Save the Children Kosova/o had the pleasure of hosting Valeria Kunz, Head of Education at Save the Children Switzerland, for a field visit to our programme sites in Kosovo. Over the course of three days, Ms. Kunz had the opportunity to explore our ongoing projects and meet with key partners and stakeholders to deepen our collaboration in improving education and community support in the region.

Day 1: Strengthening Partnerships and Strategic Engagements

Meeting with ADA’s New Head of Mission to Kosovo

Ms. Kunz’s visit began with a productive meeting with the Austrian Development Agency’s (ADA) new Head of Mission to Kosovo. During the discussion, both parties worked to strengthen relationships and exchange ideas about our ongoing projects. Ms. Kunz shared insights on Save the Children’s work in Kosovo, laying the foundation for deeper collaboration.

Meeting with the Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education (AVETAE)

Following the ADA meeting, Ms. Kunz met with a representative from the Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education (AVETAE). They discussed the current state of cooperation between vocational schools and the private sector in Kosovo, focusing on the role Save the Children can play in supporting these initiatives and enhancing education-to-employment pathways.

Meeting with the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI)

The day concluded with a meeting at the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI). Ms. Kunz met with a representative from the Division for Communities to explore the financial support available to students from vulnerable communities. The conversation highlighted how Save the Children’s work aligns with the ministry’s goals to provide better educational opportunities for these students.

Day 2: Local Partnerships and School Community Support

Meeting with Partner Nevo Koncepti

On the second day, Ms. Kunz met with the project mentor from Nevo Koncepti to discuss the partnership within the ADA-supported project. This meeting provided an opportunity to review the progress made and identify new opportunities for collaboration between Save the Children and Nevo Koncepti in supporting vulnerable communities.

Meeting with School Director and TPRAAN Team

Next, Ms. Kunz visited Mati Logoreci School, where she met with the school director and the TPRAAN (Taskforce for Preventing and Responding to Abandonment and Non-attendance) team. They discussed the ADA project’s impact on reducing school abandonment and the team's firsthand experience in tackling student dropout rates, offering valuable insights into the ongoing efforts to keep children in school.

Visit to the Community-Based ECCD Centre in Prizren

The day concluded with a visit to the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) centre in Prizren. Ms. Kunz toured the centre, which was established through support from Medicor and continues to be backed by Save the Children. She observed the ongoing work at the ECCD centre and learned about the positive effects it has had on the local community, particularly in early childhood education and development.

Day 3: Empowering Youth and Promoting Community Engagement

Visit to the Awareness-Raising Campaign Design Workshop with ADA Representatives

On the final day, Ms. Kunz attended a workshop organized by Syri i Vizionit, where children, youth, and local stakeholders collaborated on designing an awareness-raising campaign. The workshop, aimed at promoting gender equality, diversity, inclusion, and youth participation, provided a platform for young people to take an active role in addressing their community’s challenges. Ms. Kunz witnessed the enthusiasm and leadership displayed by the youth, as well as the collaboration between local educational institutions and civil society.

Valeria Kunz’s visit to Kosovo was a resounding success, reinforcing the strong ties between Save the Children Kosova/o and Save the Children Switzerland, while highlighting the progress made across multiple education and community development initiatives. The fruitful discussions with key partners, including government institutions, schools, and local organizations, laid the groundwork for future collaborations that will further enhance educational access and support for vulnerable communities. As we move forward, the insights gained from this visit will be instrumental in shaping our continued efforts to improve the lives of children and families in Kosovo, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.