ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WOMEN’S CHARITY SOCIETY “SRPKINJA” IN PRIZREN 1909.

Abstract

The Women’s charity society “Srpkinja” was founded in 1909. by local Serbian women from Prizren. At the beginning of the 19^th century, Serbian population in Kosovo and Metohija was under-pressure from the Turkish authorities and local Albanians. Only way to save their homes from fanatic Muslims was to work on opening schools, creation of cultural associations, in order to preserve their identity in that way. A group of brave women’s decide to establish one society, who will take care for education of young girls in Prizren. The goals of this society were to learn young women’s, girls and housekeepers true values through the conversations, reading books and etc. The members of this society “Srpkinja” was engaged in charity work, they helped poor people, also they collected donations from rich people. The women’s charity society had its own rulebook according to which it worked. The “Srpkinja” also had their management, president, vice-president, an accountant and paymaster.

            One year after the establishment, the management of this society was opened a women’s worker’s school in 1910.  This school was very important for the education of young girls. At school the girls learned how to sews, cuts and knit. In the World war one, these girls and women’s helped the red cross. After war, the school continues to work. This society and their school was very important for young and poor Serbian girls. Many of them have become teachers, educators and most important – good people.