KSV/021
Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo

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• KOSOVO - TechEco Pathways: empowering Kosovo’s future through innovation and sustainability

  Published on 19 December 2024    By Veton KASAPOLLI    

  The TechEco Pathways Programme was officially launched by the Innovation Centre Kosovo (ICK) with financial support from the Skills for sustainable jobs project as an initiative to advance innovation and sustainability across Kosovo. 

  

  Copyright: ICK

  Spanning 24 months, the TechEco Pathways initiative is structured around three key components: 

  • GreeTech: offering paid training and internships in the ICT and renewable energy industries to develop practical skills and industry readiness; 
  • DevelopHer: focused on empowering women and girls through skill development in programming, cybersecurity, and creative industries, breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields;
  • Innovation challenges: hosting competitions centered on critical themes such as energy conservation, efficiency, smart cities, and environmental protection, encouraging creative solutions from Kosovo’s talented youth. 

  H.E. Eric DIETZ, Chargé d’Affaires e.p., Embassy of Luxembourg in Pristina:  "We are here to support Kosovo in a few areas, but this kind of ecosystem that Luxembourg Cooperation wants to build here involves technology, artificial intelligence, the environment, creative industries, energy, and so on."  

  The Chair of the ICK Board, Ms Zana BUDIMA: "It is a programme that is designed to open doors and create opportunities for the next generation of innovators in Kosovo. It will provide youngsters, including women, the skills, the guides and the opportunities to succeed in the industries like tech and renewable energy.”  

  The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms. Fadile DYLA: “This programme fits perfectly with the national strategies for youth employment, including women, as well as Kosovo’s Green Agenda.” 

  Copyright: ICK

  The TechEco Pathways Programme is set to deliver: 

  • 10 professional trainings and full scholarships for over 120 young Kosovars, preparing them for thriving careers;
  • paid internships to bridge the gap between education and the workplace;
  • mentoring opportunities to support personal and professional growth;
  • two editions of innovation competitions with prizes and awards for the most innovative teams. 

  Applications for these exciting opportunities will open soon. 

  Kosovo’s renewable energy and information and communication technology sectors face critical skills shortages. TechEco Pathways aims to fill these gaps and contribute to sustainable economic growth and industrial development in Kosovo by equipping young people, particularly women, with the expertise required for immediate employment. 

  This initiative is part of the Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo project, funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Implemented by the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, and by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Agency for Development Cooperation. The project aims to contribute to sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation, inclusiveness, and social development in a greener Kosovo. 

• KOSOVO - The NextGen workforce: upskilling for the artificial intelligence era

  Published on 13 December 2024    By Veton KASAPOLLI    

  A group of 60 young Kosovars are confidently stepping into the digital age, deepening their skills in artificial intelligence (AI), programming, and emerging technologies. The initiative, “The NextGen workforce: upskilling for the AI era in Kosovo”, is led by Women in Tech Kosovo with the support of LuxDev and financed by the Luxembourg Government. This inclusive programme brings together professionals, fosters collaboration with industry leaders, and ensures long-term sustainability.

  

  Teuta Sahatqija, Director of Women in Tech Kosovo, emphasising the strength of combining technical and interpersonal skills, notes: "Soft skills build bridges; their technologies build the future. Together, they make you unstoppable! This programme is designed to empower participants with a balance of technical expertise and essential soft skills, ensuring they can lead confidently, collaborate effectively, and innovate for a better tomorrow."

  

  The first phase of the programme focuses on foundational areas such as digital transformation, AI, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, data protection, access to finance, and soft skills - equipping participants with the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. In the second phase, the focus shifts to programming, with a strong emphasis on enhancing employability.

  

  Hands-on learning and dedicated mentorship are at the core of this initiative, as highlighted by Endrina Ramadani’s testimony: “I applied immediately after I learned about the call as I believe it helps me grow personal skills and improve my performance at work. Coming from a Bachelor of Management and Informatics background, this training is a great way to continue learning, which helps me stay competitive in the fast-evolving digital landscape. I work in Marketing and Sales, and I am confident that the knowledge I gain here will enhance my ability to create innovative solutions and drive impactful strategies in my role.”

  

  Running over eight months until April 2025, the NextGen workforce initiative aligns with Kosovo's national digital and gender equality strategies, paving the way for a more inclusive and tech-savvy future.

  The initiative is part of the Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo project, financed by the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency. It aims to contribute to sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation, inclusiveness, and social development in a greener Kosovo.

• KOSOVO - Advancing ICT education: Kosovo’s teachers step into the future

  Published on 6 December 2024    By Veton KASAPOLLI    

  Teachers from Vocational Education and Training (VET) schools across Kosovo are undergoing a training programme to enhance their teaching expertise in information and communication technology (ICT) profiles. This initiative is designed to align education with the fast-evolving demands of the digital economy. 

  The programme, led by the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation and supported by the Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo project, in collaboration with the Professional Association of Kosovo Informaticians, equips educators with advanced teaching techniques, practical, project-based tools, and continuous support. The goal is to create a more dynamic, hands-on, and future-ready learning environment.

  

  While teachers gain valuable skills, the ultimate beneficiaries are the students. Enrolled in ICT profiles at VET schools, they will experience enhanced, project-driven learning that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical expertise - preparing them to thrive in Kosovo's growing digital economy. 

  Testimonial by training participant, Valbone Dragusha, ICT Teacher at “Gjin Gazulli” school in Prishtina

  "These training sessions are highly valued, as they enable us as educators to stay updated and prepared. These professional development opportunities are essential, as technology evolves rapidly and requires constant learning. The training modules, typically four weeks each, are conducted by highly skilled and professional trainers. Ultimately, students are the main beneficiaries. With better-prepared teachers, lessons become more attractive, relevant, and impactful. This approach helps students learn more effectively and equips them with the skills needed to excel in their future careers."

  This initiative is part of the Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo project, financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency. The project aims to contribute to sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation, inclusiveness, and social development in a greener Kosovo.

• KOSOVO - Luxembourg and Kosovo universities join forces to advance academic excellence

  Published on 28 November 2024    By Veton KASAPOLLI    

  Kosovo researchers now have exciting opportunities to pursue master’s and PhD studies in Luxembourg, thanks to a partnership between the University of Luxembourg and the University of Prishtina. This collaboration, supported by the Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo project, is set to enhance academic capacities and foster innovation in Kosovo. 

  

  The partnership kicked off with a visit by Professor Marcus VOLP from the University of Luxembourg to Pristina. During his visit, Professor VOLP introduced the programme to computer science students at the University of Prishtina, highlighting opportunities for thesis research at Luxembourg’s prestigious Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability, and Trust (SnT). His presentation gave students an overview of the university’s world-class research initiatives and the impactful work at SnT. 

  Professor VOLP had separate presentations and information exchange sessions with students and lecturers from the University of Prishtina. 

  Applications are now open for students interested in undertaking their thesis research in Luxembourg. The first group of postgraduate students from the University of Prishtina is expected to begin their research journey at SnT in February 2025. 

  

  Beyond student exchanges, the collaboration also includes opportunities for staff exchanges, specialised training programmes, and pathways for PhD candidates to complete their doctorates in Luxembourg. 

  This partnership is more than an academic exchange—it represents a significant step toward strengthening Kosovo’s research capabilities. By opening doors for Kosovo students to access advanced education and research opportunities, the programme aims to build a more skilled and sustainable workforce, contributing to Kosovo’s long-term development. 

  The initiative is part of the Skills for Sustainable Jobs in Kosovo project, financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency. The project aims to contribute to sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation, inclusiveness, and social development in a greener Kosovo. 

• KOSOVO - New partnership to enhance skills for future jobs

  Published on 4 September 2024    By Veton KASAPOLLI    

  The Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo project has partnered with the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (KCC) to better equip young people with the skills required to meet labour market demands. This collaboration focuses on advancing vocational education and training (VET) through a dual education system, blending classroom learning with on-the-job apprenticeships.

  

  KCC, a key business organisation in Kosovo, advocates for trade development and a better business environment. The partnership between LuxDev and KCC will strengthen the dual education system in Kosovo by: 

  • creating better opportunities for young people to develop professional skills;
  • training company instructors involved in the dual system to ensure they can effectively mentor new talent;
  • promoting dual education within the private sector, by enhancing KCC’s capacity to encourage active company participation.

  This partnership aims to prepare new generations for the workforce and contribute to a more stable and competitive economy in Kosovo. Key outcomes include developing a strategic plan for KCC’s VET Department, standardising processes, increasing industry engagement, and establishing certification mechanisms for companies participating in dual VET. 

  The Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo project is financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency. It aims to contribute to sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation, inclusiveness, and social development in a greener Kosovo. The specific objective aims to enhance job prospects for young people and women by strengthening vocational education and training to meet market demands.

   

• KOSOVO - Improving employment through incentivising Lifelong Learning

  Published on 16 August 2024    By Veton KASAPOLLI   

  LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, and EARK, the Employment Agency of the Republic of Kosovo, have partnered to enhance vocational education and training (VET) in Kosovo. This partnership addresses the critical need to align the workforce's skills with the demands of the private sector.

  

  Ralph ROTHE, Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo project manager, with Jehona REXHA, acting Director of the Employment Agency of the Republic of Kosovo

  Vocational education is seen as a vital component in supporting Kosovo's sustainable development and economic growth. However, the gap between the skills developed through education and those required by employers has been a significant challenge for Kosovo. The Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo project seeks to address this by offering technical and financial support to EARK and enhancing the capacity of vocational training centres across the country.

  The project will focus on several key areas, including developing and accreditation new programmes, updating existing curricula, and providing the necessary technical equipment for workshops. Additionally, the project will support the capacity building of teachers and managerial staff, promote lifelong learning, and increase women's participation in vocational courses. The four priority areas of the collaboration include information, communication and technology, renewable energy and energy efficiency, food processing, and wood processing.

  One of the significant components of this collaboration is the support for the Recognition of Prior Learning system, which allows individuals to receive formal acknowledgement of skills and knowledge acquired outside traditional educational settings. This initiative is expected to promote vocational training services and improve the overall quality of VET in Kosovo.

  The activities under this project will be implemented over 25 months, with specific milestones scheduled from now until March 2025. These include supporting workshops for food processing in Peja, transitioning the Electrical Installer profile to a renewable energy workshop in Mitrovica, and enhancing digital soft skills training through EARK’s new portal.

  This partnership underscores the commitment of both the Government of Kosovo and the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to developing a skilled workforce in Kosovo, ultimately contributing to the country's long-term economic stability and growth.

  The Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo project is financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency. It aims to contribute to sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation, inclusiveness, and social development in a greener Kosovo. The specific objective aims to enhance job prospects for young people and women by strengthening vocational education and training to meet market demands.

• LUXEMBOURG - Visit of a delegation from Kosovo

  Published on 13 May 2024    By Pascal FABING   

  A delegation led by Ms Fadile Dyla, General Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation in Kosovo and Ms Ryve Prekorogja, Head of the lifelong education division, came to Luxembourg in the framework of the project Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo. Ms Claire Stoffels (Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade), M. Behlul Shaljani and M. Pascal Fabing (LuxDev) have been accompanying the delegation who had the opportunity to exchange with the Director General of LuxDev, M. Manuel Tonnar.

  

  The objective of the visit was to initiate a partnership between the Interdisciplinary Center for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg and the University of Pristina. Two professors at the University of Pristina, Pr Blerim Rexha and Pr Qëndrim Gashi have had in-depth discussion with Prof. Dr. Marcus Völp and Dr. Carlo Duprel during the SnT Partnership Day. The cooperation will start during the second semester and will target master and PhD students, with a specific focus on cybersecurity.

  

  The delegation was also welcomed at the House of Cybersecurity by M. Pascal Steichen and M. Dominique Kogue and informed about the importance of building bridges between skills development, research and the private sector. The visit paves the way for synergies with the project Sustainable and inclusive growth and more specifically its cybersecurity component.

  

  Finally, Kim Heuskin, Deputy Headmaster at Lycée des Arts et Métiers and Benoît Fortemps, Head of the TalentHub, could share interesting ways to immerse Level V students in real life situations by organising a PowerWeek around challenges proposed by socio-economic partners every year or by hosting start-ups on their campus. These examples together with some experiments on the use of artificial intelligence in education will inspire the development of the future ICT school in Pristina supported by Luxembourg.

  The Skills for sustainable jobs and Sustainable and inclusive growth projects are financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency. 
   

• KOSOVO - Sustainable jobs workshop: empowering women

  Published on 20 February 2024    By Veton KASAPOLLI   

  The Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo project organised a workshop on 13 February with representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) working in gender inclusion and representation to forge partnerships that increase the participation of women as beneficiaries across all project activities.

  

  CSOs received a briefing on the project's objectives, with particular emphasis on Result 4 of the project, which focuses on integrating women into lifelong learning and the reskilling/upskilling to meet labour market demands. The project is committed to ensuring that least half of beneficiaries in all activities of this component are women, reflecting its dedication to gender inclusivity and addressing skill needs.

  Project Manager Ralph ROTHE explained the project's aims to bolster crucial Vocational Education and Training (VET) profiles by cultivating skills in Information and Communication Technology, Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency, Food Processing, Wood Processing, and Creative Industries.

  Representing the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ryve PREKOROGJA highlighted the importance of Dual-VET (an educational approach that combines traditional classroom learning with practical, on-the-job training in a workplace setting) in employing youth and women, emphasising the need for job positions to align with evolving technologies. 

  The CSO representatives working with and for women presented their activities, programmes, and objectives. To fine-tune the approach, participants suggested holding information sessions with parents, conducting a study with primary schools and parents, identifying more reliable data on women's employment situations, and enhancing support for technical profiles in primary and secondary education, among other recommendations.

  Participants agreed to increase sharing information and ideas to pave the way for new partnerships for short-term and vocational trainings.

  The Skills for sustainable jobs project aims to contribute to sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation, inclusiveness, and social development in a greener Kosovo. The specific objective aims to enhance job prospects for young people and women by strengthening vocational education and training to meet market demands.

  The Skills for sustainable jobs project is financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.