From November 24 to 27, 2025, Lifelong Learning Week (LLL - Week) was successfully held in several municipalities across Kosovo. Organized by the Adult Education Network – ALE NK, in cooperation and with the support of DVV International in Kosovo, the week brought together central and local institutions, civil society organizations, training providers, and citizens from various municipalities, promoting a culture of learning as a continuous lifelong process. Over the course of four days, more than 40 institutions and organizations from all over Kosovo presented educational programs for citizens of all ages.
The week began on November 24 with the opening ceremony at “Zahir Pajaziti” Square in Prishtina, where representatives from the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport (MCYS), and DVV International highlighted the importance of providing equal educational opportunities for citizens of all ages. After the official opening, the square was filled with informational booths from education providers, NGOs, and local institutions, showcasing programs, professional training, and initiatives for skills development. Key participants included the Vocational Training Center (VTC) – Prishtina, the Competence Center “Shtjefën Gjeçovi,” the Pedagogical Institute of Kosovo-IPK, as well as representatives from DVV International and the EPALE Kosovo platform.
On the same day, promotional activities were also held in Prizren at “Dëshmorët” Square, where NGO THY/YALEC Prizren, together with the Competence Center “11 Marsi” and the Vocational Training Center Prizren, presented programs supporting non-formal education and shared informational materials with the local community. Meanwhile, in Peja, at “Skënderbeu” Square, citizens had the opportunity to explore a wide range of educational and professional offerings from local institutions and organizations, including NGO-Local Youth Action Council Peja (LYAC-Peja)/YALEC Peja, VTC Peja, Vocational Education and Training Institution (VET) “Mithat Frashëri”, Gurakoc–Istog, VET Institution “Fehmi Agani” Klinë, and the Local Democracy Agency. The lively atmosphere and strong participation reflected the community’s enthusiasm for investing in personal and professional development.
On November 25, LLL-Week continued in South Mitrovica and Kamenica, bringing citizens closer to educational programs and professional training opportunities. In Mitrovica, Technical Vocational High School “Arkitekt Sinani”, VTC Mitrovica, NGO Hareja/YALEC Vushtrri, and the Coding Training Academy showcased courses and projects offering real opportunities for professional development. In Kamenica, participants included: NGO KEC, VTC Gjilan, IAAP “Andrea Durrsaku,” and the Technology Park – Cacttus Education, 3Media, who promoted a variety of educational programs and training opportunities for the local community.
On November 26, the focus shifted to Ferizaj and Gjakovë. In Ferizaj, booths from the Vocational Training Center (VTC), the Competence Center, vocational schools, and the Pedagogical Institute of Kosovo-IPK attracted the community’s attention with practical and professional programs for youth and adults. Meanwhile, in Gjakovë, VTC Gjakovë, Vocational Technical High School “Nexhmedin Nixha“, Economic High School “Kadri Kusari” and LYAC Gjakova showcased non-formal activities and training for young people, emphasizing the importance of including marginalized groups in lifelong learning programs.
LLL-Week concluded on November 27 in Podujevë, where representatives from VET Institution “Fan S. Noli,” VTC Prishtinë, The Pedagogical Institute of Kosovo-IPK, VET Institution “Isa Boletini,” and Flutura Academy presented new educational programs and professional development opportunities. Citizens had the chance to explore offerings aimed at building sustainable skills and increasing employment opportunities.
Alongside the on-site activities, virtual lectures were held with the European College of Kosovo – ECK on “Priorities and Challenges in Adult Education and Professional Training in Kosovo. Additionally, the National Support Service for EPALE organized a workshop at MESTI premises, where teachers, institutional leaders, private providers, and government representatives were introduced to the functions of the EPALE platform and the opportunities it offers for European collaborations.
One of the highlights of LLW 2025 was the series of podcasts produced by NGO THY/YALEC Prizren and OJQ Hareja/YALEC Vushtrri, with the support of DVV International. These podcasts brought together field experts who shared practical experiences and discussed developments, challenges, and the needs for capacity building in adult education.
In Prizren, as part of the EDU CAST podcast series, key topics were addressed such as “The Role of Lifelong Learning” with Mr. Kujtim Gashi, Vice Mayor of the Municipality of Prizren (ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKshBqv8aPY); “Vocational Education and Practical Learning” with Ms. Edona Turtulla Rada, Director of the Competence Center Prizren (https://youtu.be/K0Fku8DjYqc); and “The Use of Digital Tools in Formal and Non-Formal Education” with Mr. Veton Xhelili from Cacttus Education (https://youtu.be/2GYdRD15HTM).
In the podcast held in Vushtrri, the topics “The Importance of Adult Education”, “Educational and Development Opportunities in the Community”, and “The Approach and Role of Learning Centers in Lifelong Learning” were discussed with the guests Mr. Bajrush Kosumi, Director of OJQ Hareja; Mr. Enver Bajrami, representative from the Education Directorate of the Municipality of Vushtrri; Prof. Agron Ibrahimi; and Prof. Arben Halili. Furthermore, two success stories from YALEC Vushtrri participants illustrated the concrete results of these programs in the community (https://youtu.be/gqYxW_SQT9U?si=x5aLKy-JpqreBlzb).
Lifelong Learning Week 2025 concluded with concrete results, bringing together institutions, organizations, and communities around the shared goal of promoting continuous education. The broad participation and the collaborations formed during the week established a strong foundation for new initiatives that will further support the personal and professional development of citizens.