Podujevë, 1 September 2026
Honourable Minister of Education and Science, Mr Hajrulla Çeku,
Honourable Mayor of the Municipality of Podujevë, Prof. Shpejtim Bulliqi,
Honourable Director of Education in the Municipality of Podujevë, Mr Avni Fetahu,
Honourable Director of the “Ilir Konushevci” School, Mr Blerim Zhitia,
Honourable Deputy Minister of Local Government Administration, brother of martyr Ilir Konushevci, Mr Arton Konushevci, and Mr Naim Zhitia, brother of martyr Afrim Zhitia,
Honourable families of martyrs, persons with disabilities and veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army,
Honourable teachers and parents,
Dear students,
Distinguished guests,
It is a pleasure to be here together in Llugë village, the village of our hero Ilir Konushevci, whose name your school also bears. We are delighted to inaugurate this investment together in this festive atmosphere. We laid the foundation stone for this new building in September 2022, together with former Minister Arbërie Nagavci. Today, with the start of the new school year on 1 September, the new school, with modern facilities, sports spaces and specialized rooms, is opening its doors to those who deserve it most: the students.
There are many emotions on the first day of school—the excitement of seeing your classmates again, of seeing your teacher, of sitting in your favorite corner of the classroom. For the youngest children starting school for the first time, the school building may seem very large, with hurried footsteps, parents giving their children instructions, smiles and joy, while the teacher welcomes his or her students with open arms.
Everyone here—teachers, parents, state officials and leaders—shares a common beginning. Each of us started with first grade, with a schoolbag a little wider than our shoulders and desks in the classroom.
From those school desks have emerged the doctors who heal, the engineers who build, the artists who inspire, the soldiers who defend, the police officers who keep us safe, the teachers who educate, the leaders who lead, and many other professionals who serve our country and society with dedication every day. Among the 287 students of the “Ilir Konushevci” School, we hope to see even more doctors, scientists, engineers, athletes, artists and patriots of the future. Every beginning has a first step. Your second home becomes the place of knowledge—the school. This school.
Dear teachers, we are always grateful to you for your work. You carry a great responsibility and a heavy burden on your shoulders: shaping the society and state of the future. Therefore, supporting you and your professional development is also our duty as leaders. Your partnership with parents, and communication between the school and the home, are key. Parents entrust you with the most precious part of their lives, and together you will give children strong wings.
Investment in education undoubtedly opens up new opportunities. At first glance, a building is simply infrastructure. However, the true value of this investment will be measured in the future, through the many young professionals who will emerge through the doors of this school.
Support for education represents the longest-term return for our society, economy and state. A higher-quality school means a more developed, prosperous and innovative society for the younger generation.
There is no wiser, safer or more impactful investment than educating a generation. Our government has made strategic investments in education and related infrastructure in the Municipality of Podujevë, with a total value of nearly €8.7 million.
The investment in the construction of the “Ilir Konushevci” Lower Secondary School in Llugë amounts to nearly €1.8 million and covers a total area of 2,600 m². This modern educational facility is equipped with all the necessary administrative and teaching spaces, including classrooms for preschool and primary education, additional classrooms, specialized rooms, a library, a teachers’ room, administrative spaces and an appropriate heating system. In addition to teaching infrastructure, the investment includes a physical education hall, an outdoor sports field and green spaces.
Other investment projects currently underway in Podujevë include the Competence Centre, worth €2.4 million; three childcare centres with a combined value of more than €1.8 million—one in the town, one in Gllamnik and another in Batllavë; as well as the sports hall of the “Shaban Shala” Primary School in Podujevë, worth €380,000, ensuring modern and inclusive conditions for the children and young people of Llap.
We will always be a reliable partner for greater investment in our education system, from early education to higher education, from children in kindergartens to students at universities.
You, dear teachers and students, will give this new school its spirit and its life.
We wish you continued success in this new chapter. May this school be a center of knowledge and a starting point for great dreams.
I wish you all the very best! Congratulations on the start of the new school year, and may you enjoy your new school!