January 22, 2025 | Wednesday
TOKA’s mission is simple yet profound: to empower Kosovar youth to become agents of positive change. This mission is centered around the proven fact that Kosovo’s youth is full of potential and energy to shape a better tomorrow and it lies in the very heart of the country’s future. Through experiential learning and long-term volunteering, TOKA is breaking down barriers, nurturing skills, and fostering a sense of active citizenship among young people, with a strong focus on those coming from disadvantaged communities.
TOKA’s work centers on providing opportunities for young people to grow—academically, socially, and professionally. From a girl in Viti discovering her leadership potential to a volunteer transforming their community through creative projects, TOKA’s programs offer a continuum of development that prepares youth to thrive in the 21st century.
Since its founding, 30,000 youths from Kosovo have participated in TOKA’s programs, which earned the organisation recognition as is the case with the Changemaker of the Year Award from the #ForTheGood movement in 2019. This milestone is a testament to the transformative power of TOKA’s integrated approach to youth development.
Some of TOKA’s key programs through which the organisation is fulfilling its mission for change are the Active Volunteerism (Service Learning) Clubs; Boosters and Accelerators; Teacher Training and Experiential Learning.
In the Service Learning Clubs, young and adult volunteers work together to identify challenges and design solutions that improve their communities. From cleaning riverbeds to raising awareness about mental health. More than 300 projects have been implemented since 2018, directly involving over 4,000 young people. Participants gain critical thinking, teamwork, and advocacy skills while learning the value of civic engagement.
Through camps, training programs, and mentorship, within the Boosters and Accelerators pillar TOKA helps the youth to discover their talents and passions. With topics ranging from democracy and environmental awareness to digital skills like web development, more than 2,000 young people have broadened their horizons through these initiatives. TOKA’s summer camps, accredited by the European Solidarity Corps, have hosted over 1,500 youth from Kosovo and beyond, creating spaces for cultural exchange and immersive learning.
Partnering with the Faculty of Education, within the Teacher Training and Experiential Learning program, TOKA trains educators to use experiential methods that make learning engaging and effective. Imagine students mastering fractions through basketball or learning problem-solving through real-world projects. These methods have reached more than 90 schools, benefiting nearly 5,000 students and proving the effectiveness of innovative education.
Fostering regional and international networking through direct or indirect collaboration with organisations, individuals, institutions and other stakeholders is an important part of the organisations’ work. TOKA connects Kosovo’s youth with opportunities across Europe through networks like the Solidarity Action-Day Movement in Europe (SAME) and the Central and South Eastern Europe Service-Learning Network. These collaborations have facilitated international exchanges, allowing young Kosovars to gain diverse perspectives and contribute to global discussions on youth empowerment.
A monumental achievement in the history of the organisation was marked in 2024, when TOKA mobilized 275 volunteers, raising €4,332 for youth-led projects. Supported by leaders like President Vjosa Osmani, this initiative exemplifies how volunteerism can drive social change. With 442 job opportunities created for participants and widespread community engagement, Solidarity Action Day is proof of the growing enthusiasm for active citizenship among Kosovo’s youth.
Furthermore, in May 2024, TOKA launched and implemented a new initiative: the Volunteerism of the Year Awards. This initiative aims to recognize, promote, and expand participation in volunteerism, and was supported of 50 stakeholders from local and international communities, including the President and Prime Minister of Kosovo, embassies, municipalities, and many international and local organizations. 100 nominations were received and on December 5, 2024, marking International Volunteer Day, the closing ceremony of the Volunteerism of the Year Awards took place, honouring 15 changemakers who have made extraordinary contributions to society.
While statistics capture the organisation’s reach, the true impact of TOKA’s work is reflected in personal stories of growth and transformation. Parents and teachers report behavioral improvements, greater academic engagement, and enhanced resilience among participants. Rural youth, often facing limited opportunities, find a platform to thrive and give back to their communities.
AT TOKA, they believe in the power of youth to rewrite the story of Kosovo. Together with their partners, educators, and volunteers, at TOKA they are committed to ensuring every person has the tools, skills, and opportunities to build a brighter future. Drawing on this strong legacy, the organisation’s vision for the future is to expand experiential learning and educational volunteerism into more schools; strengthen partnerships with governments to advocate for youth-centric policies and empower the next generation of leaders to tackle challenges and drive sustainable change.