Creating meaningful and lasting change for children requires more than policies and programmes. It requires strong partnerships, community leadership, and a genuine commitment to listening to children themselves. These themes stood at the center of the recent visit of Ahmad Alhendawi, Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe (MENAEE) at Save the Children International, to Kosovo, where discussions and field visits highlighted both the progress achieved and the continued need for collective action to protect and advance children’s rights.
Creating meaningful and lasting change for children requires more than policies and programmes. It requires strong partnerships, community leadership, and a genuine commitment to listening to children themselves. These themes stood at the center of the recent visit of Ahmad Alhendawi, Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe (MENAEE) at Save the Children International, to Kosovo, where discussions and field visits highlighted both the progress achieved and the continued need for collective action to protect and advance children’s rights.
The visit began with an engagement with Save the Children Kosova/o staff, creating an opportunity to reflect on the organization’s ongoing work, the challenges children and families continue to face, and the importance of strengthening collective efforts to respond to their evolving needs. The discussion highlighted the dedication of teams working directly with children and communities across Kosovo and reinforced the importance of maintaining strong local partnerships and community trust.
During the meeting, Ahmad Alhendawi spoke about the importance of the work being carried out on the ground and the impact local teams continue to have on children’s lives.
“The real impact of our work is built through the relationships we create with children, families, and communities. Seeing that commitment firsthand is always inspiring.”
Over the course of the visit, meetings with institutional representatives, international partners, civil society organizations, and children offered an important opportunity to reflect on how collaboration can strengthen child protection systems, improve inclusive governance, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
The visit continued with a series of high-level meetings focused on strengthening cooperation around child rights and social inclusion. Discussions with the Office for Good Governance at the Office of the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of institutional leadership in advancing policies that protect children and promote equal opportunities for all. Conversations centered on the need for sustainable investment in services that support vulnerable children and families, while also ensuring that children’s perspectives are reflected in decision-making processes at every level.
Speaking during the meeting, Ahmad Alhendawi reflected on the importance of working together to create systems that truly support children and families.
“When we invest in children early and make sure they feel safe, supported, and heard, we’re investing in a better future for everyone.”
The visit also included meetings with the UN Resident Coordinator and representatives of the EU Office in Kosovo, where discussions focused on the role of partnerships in addressing the evolving challenges facing children and young people. Participants explored opportunities to strengthen coordinated responses around child protection, education, inclusion, and participation, particularly in the context of changing social and economic realities affecting families across communities.
Throughout these discussions, a common message emerged: meaningful impact for children can only be achieved through shared responsibility and long-term collaboration.
“No single organization or institution can do this alone. Real change happens when communities, governments, and partners come together around children.”
Beyond institutional engagements, the visit placed strong emphasis on connecting directly with communities and witnessing firsthand the impact of locally led initiatives. Visits to Mitrovica and Vaganica provided an opportunity to meet local partners, service providers, and children benefiting from community-based programmes focused on early childhood care and development, child protection, and participation.
These initiatives demonstrated how local action can create tangible improvements in children’s lives, from creating safe spaces for learning and development to building mechanisms that empower children to express their views and participate actively in their communities. The discussions highlighted the importance of investing in services that are rooted in community realities and designed together with local stakeholders.
Reflecting on these visits, Alhendawi emphasized the inspiring work being led at community level.
“You can really see the difference local communities are making in children’s lives. These are the kinds of efforts that create lasting change.”
One of the most inspiring moments of the visit was the engagement with members of the Child-led Municipal Assembly. The meeting created space for children and young people to openly share their perspectives, priorities, and experiences, demonstrating not only their awareness of the issues affecting their communities, but also their determination to contribute to solutions.
The exchange served as a powerful reminder that children are not passive beneficiaries of programmes and policies. They are active participants whose ideas and voices must be taken seriously. Their contributions reinforced the importance of creating inclusive spaces where children feel heard, respected, and empowered to influence decisions that shape their futures.
During the meeting, Alhendawi spoke about the importance of listening to children and valuing their perspectives.
“Children have incredibly important ideas, and when we truly listen to them, we make better decisions for everyone.”
As the visit concluded, it reaffirmed a shared commitment among institutions, partners, communities, and children themselves to continue working together toward a more inclusive and resilient future. The conversations and visits throughout Kosovo highlighted that investing in children today is not only a moral responsibility, but also an essential step toward building stronger communities and a more equitable society for generations to come.
Through partnership, local leadership, and the active inclusion of children’s voices, meaningful and sustainable change remains possible, and the visit served as a powerful reminder of the collective effort required to make that vision a reality.
