Honorable Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms. Arbërie Nagavci,
Honorable Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Arsim Ademi,
Honorable Mr. Mario Eckardt, representative of the “Fit for Jobs” organization,
Honorable Mr. Ilir Seferi, Director of the “Besa” Foundation,
Honorable Ms. Hatixhe Ratkoceri, Director of the “7 Shtatori” School,
Honorable Mr. Hysen Sogojeva, President of the Kosovo Chamber of Hospitality and Tourism,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Distinguished guests,
Self-confidence and competence are two essential traits of a successful person today. Belief in one’s own abilities is an irreplaceable catalyst for progress. At the same time, professionalism is the undeniable seal of integrity expected from every accomplished individual. These are precisely the qualities nurtured and cultivated by dual education, which combines theoretical knowledge with practical work. Learning by doing, by working — this is optimal, and in this sense, students in this category are double beneficiaries.
In 2022, when we adopted the new Education Strategy for the period 2022–2026, vocational education and training — known by the abbreviation VET — was placed among the five priority fields covering all education levels in Kosovo. We further elaborated this in Strategic Objective No. 3, which deals specifically with aligning VET with the dynamics of technological development and the labor market — because both the labor market evolves and technological advancements progress. We did this because we were convinced of the acute importance of this process and out of our highest responsibility as leaders to stay in step with the needs of the times.
It must be said that the journey of dual education in Kosovo is one of the successful stories of our government and our country. With the piloting of the program in 2022, we revitalized vocational secondary schools which, until then, had been in general decline. Dual education began with four profiles — now there are 12; it started with 100 students — now there are over 1,600; it started in four schools — now there are 27; it began in three municipalities — now it has expanded to 15. Such progress in three years is extraordinary and admirable. Of course, success is inevitable when the model is based on the proven success of the German system — a model that has been tested for decades and was brought to us by our diaspora.
Dear students,
You are part of the first generation to graduate from dual education — part of a major effort by us as a government, by our domestic and international partners and collaborators, by trained teachers, and all other relevant stakeholders. Support from parents has been welcomed at every step, thanks to the continuous encouragement from the Government and the Ministry of Education. Meanwhile, cooperation with the business community has proven to be an unprecedented success — and one that will undoubtedly be intensified going forward.
With such policies and actions:
- We have created professional development opportunities for you, young women and men,
- We have trained workers for you, the businesses of our country,
- We have strengthened ties and cooperation with international partners, such as the Governments of Germany and Luxembourg,
- We have been by your side from the design of programs to the support and promotion of major events, and
- We have set an example of how to activate the full cycle of these initiatives — from policy to final implementation.
That is why it is a point of pride to follow the culmination of your work during these days: from the Center of Competence in Skenderaj last week, to the “Shtjefën Gjeçovi” Center in Prishtina three days ago, today here with the “7 Shtatori” school, and next week in Gjilan with the “Sahit Baftiu” school.
Congratulations on your graduation and best wishes to all of you in life and in your career!
