In 2022, K2.0 launched the “Skilled, Aware, and Active Youth” initiative. Through this initiative, we traveled all over Kosovo to listen to young people. As expected, they had a lot to say. In Mitrovica, Gjilan, Ferizaj and the surrounding areas, K2.0 gathered dozens of young people for workshops to explore the information disorder surrounding ethnicity, sexuality and politics, addressing them together, since these issues are so strongly interrelated that tackling them individually would be insufficient.

Then, in these same three municipalities, K2.0 returned to shoot three short documentaries that are part of this zine. The documentaries highlight the efforts of activists who, with persistence, youthful energy, strive for change and a better life.

In the first documentary, “Neither North nor South,” K2.0 spoke with Diellza Jelliki and Nenad Jovanović about their lives, beyond the reductive definitions that have been imposed on both the north and the south of their city over the years. Both speak of the clash between what happens on a daily basis and trying to live a normal life, unhindered by ongoing political tensions.

In the second documentary, “Who am I, I am who I am,” K2.0 returned to Gjilan to talk with Njomzë Arifi, a young queer woman. Arifi, the sole protagonist of the documentary, takes us through her journey, which is defined by the unstoppable effort to shake and eradicate rejection, restrictive gender expectations and injustice.

In the third documentary, “Beyond ourselves,” K2.0 went back to Ferizaj to collect inspiring stories of those who go beyond themselves — Fortuna Haziri, Ardian Sadiku and Elsa Aliu. Through various channels, from collectives, nongovernmental organizations, individual and community initiatives to political engagement, they find and create ways to speak, to raise their voice and make life in the community better.

Additionally, we collected the articles of workshop participants and those who responded to the K2.0 blog call within this initiative, supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Kosovo.

These 23 articles from across Kosovo bring the everyday and often unknown efforts of young people in Kosovo to the surface. They highlight their youthful enthusiasm — a drive fueled by a sense of responsibility, discomfort with silence and injustice. They share a willingness to instigate change, engage more deeply with the world and ask critical questions. Divided into five sections, the narratives in this digital zine draw attention to an important truth: the youth is here, watching and reacting to what is happening around them, at school, at home, on the street, in their minds and in the country.

Everyone became part of a shared learning experience, crafting articles accessible to readers of any age and background. You can also explore the journey behind the zine, along with impressions from some of the writers, through videos curated by director Sovran Nrecaj.

In a lively brainstorming session at the end of the project, the authors — who you’ll meet through their writing — came together to determine what this zine would be called and how it would look. We hope it will bring you new ideas, inspiration and a more intimate overview of the lives of Kosovo’s youth.

Feature image: K2.0