtina” was given to the Girls Coding Kosova organization which managed to change the statistics that evidenced the discrepancy between men and women in IT sector in Kosovo. The Award for Contribution at National Level was given for the development of the application “EC Shlire” (Walk Freely) which provides opportunity for women to report sexual harassments, which is phenomena very much present in Kosovo.

FIDES Award for Community Contribution was given to BONEVET – nonprofit center where people gather to share their knowledge, work together on projects, to create and build. This year BONEVET is awarded for community project whose aim is to create “Working Classes Bonevet” at elementary schools, starting with a testing project at the Kelmend Rizvanolli Elementary School in Gjakova. Through this all pupils of this school will have the opportunity to attend the classes held within “Creative Class” and to prepare to study, work and create unique handmade models related to technology, electronics, robotics and programming.

FIDES Award for Individual Contribution was awarded to Mrs. Marta Prekpalaj who won this award as an outstanding activist, contributing for many years to education, economic independence of women from rural areas as well as preservation of traditions and culture of Has. Mrs. Prekpalaj was as well active in engaging diaspora of Has region to invest in the public infrastructure of this region in value of 700,000 EUR, which is already realized and has provided a better access to the inhabitants of this region.

FIDES Award for Contribution of Diaspora was given to the Union of German Albanian Businesses which has given a great contribution in different areas that are crucial for Kosovo. Initially, supporting education of young girls whose families (due to difficult economic situations) could not cover the educational expenses (120,000 EUR). Secondly, economic support of small businesses led by women, with the aim of production development in the region as well as exporting possibilities for domestic products (15 businesses). Third is the promotion of history and culture through Exhibition of Jasharaj family in Hamburg and Düsseldorf (5,000EUR).

Special FIDES Award was given to Andi Bajgora and Lum Veseli, two young artists, for the promotion of Kosovo talents in Art/Film by being part of the prestigious scene of Film – Oscar.