While thousands of people in Serbia's capital Belgrade participated in demonstrations to protest Kosovo's recent declaration of independence, the international NGO World Vision sees itself as positioned in Serbia and in Montenegro to support and strengthen rural areas against greater instability and volatility. 'We do this through a unique model that integrates social, economic and spiritual development programs', says World Vision's national Director Kyhl Amosson.

From a basic relief response to the Kosovo crisis in 1998, World Vision established its Microfinance Institution AgroInvest, serving more than 34, 000 clients and their families, impacting over 10, 000 children and creating thousands new and supporting existing jobs. To further invest in the country's future it expanded into community development, focusing on the wellbeing of children, including their emotional and spiritual development.

'Our approach helps to make people responsible for the children and the vulnerable within their villages themselves. That is exactly where we see stability and cohesion grow,' Amosson explains. In 2007 alone, we served 47,800 families in more than 400 village associations. The World Vision offices in Montenegro and Serbia are 100% self-funded: the financing of those development programs comes from the revenues of its Micro finance Institute. Last year 300,000USD was spent for those activities, investing indirectly in the future's stability.

The demonstration was organized by the government of the Republic of Serbia in Serbia's capital Belgrade on February 21st. Schools were closed, and employees of companies and factories given the day off to participate in the demonstrations

Kosovo's Prime Minister, Hashim Tachi, declared Kosovo's independence on February 17th, 14 days after Boris Tadic was elected President of Republic of Serbia in the Serbian parliamentarian elections, with 120,000 more votes than his opponent Tomislav Nikolic. In Kosovo, Albanians are celebrating Kosovo's declaration of independence.

World Vision hopes for a peaceful resolution for the sake of all families in Kosovo and Serbia. It will continue its engagement in community development and microfinance activities in Kosovo and Serbia to promote stability and hope for a better future for children and their families.