Kamenica, 9 October 2025
Distinguished attendees,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Honorable Mayor of Kamenica, Mr. Kadri Rahimaj,
Honorable Mr. Halil Kastrati from the organization “Balkan Orphans,”
Dear teachers, kitchen staff, beloved students and citizens,
We have just come from the inauguration of the kindergarten in Koretin—another promise kept by Mayor Rahimaj for the children of Kamenica. Today, we are here in front of a building that, while not very large, is extremely important, as it will house the new kitchen that will provide meals for all students in Kamenica, as well as families and social cases in need of support.
Kamenica has set a new standard in preschool education, as we all know. In addition to two new kindergartens, Mayor Rahimaj has made it possible for the children there to eat healthily—something no other municipality has ever done before.
From avocado and salmon to fresh vegetables and healthy smoothies, Kamenica today offers balanced, European-standard meals for its youngest citizens. And since health is essential, every child attending a kindergarten in Kamenica now has health insurance, which is another policy of care and social responsibility—again thanks to Mayor Rahimaj, who made it a reality.
Now, the Public Kitchen stands as a unique project built in cooperation with the Municipality of Kamenica and the “Balkan Orphans” Association—with a deeply humane mission for which we remain forever grateful. Here, nutritious, high-quality meals will be prepared under the guidance of food scientists and nutritionists, tailored to every student’s age.
In this way, students will not only be healthy but will also enjoy equal well-being. The kitchen will also be an important element in implementing another policy of Mayor Rahimaj—the full-day learning model, which is set to begin in his second term and requires a central kitchen as an essential component.
Such projects demonstrate the dedication of Kamenica Municipality to improving education and student welfare, which have always been central to the mayor’s agenda. Moreover, there is nothing better than when this is combined with a charitable organization such as “Balkan Orphans,” whose president, Mr. Halil Kastrati, honors us today with his presence. On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, as the mayor Kadri Rahimaj will also express his gratitude, we extend our highest appreciation for this cooperation and joint accomplishment.
With us today are also the first nine students of the new culinary program—a new educational field not only for Kamenica but also for many other municipalities. I have noticed that in other municipalities, Kamenica often serves as an argument for progress, an argument of the possibility of progress. These students are part of dual education, in addition to theoretical learning, they are assessed and gain practical experience from businesses in the field of culinary arts.
All these initiatives are proof of the vision and concrete work being carried out in Kamenica, here in Dardana. To advance these processes even further, we need continued civic support, and these progressive projects and positive changes strengthen the belief that Kadri Rahimaj is not only an option but truly the solution—which is why he enjoys such strong public support.
Congratulations on this new kitchen! I wish for many more such projects in Kamenica—from groundbreakings to inaugurations—and especially those moments when we see the joy of those who need it most—above all, our children and students.
Thank you!
