Skenderaj, 10 June 2025
The Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, participated in the inauguration of the newest kindergarten in the municipality of Skenderaj, alongside the Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Arbërie Nagavci, the European Union
Ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav, and the Mayor of Skenderaj, Fadil Nura.
In his speech, the Prime Minister stated that this new kindergarten is not only a step forward in the development of our society but also a powerful indicator that children are at the center of our public policies and joint concrete actions.
He added that during this mandate, our investments in the Municipality of Skenderaj amount to a total of 3.2 million euros, of which 2.1 million euros cover the works completed so far, while approximately 66,000 euros in equipment from the Ministry of Education represent only the beginning of our support for this new nest for the next generation.
Expressing gratitude to the European Union for its support, the Prime Minister said: “This kindergarten is a great example of how EU investments are being implemented at the right time and in the right place. With the help of the IPA funds—1.2 million euros from the
Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance—this project has been completed and will serve our youngest children. Indeed, with every next success, we are bringing Kosovo one step closer to the European Union—economically and educationally, intellectually and socially.”
For her part, Minister Nagavci said that this is one of six kindergartens being built with IPA funds from the European Union. Covering an area of 1,600 square meters, with an additional 800 square meters of ancillary space, it will offer facilities for a wide range of educational and developmental activities.
Meanwhile, the EU Ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav, emphasized that a kindergarten is more than just a building—it is a symbol of progress, partnership, and hope for the future.
“The European Union is strongly and consistently committed to building vital public infrastructure in Kosovo,” he added.
Full Speech by Prime Minister Kurti:
Greetings to all of you on this special day as we open the doors of another educational center for our children. This new kindergarten is not only a step forward in the development of society but also a strong signal that children are the central focus of our public policies and joint concrete actions. When our efforts are coordinated with our European partners, their impact becomes stronger and more sustainable.
Distinguished Mayor of Skenderaj, Mr. Fadil Nura,
Honorable EU Ambassador to Kosovo, Mr. Aivo Orav,
Esteemed Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms. Arbërie Nagavci,
Respected Director of Education in Skenderaj, Mr. Duraku,
Dear educators and children,
Dear fellow citizens,
Every visit to Skenderaj evokes special thoughts and emotions. Each time we come here, we are naturally reminded of the not-so-distant past when independence was a dream and the liberation war was ongoing. It was precisely the brave and selfless people of this region who gave everything—including their lives and those of their families—for the freedom we enjoy today.
The distinct traits of the Jashari family’s stoic and self-sacrificing heroism, led by Commander Adem Jashari and teacher Shaban Jashari, continue to inspire us year after year. We honor their ideals every day through our commitment and love for our country—especially in the field of education. This is the history that must be remembered and retold continuously, to inspire and encourage generation after generation.
Education, play, development—these are just a few of the key principles shaping a child’s path from kindergarten to graduation. As our people say, “A good day is seen in the morning.” A new kindergarten is exactly that—a good morning that paves the way for a better day and life ahead, helping each child grow into a well-rounded individual and an enlightened citizen.
As a government, we have made improving the lives of our citizens across many areas a top priority. Setting the right direction for societal development is a major endeavor, with education integrated into every stage. It is an inseparable part of daily life—starting with parents or guardians, and continuing with teachers, counselors, and mentors throughout life. Education is what Nelson Mandela called “the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world,” and what Malcolm X described as “a beacon of light in the midst of darkness.”
Aware of the crucial importance of early childhood education, we placed it at the heart of our new Education Strategy. We based this on best global practices from developed countries and empirical studies showing that the earlier education begins, the better the individual’s development. We followed up with the adoption of the new Law on Early Childhood Education in the Assembly—one of the Ministry of Education’s most notable achievements under Minister Nagavci’s leadership.
This year, the new early childhood education curriculum—which has just successfully completed its pilot phase—is being rolled out in kindergartens. The curriculum aims to lay a strong foundation for children so they can, among other things, develop critical thinking skills and become capable global citizens prepared for current and future challenges. This is the society we are building together, and this is the shared commitment that unites us.
In total, investments in the Municipality of Skenderaj during this mandate amount to 3.2 million euros, of which 2.1 million euros reflect completed works so far. Meanwhile, approximately 66,000 euros in equipment from the Ministry of Education mark just the beginning of our support for this new nest for the next generation.
Given the impact and complexity of this developmental phase, we have maintained close coordination throughout with high efficiency—working hand-in-hand with partners and donors like UNICEF, the World Bank, and of course, our close partnership with the European Union.
Honorable Ambassador Orav,
I am pleased that we are together today for the inauguration of the new kindergarten in Skenderaj. Respect and gratitude are mutual, and our cooperation continues at full pace—a dynamic we aim to further strengthen in the next mandate. This kindergarten is a clear example of how European Union investments are being realized at the right time and in the right place. Thanks to the 1.2 million euros in IPA funds—part of the EU’s Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance—this project has been completed and will serve our youngest children. With each new success, we are bringing Kosovo one step closer to the European Union—economically, educationally, intellectually, and socially.
Dear citizens of Skenderaj,
Thank you for your hospitality. Best wishes to the educators and children in the new kindergarten. May you enjoy it!
