The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti together with the ambassador of the European Union in Kosovo, Aivo Orav, have visited some of the 14 old houses that are being restored within the project “Cultural heritage as a driver for economic revival of Janjeva”, this project is financed by the European Union and the Ministry of Culture and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
In addition to this visit, the head of the Kosovar executive, together with the head of the EU Office in Kosovo, Aivo Orav, also participated in the opening of the Janjeva Fair, “Welcome to Janjeva”, where artisans from this region presented various foods and clothing work tools.
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, said that the government through three ministries is investing in Janjeva.
The head of the Kosovar executive emphasized that through the restoration of the houses in Janjeva, this town is being restored to its former splendor and economic vitality.
Kurti underlined that the project for the restoration of houses is not only a physical and infrastructural intervention, but is an indicator of the commitment to the preservation and cultivation of the cultural heritage and its return to well-being for the people and economic development for the country.
“Through the investments made, the centuries-old old houses of this town are returning to their former splendor and, along with this, the economic vitality. The restored houses will be ready to serve either for housing, guesthouses, gastronomy and sale of local products produced by the farmers and artisans of this settlement. These projects are not only physical and infrastructural interventions; they are an indication of our commitment and dedication to the preservation and cultivation of cultural heritage and its return to well-being for the people and economic development for the country. After the complete completion of the works, the historical center of Janjeva will be transformed into an attractive destination”, he said.
The Ambassador of the European Union in Kosovo, Aivo Orav, said that today’s fair in Janjeva is good proof that the traditions of the Croats can still be revived and even provide jobs.
Orav hopes that Janjevë will become a tourist destination and an opportunity for citizens to return.
“(Janjeva) It’s rich in culture, and natural heritage remains of Janjeva old city are listed under cultural heritage temporary protection, Janjeva was known for its artisans, merchants and founders, and this is the village which still hosts a small community of Kosovo Croats. So bearing all of that in mind this is the reason why the European Union together with Kosovo Government financed this project. And today’s fair here is the good proof that it traditions of Croats can still revive and even provide jobs. So, that the project financed by the European Union together with Kosovo government will end today, but I hope very much that we can continue and that Janjeva will become the destination of many tourists, and why not some of those who left will return” , he said.
The UNDP Resident Representative for Kosovo, Nuno Queiros, said that through the project entrusted to them by the EU, the foundations for a brighter future for Janjeva and Kosovo have been laid.
Queiros emphasized that UNDP remains committed to preserving and promoting cultural heritage and empowering communities in Kosovo.
” I would like to highlight that this is not just about the physical realabiliation, is about working with the community, is about doing collective efforts to allow them to gain new skills and unlocking broader opportunities for their future, for their socioeconomic development. And this is why we are here today as a celebration of cultural richness and unity and providing a platform for local artisans and producers to showcase their exceptional work and strengths that bonds within the community. A word for them, they’ve worked very hard to be here today, it’s not an easy process, and all the artisans, all the producers, everyone who has engaged in this process, we think we magically come here and everything is ready, and it’s been months and months and months of work and it’s not finished yet; 12 months… We really look forward to your continued support on this remarkable journey that has just begun. I think together we have laid the foundation for brighter future for Janjeva, and for Kosovo, and we as UNDP remain deeply committed to preserving and promoting cultural heritage, empowering communities, and developing cultural tourism throughout Kosovo”, he said.
The Ambassador of Croatia to Kosovo, Danijela Barisic, said that the Government of Kosovo is trying to make Croats stay in Kosovo.
According to her, the survival of the Croatian community in Kosovo is important not only for Croats, but also for Kosovo./KosovaPress