We already traveled to Serbia and Montenegro for the GIZ program “Social Rights for Vulnerable Groups”. Now we’re headed for the Western Balkans once more: to Kosovo, Macedonia, and Albania.
Our journey begins in the Kosovar capital of Pristina. On our very first day, we get introduced to a fantastic project: the catering service “eShpis”. Traditional Kosovar dishes are prepared according to the standards of haute cuisine. For companies, organizations, and people from the neighborhood.
Eight women work in the large-scale kitchen with an adjunct café. All of them are single and from difficult social circumstances. At “eShpis” they found a job – a quest that would have been considerable more difficult on the regular labor market. “eShpis” is a social business. These kinds of businesses are dedicated to addressing problems within society – in this case, the project is aimed at fostering disadvantaged women’s economic independence.
We are greeted very cordially and shown around the kitchen. A realm of chopping, stirring, and sizzling. The food smells delicious! This makes it considerable more difficult to focus on our work.
Luckily, someone notices our craving. Within seconds, it seems, a variety of delicious things are arranged on one of the tables.
And we are allowed to try everything. After all, it is for a good cause 😉
Honestly, we cannot think of a better way to start our journey.
