Lesson Plan: Return to Kosovo

Objectives

• Students will review the events surrounding the recent conflict in Kosovo.
• Students will identify the environmental, economic, emotional and health affects of the conflict in Kosovo.
• Students will prepare a presentation about a government agency or private relief organization and what it is doing to help rebuild Kosovo.

Standards

National Council of Social Studies Thematic Strands:

• III. People, Places and Environments
• VI. Power, Authority and Governance
• IX. Global Connections

Materials

CNNfyi article, "Death, disease belie spring in Kosovo"
Paper and pens
Internet access

Suggested time
One to two 45-minute classroom periods

Procedures

1. Review what students already know about the crisis in Kosovo by asking them questions about events that occurred in the region over the past year.
2. Direct students to read the CNNfyi article: "Return to Kosovo".
3. By way of review, discuss the following questions:

• Where is Kosovo located? Who controls this province? What is its ethnic composition? Why did conflict erupt in Kosovo last year?
• How did the international community respond to the conflict? What is the status of the conflict today? What is NATO's current role in Kosovo?
• Who is Fran Hesser? According to Ms. Hesser, what are living conditions like in Kosovo? How have they improved since the war? What type of violence is still occurring in Kosovo? Why? How has the war affected Kosovo's economy, infrastructure and environment?
• What type of emotional impact do you think the war has had on the Serbians and Kosovars who are living in Kosovo? Why do you think most of Kosovo's Serbian physicians have fled to Serbia? In your opinion, why are many Serbians refusing to register to vote in the upcoming Kosovo elections? Do you think existing ethnic tensions can be resolved? Why or why not? If so, how?
• What are the sanitary conditions like in Kosovo? Why? What is Tularemia? How is the disease transmitted? How is the Tularemia outbreak being addressed? Do you think these efforts will be effective? Why or why not?

Assessment

Group students. Challenge each group to prepare a presentation about a government agency or private relief organization and what it is doing to help rebuild Kosovo. Have each group identify obstacles that may be hindering the organization's efforts. Following the presentations, refer students back to the list to determine what additional efforts are needed to help restore Kosovo. Hold a discussion to determine which organizations can help with which needs and to see if there are needs not being adequately addressed.