Prishtina, May 26, 2026
The acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, took part in the graduation ceremony of the youngest generation of 270 assistants for children and students with special educational needs.
While congratulating the newly graduated, the acting Prime Minister Kurti emphasized that the way we care for children who need more support says a lot about the state we are building.
“Many people measure success by the position they have or the salary they receive. But there are also professions that are differently measured. They are measured by the smile of a child. By the trust a pupil gains. By the relief a parent feels when they know that his or her child is not alone. This is the profession you have chosen,” he said.
Full speech of Acting Prime Minister Kurti:
Honorable Mr. Hajrulla Çeku. Minister of Education and Science,
Honorable Ms. Arbërie Nagavci, former Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation,
Honorable Ms. Fikrije Zymberi, Director of the Agency for Vocational Education and Training,
Honorable graduates,
Honorable parents and family members,
Honorable teachers, partners and guests,
Honorable attendees,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today is a day of pride for you, for your families and for the Republic of Kosovo.
Today is graduating the newest generation of 270 assistants for children and students with special educational needs. And I want to say from the beginning: this is just one graduation that joins the ranks of such graduations that have already become a central policy of education and upbringing in our country. But, it is not just a graduation, because it is an event that speaks about the values of our society. Because the way we care for our children who need more support, says a lot about the country we are building.
Dear graduates,
You have chosen a profession that requires knowledge, but above all it requires heart, it requires kindness, it requires love.
A profession that requires patience and daily dedication. Many people measure success by the position they have or the salary they receive.
But there are also professions that are differently measured. They are measured by the smile of a child. By the confidence a student gains. By the relief a parent feels when they know that his or her child is not alone.
This is the profession you have chosen.
You will be there for children in moments when they need support the most. You will help them feel equal in the classroom with everyone else. You will help them participate, communicate, develop and especially believe in themselves. And sometimes, without even realizing it, you will become the reason why a child does not give up. This is a great responsibility, but at the same time it is also a great honor.
Dear parents and family members,
Today is also your day. Behind every student who receives a diploma, there is a family that has supported, encouraged and sacrificed. There have been many sleepless nights, exhausting fatigue, countless challenges and many efforts. Therefore, I want to sincerely thank you for everything you have done to help these young men and women reach this day here today.
And now you will not only see a diploma in their hands, but a new mission in their lives.
In recent years, dear participants, the Government of the Republic of Kosovo has decided that inclusive education and upbringing should be a real priority and not just a public statement. We have invested in expanding this program, we have supported the centers that offer it, and we have allocated budget funds to hire assistants in our schools. We have done this because we strongly believe that every child deserves to feel accepted, respected, and supported in school. No child should be feel left out. No parent should feel alone in their efforts to educate and educate their child.
And this is where the importance of your role begins. You will be part of the social change that we are building and advancing together.
And today, Kosovo has over hundreds of certified professionals in this same field. This is a great achievement for our country. But, above all, this is hope for thousands of children and families. It is hope for a mother who wants to see her child included in the classroom. For a father who wants to see his child move forward with dignity. For a child who just needs a little more support to unfold his or her potential and, for this, you will have the government of the Republic of Kosovo by your side, always with you, because, all children, are not only members of your families, they are also citizens of the Republic of Kosovo from whom we expect a bright future and to whom we have institutional, official, civic and moral responsibilities.
Dear Assistants,
There will be hard days, there will be emotional challenges. Sometimes, you will feel tired, but I want you to always remind yourself why you chose this profession.
Remember the moment when a child manages to get involved in classroom activities for the first time, when a student gains self-confidence or when a parent says to you: “Thank you, because my child feels happy at school”. Those moments will give you the strength to continue even stronger.
And finally, dear graduates,
Today you receive a diploma, but with it you also receive the trust of our society. Kosovo needs you very much, because Kosovo needs the children of Kosovo, without discrimination, to grow up healthy and develop with quality for the future that we build together. Our schools need you, as institutions of education and the elevation of the mind and body. Our children need you. Therefore, move forward with pride and professionalism.
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, I sincerely congratulate you on this success.
Congratulations on your graduation. Good luck in your professional and human journey.
Thank you very much for the invitation, contribution and attention.
