Haris, is a 4-year-old boy who was born deaf. In March 2022 he received a cochlear implant to increase his hearing and communication abilities. Living with a hearing impairment, Haris encountered barriers in accessing the support he needed to thrive. His mom, Arjeta, explained how their journey was marked by disappointment as multiple preschool institutions turned them away, lacking the willingness to embrace and accommodate a child with a disability.

“After Haris received his cochlear implant in Turkey, the logopedist insisted that we enroll Haris in preschool, as it can improve his language and literacy skills. We followed his advice by trying to enroll Haris in a preschool in Besi [a village near Barileva], but they said they do not have any available spots. Next, we went to another village, in Vranjevc, and they said the same thing.” – says Arjeta.

However, in the face of these challenges, a beacon of hope emerged when Haris's mother discovered the opening of an Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) centre established by Save the Children Kosova/o in cooperation with the municipal education directorate (MED) of Pristina in their village in Barileva. This remarkable setting became the catalyst for transforming Haris's life, offering him the chance to learn, grow, and flourish alongside his peers.

The ECCD centre in Barileva, a village located near the capital city of Prishtina, is one of the newest ECCD centres established by Save the Children Kosova/o. Its doors opened in February 2023, and Haris has been one of the first children to enroll there.

Arjeta, proudly shares that even though it has only been five months since Haris started attending the ECCD centre, she has already observed significant improvements in his social, literacy, and numeracy skills.

“Haris was always friendly, but because he used to be around adults all the time he did not have the opportunity to learn by playing. Now he is more social and less shy. He even calls me mom. When he comes home, he tries to explain to me what they have learned in class and the games they have played. He is now able to count to 10!” – says Arjeta.

Arieta is yet to attend the caregiver sessions provided by Save the Children, but she already feels the positive impact of exposing her son to early childhood education. Every day, she witnesses her son's progress and realizes the importance of providing children with disabilities the opportunity to learn and grow at an early age. 

Haris is the only child with a disability enrolled in the ECCD center in Barileva. Arjeta shares that the prevailing mentality among the village residents has hindered parents and caregivers from embracing early childhood education for their children. However, she holds hope in the recent opening of the ECCD centre and the support of the school director and community mobilizer/assistant. They are dedicated to advocating with parents, caregivers, and families, continuously emphasizing the numerous benefits of enrolling children in early childhood education services. Arjeta believes that with their collective efforts, more families will soon recognize the value of early education and overcome the barriers that once stood in the way.

I am beyond thankful that I can count on the support of three amazing women: the community mobilizer, the school director, and the educator, who welcomed and supported him just like any other child. Their dedication has made a significant difference in Haris' life. And lastly thank you to Save the Children for establishing an alternate inclusive model of a preschool that is much needed across the country.