---

#RCT engaging the private sector to contribute towards the reconciliation

---

Through the #RCT activity, a coffee festival on the main bridge in Mitrovica will be organized in the first week of September. The main bridge de facto still serves as a dividing point between Albanian and Serbian communities in Mitrovica city. Regardless of the physical division, there are many common things for all communities, and one of them is – drinking coffee.

In that spirit, #RCT will organize an event for communities, to bring citizens from both sides of the city in one place – the main Mitrovica bridge, to enjoy the day over coffee, music, art, and neighboring chat.

This festival opens up an immense potential of private sector engagement from both parts of the city of Mitrovica, by enabling space for initiating their contact, communication, sharing their products, business ideas, and most importantly, their continuous cooperation. 

Besides bigger and well-known businesses in Mitrovica such as Restaurant Ura, coffee bar Ma Belle, Caffe bar Forum), the #RCT team aimed to identify and engage small businesses and young entrepreneurs. For example, the women association “Sabor” has a goal to socially and economically empower women, with special emphasis on the development of women's entrepreneurship. The festival will have the space for women who own small businesses to present their products to the public, promote business, and connect with their fellow business peers.

Another immediate initiative from young entrepreneur Vladimir Simić is to incorporate a charity aspect in the festival. Namely, Vladimir who owns a small wood crafting business will produce key chains with festival design and all the proceeds will go to charities in the south and north Mitrovica. 

#RCT already initiated communication with businesses in Mitrovica North and South to discuss the ideas about the festival and their engagement and support. Excited about the festival idea, business owners welcomed the idea of such an event, and are willing to be part of it, and all agree on one thing – this idea needs to become a yearly event and grow each year.

#RCT activity is implemented by CBM in partnership with @yihrks & @nsi and supported by the American people through USAID in Kosovo.

 

                                   

 

                       

---