The Acting Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Arsim Ademi, participated in the launch of the Feasibility Study for Public-Private Partnerships as an Opportunity to Expand Access to Early Childhood Education (EChE) Services for Children Aged 0–6 in Kosovo, organized by MESTI in collaboration with UNICEF.

In his speech, Deputy Minister Ademi emphasized MESTI’s commitment to Early Childhood Education, recalling that since 2021, over 73 new nurseries have been built or are in the process of being built nationwide, while emphasizing that the legal framework has been advanced with the adoption of the Law on Early Childhood Education and the first comprehensive curriculum for children 0–6 years old, based on learning through play.

He also highlighted the implementation of the voucher scheme, which has now moved from the pilot phase to full implementation and, as he announced this week, the announcement of over 300 new beneficiaries is expected, bringing the total number to 330 children, mainly from families with social assistance, with the aim of increasing inclusiveness in EChE.

At the event, Alberto Musatti, Social Policy Specialist at UNICEF’s Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, praised the ongoing collaboration with MESTI and other partners. He commended Kosovo’s progress in increasing investment and services in early childhood education, while emphasizing the need to meet international targets in this area.

The findings of the Feasibility Study found that voucher schemes and subsidies offer the greatest feasibility and impact for expanding access to early childhood education.

The study, presented by international and local experts, recommends that the country prioritize fast-track and affordable public-private partnership models, focus on scaling up subsidies and vouchers, operationalize the 2023 Law on Early Childhood Education through clear guidelines for licensing, financing, and monitoring, build institutional capacity and robust data systems, and strengthen coordination between MESTI and municipalities through regular collaboration mechanisms and a proactive communication strategy.

Finally, it was emphasized that this study constitutes an important step towards expanding access and increasing quality in Early Childhood Education in Kosovo.