Women of the communities are trained in dried flower handicrafts

These girls and women from the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities gather here every day to work in manual labor.

With the help of dried flowers, they create different figures and their special art has led to their works being exhibited at fairs.

Such work takes about 2 hours, depending on the type of art they make.

Muzafere Jelliqi, since the age of 14, has been working in crafts. Now he passes on his experience to the new generations.

"I work with different projects, the interest of girls and women in handicraft training is satisfactory. Last year we held ribbon works with the same women, while this year we are working with dried flowers where we make different decorations. I am very proud of my students, their works give me a very good feeling", said Jelliqi, crafts teacher.

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This is Fatmire Qorri, from Prizren. He has a passion for handicrafts, but they have already become a profession for him. He enjoys working with dried flowers the most.

"Since I have been working with this activity for 3 years, I am very satisfied with the lessons I received from the handicraft training. I have benefited a lot from the trainings, what I have learned so far I hope to pass on to the new generations. Age is not a problem, what you want you can do with practice, age is not a problem at all", said Fatmire Qorri, student.

In addition to her studies, Meleke Misini finds time for manual work. She emphasizes that handicrafts are on the verge of extinction and appeals for the tradition to be continued by new generations.

"From the trainings we get different trades, I have been regular in these trainings for 3 years. We young people still have the will to work in handicrafts, during the pandemic we had nothing to do and in addition to studies, I also focused on handicrafts", said Meleke Misini, student. "Besides learning to work in handicrafts, I also benefited financially by selling my works. I have a message for young people not to sit idly at home, but to attend trainings and use their time better for a better future".

Indira Elshani, through her organization, gathers girls and women regardless of ethnicity for handicrafts.

"The situation of girls and women of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian community is bad, since they are discriminated against as girls and women in Kosovar society. Considering the problems these women are facing, the idea arose to strengthen their role in the family as well as in society. Through these trainings with manual work, they will be more independent in economic terms", said Elshani, from the "Sakuntala" organization.

She emphasizes that their work is appreciated. It also calls on those interested to promote their work through various NGOs.

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"This month we started with the activity related to dry flower composites. I call on all the girls and women of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian community to be informed through the media and social networks about the craft activities we do, and those interested do not hesitate to attend these courses for a future good", said Elshani.

It is not only these works with dried flowers, but there are also other handicrafts made by the women of this community in Prizren, which have already been exhibited and sold at various fairs throughout Kosovo.