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7 July 2023 - News

Save the Children Kosova/o hosts Chief Operating Officer from Save the Children International and Regional Director from the MENAEE region

Save the Children Kosova/o had the pleasure of hosting the Chief Operating Officer of Save the Children International, Mr.David Wright, and the Regional Director of Save the Children for Middle East, Northern Africa, and Eastern Europe, Mr.Ekin Ogutogullari. Their visit was packed with engaging interactions with various stakeholders at both the national and local levels, creating a meaningful and dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives.

At the national level, they fruitful discussions with key government officials, including Ms. Arbërie Nagavci, Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Ms. Albulena Haxhiu, Minister of Justice, emphasizing the importance of establishing of policies and standards on early childhood education and inclusive education and the impact of new Law on Social and Family Services and the Law on Local Finance Government on the sustainability of social services. These meetings focused on collaborative efforts to enhance early childhood education and strengthen social services and social protection, showcasing the valuable partnership between Save the Children and the government.

Engaging with Mr. Johannes Stenbaek Madsen, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Office in Kosovo, the representatives from Save the Children addressed the achievements and challenges faced by service providers in delivering quality social services to people living in vulnerable situations and marginalized communities, including girls, boys, women, and men. Additionally, they had a productive session with the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science, Technology, Innovation, Culture and Youth to discuss joint efforts toward the Law on Early Childhood Education, and the potential benefits it will bring children.

Recognizing the significance of partnerships with the private sector, Mr. Wright and Mr. Ogutogullari, met with the Kosova Chamber of Commerce to discuss the progress resulting from the partnership with Save the Children Kosova/o and the anticipated outcomes of their joint initiatives.

In a truly inclusive approach, the visit also involved interactions with Child-led groups and CSO partners. These engagements fostered thought-provoking discussion on the child rights context within the country exploring both the challenges children face while demanding their rights and the progress made in safeguarding their rights. Through these interactions, SC’s representatives gained valuable insights into the issues at hand and identified areas where the partnership has made a significant impact. Lastly, the visit extended to the local level, where Mr. Wright and Mr. Ogutogullari, visited the Save the Children's program in the North Mitrovica and Peja regions.  They had the opportunity to witness firsthand the transformative work taking place at the IP "Pëllumbat e Paqes" in Peja and meet with Mr. Gazmend Muhaxheri, the Mayor of the Municipality of Peja. These interactions emphasized the importance of meaningful partnerships that go beyond formal agreements, and highlighted the shared belief and vision that every child deserves the same rights and opportunities for a bright future.