Workshop - Adult Learning and Education Network in Kosovo (ALE NK)

On May 27 and 28, 2024, was held a joint workshop of members of the Adult Learning and Education Network in Kosovo - ALE NK.

This two-day workshop was attended by representatives from public and private institutions at the same time members of the board of directors of the ALE-NK Network. Representatives from the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), the Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education (AVETAE), the European College of Kosovo (ECK), the Employment Agency of the Republic of Kosovo (EARK), the Youth Center – Hareja, and two local NGOs, NGO THY and the Youth Center in Peja, expressed interest in joining the ALE NK network.

The workshop aimed to discuss on cooperation among member organizations, enhance the capacities of ALE-NK members, implement advocacy strategies, and expand the network with new members.

The workshop was opened by Ms. Ryve Prekorogja, Leader of the Board of Directors of ALE NK and event moderator, expressed her gratitude to the participants for their dedication to improving adult education in Kosovo. She also presented the history of the Adult Education Network in Kosovo (ALE-NK), which was established to address challenges and enhance adult education in Kosovo. ALE-NK aims to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation, develop new strategies, and formalize the network to provide an effective platform for the advancement of adult education.

In his welcoming speech, Mr. Lah Nitaj, Director of the Department of Pre-university Education at MESTI, emphasized the importance of the network’s efforts in advancing adult education in Kosovo, noting the need for the expansion and improvement of the network, highlighting the need for expanding and improving the network, as well as creating a website to present the network's ideas and vision. Mr. Nitaj also expressed his gratitude to DVV International and its director, Mr. Ramadan Alija, for their outstanding contributions to this field.

Mr. Alija, during his presentation, outlined the ongoing projects and activities being implemented, as well as the plan for upcoming projects and activities to be completed by the end of 2024. He also emphasized the need to enhance advocacy capacities among member organizations of the ALE NK network.

NGO THY and YC-Pejë presented their significant work and commitment in adult education, actively contributing through their activities. One of the key moments during this workshop was the inclusion of two new organizations, NGO THY and the Youth Center Peja, within the framework of the ALE NK Network. The inclusion of NGO THY and YC-Pejë expands representation and collaboration in this field. Within the NGO THY in Prizren, the first Holistic Center for ALE in Kosovo was launched – based on the model of German Folk Schools (Vhs). With the Youth Center Peja, DVV International has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to pilot the second holistic Center for Adult Learning and Education (ALE) in Kosovo.

During the workshop, participants also discussed official regulations and existing cooperation agreements between key state actors, such as ministries and relevant agencies responsible for Adult Learning and Education (ALE) in Kosovo, and ways to utilize shared resources to further advance adult education in Kosovo.

In discussions regarding the implementation of the Advocacy Strategy for Adult Education, agreement was reached to develop and launch the ALE NK network website. Additionally, a program for organizing the "Lifelong Learning Week" was discussed, which will be held in October 2024 in five municipalities of Kosovo.

The key recommendations arising from this workshop include increasing the number of members in the ALE NK network with other national NGOs, enhancing the professional capacities of member organizations within the ALE NK network, collaboration and coordination for applying to various calls in the field of ALE, and developing new local and national strategies for adult education in Kosovo.The workshop concluded with a commitment to continue efforts in advancing adult education in Kosovo, focusing on stronger inter-institutional cooperation in this field.