In a meeting with Veronica Vashchenco, Head of the UNICEF Office in Kosovo, Rector Arben Hajrullahu, and Dean Blerim Saqipi discussed ways and opportunities for continued cooperation to improve the education system and children's welfare.

Vashchenco stated that the University of Prishtina can serve as a magnet to attract all stakeholders involved in education and improving children's lives. She emphasized that education has been and will continue to be a priority for UNICEF, highlighting the positive experience UNICEF has had with the Faculty of Education as a means of ensuring the sustainability of initiatives and activities.

The Faculty of Education at the University of Prishtina, in cooperation with and supported by UNICEF in Kosovo, is implementing a series of activities to advance early childhood education and the professional development of teachers.

Rector Hajrullahu presented the university's developmental objectives, priorities, and the need to advance practices for child protection and welfare, expressing readiness to enhance cooperation with UNICEF in Kosovo.

Dean Blerim Saqipi discussed developments and reforms in teacher preparation programs and research activities in education. He proposed joint activities with UNICEF and other stakeholders in developing inclusive education programs for early childhood and primary education, as well as in developing soft skills and skills required by international assessments like PISA, and in the innovation sector by integrating technology to develop critical thinking and innovation.

"The Faculty of Education is implementing the right reforms and demonstrating success in addressing the missing debate in developing teaching practices and education quality, proving that even in Kosovo, this faculty is taking a role similar to that in reputable European universities to contribute to a developmental discourse in the education sector," said Dean Saqipi.

Rector Arben Hajrullahu stated that the University of Prishtina has much to offer in joint activities with the UNICEF Office, based on previous positive experiences in child rights protection. He also suggested cooperation with UNICEF to create a midwifery education program at the UP Faculty of Medicine.

Veronica Vashchenco, Head of the UNICEF Office in Kosovo, agreed to support this initiative. She was accompanied by Education Specialist Kozeta Imami. The meeting was also attended by the Vice Dean for Science and Development of the Faculty of Education, Blerta Perolli-Shehu.

At the end of the meeting, Rector Hajrullahu presented his guest from UNICEF with the University of Prishtina plaque.