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LuxDev, Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency

• 2020
• • 30 December
  • By Renea Bula
  • 
  • Kosovo Office KSV/020
  • Education, vocationnal training and employment
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  KOSOVO - Development of Training Need Analysis related to 12 VET profiles

  The Support to Vocational Education and Training (VET) Reform in Kosovo Project, KSV/020, undertook the development of Training Need Analysis (TNA) related to 12 VET profiles in six sectors, including ICT, Visual and Communication, Electronics, Manufacturing, Construction and Tourism. The analyses serve to evaluate the skills offer and the market demand, to identify improvement opportunities and the most promising positions in different sectors in Kosovo in the next few years.

  The TNAs have been presented by the Ministry of Education and Science and, with the support of both Project KSV/020 and KSV/801, they are being reviewed in collaboration with numerous VET stakeholders, through a series of technical workshops. The aim of these workshops is to identify and propose to the policy makers the next steps that need to be taken on a national level to optimize and align the VET offer with the labor market demand. Furthermore, they seek to strengthen the role of the private sector in VET and foster its collaboration with VET schools.

  Herewith, the first two workshop on the Manufacturing sector focusing on the Welder profile, and the Electronic sector focusing on the Electrician profile have already been held with participants stemming from public institutions, VET schools, civil society and the private sector being part of it.  

  
  

  The KSV/020 project is co-funded by the Government of Kosovo and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by the Kosovo Ministry of Education and Science and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.

   

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• • 16 October
  • By Renea Bula
  • 
  • KSV/020
  • Education, vocationnal training and employment
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  KOSOVO – Development and implementation of 13 different profile qualifications

   

  Project KSV/020 developed the qualification sets for 13 different profiles identified as a priority in the manufacturing, construction, health and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sectors. The Ministry of Education and Science (MES) devised a strategic plan for the start of the new academic year and, with the support of the Project, achieved to start the implementation of 10 of the 13 profiles in selected Vocational Education and Training (VET) schools.

  The process of creating qualification sets includes the development of occupational standards, the respective and aligned core curricula and lastly, the teaching and learning materials (TLM). The Project managed to effectively coordinate the virtual working sessions, ensuring that the qualification sets match international standards.

  

  Qualification Sets Development

  The profiles, in the sector of manufacturing and construction are:

  • metalworker; 
  • electrical installer; 
  • water, sewage & heating and air conditioning installer; and
  • building insulation technician.

  The profiles in the sector of health are:

  • professional nurse; 
  • professional midwife; 
  • medical laboratory technician; and
  • dental assistant.

  The profiles in the sector of ICT are:

  • graphic design,
  • IT system technician;
  • IT business support technician; 
  • interactive media designer; and
  • application developer.

  The Project followed a methodology that built on the one that was used for the establishment of the two Centres of Competence (CoC) in Ferizaj and Prizren, increasing peer reviewing and cooperation with the private sector at local and international level.

  The manufacturing, construction, and health profile qualifications are to be implemented at a national level, following a Ministerial decision. Looking at the 5 ICT profiles, two profiles (IT System Technician and IT Business Support Technician) are being implemented in seven of the Project’s supported schools, while the others will be introduced in the following years.

  These achievements have been very motivating for the project team. The good collaboration with the different beneficiaries and stakeholders are what has made these achievements possible.

   

  The "Support to Vocational Education and Training (VET) Reform in Kosovo" programme, KSV/020, is funded by the Luxembourg Cooperation and implemented by LuxDev.​

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• • 2 July
  • By Nita Shala
  • 
  • Kosovo Office KSV/020
  • Education, vocationnal training and employment
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  KOSOVO - Implementation of a new cost estimation and financial management system for VET schools

  One of the main challenges in the education sector in Kosovo is building a sustainable system for the promotion of adult education and lifelong learning, as well as the provision of funding. The project, Support to Vocational Education and Training (VET) Reform in KosovoProject, KSV/020, as a continuation of the project, Support to Vocational Education and Training Reform in Kosovo: Establishment of Centres of Competence in Ferizaj and Prizren, KSV/015, continued to support the Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education (AVETAE) and the Municipal Education Departments (MED) to improve the process of financial planning for VET schools, especially for establishing a financing formula by profile. As of the end of 2019, a professionsal accounting software was set up to help improve VET schools financial planning and follow-up of budget procedures. The software was implemented in 10 VET schools including two CoCs in Prizren and Ferizaj.  Unfortunately, VET Schools have no autonomy in managing their finances, which is done through the ministry’s management system of public finances. This created challenges for schools in terms of handling their expenditures and keeping track of financial reports. The solution consisted in the introduction of the aforementioned accounting software. Project KSV/020 provided technical assistance to the CoCs and VET schools’ management to facilitate its use.

  
  Certification of the VET school representatives on the use of the new cost estimation and financial management software

  The software, even though quite complex, was modified to the needs of each school and in accordance to the profiles they offer. Furthermore, data spanning from the period of 2018 until 2020 was imported into the system including the planned budget, its execution and, in most schools, the inventory of all the current equipment/assets per profile, along with staff and student data. This allowed for a more transparent and accurate overview of the current financial resources in order to ensure realistic planning and increased budget performance. The system also allowed schools to build analytical reports that lead to better school management, as well as provide an overview of the situation for different stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education and Science (MES), the MED and AVETAE.

  After its implementation, a survey was conducted to assess the overall satisfaction of schools with the new financing system. The feedback was very positive with the schools’ trained staff, highlighting the ease of using the software and the fact that it allows for real time financial information.

  The new system could lead to harmonisation at a national level of this aspect of the VET financing system in Kosovo. Consequently, with the help of the beneficiaries, the solution ought to be implemented in all VET schools in Kosovo, and not only in the ones supported by the Project. The system would aid all schools in building capacities with regard to budget planning, financial analysis, mitigation of the identified risks, challenges, gaps and the administration of their financial system.

  
  Certification of the VET school representatives on the use of the new cost estimation and financial management software

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• • 29 May
  • By Nita Shala
  • 
  • Kosovo Office KSV/020
  • Education, vocationnal training and employment
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  Kosovo - Business Model Offices lead to an international partnership agreement between the CoC Ferizaj and SEDU Vet School in Finland

  An important component of the Project is the establishment of the Business Model Offices (BMO) and the advancement of a new management concept in all the supported Vocational Education Training (VET) schools. Through this component, the Project aims at increasing the relevance of the supported schools by intervening in the following aspects: advancing the qualification sets based on the Industry needs, identification and conclusion of agreements aiming at income generation opportunities, mapping and development of potential partnerships with the external stakeholders, and the development of the students skills and knowledge by conducting relevant practical work and professional practice.

  The Project has piloted the implementation of the Business Model concept in the Center of Competencies (CoC) Ferizaj enhancing its capacity of conducting industrial liaison and partnership building activities. The full dedication of the management of the CoC and the Project team has enabled the school to transform this innovative experience into a real success story through the signature of many partnership agreements with the national and international partners. Recently, the CoC Ferizaj has signed a long-term multi-purpose agreement with the SEDU VET School in Finland. Through this agreement, the graduates of the Professional Nurse profile in the CoC Ferizaj will be able to visit SEDU and attend an additional year of studies. The complementary education received from SEDU will equip the graduates with additional language skills and practical training leading to the receival of a Finnish diploma upon their graduation. Additionally, the CoC Ferizaj will receive support from the SEDU in the provision of the teaching and learning materials, and the professional development of the teachers of the pharmacy profile in the next three years.

  The CoC has selected the first cohort of 20 graduates following a strict selection process as per the same admission criteria applied in Finland. The selection process revealed that the student had the required level of knowledge reassuring the CoC on the quality of education it provides. The graduates have started their studies at SEDU in January 2020 and the initial impression on the quality of the educational experience received by them is very positive. The completion of this working experience will directly increase their value in the labour market by increasing their chances for immediate employment upon their return and provision of additional contribution to the field in Kosovo. A successful experience of the graduates will further promote the overall objective of the Project to support the creation of a technical workforce that is relevant to the social and economic development of Kosovo. At the same time, a successful agreement with SEDU will allow the CoC Ferizaj to ensure its long-term sustainability by the provision of quality education that will promote it as a future reference point for the local and European labour market. 

  
  The selected students at SEDU in Finland (13 February 2020)

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• • 14 February
  • By Nita Shala
  • 
  • Kosovo Office KSV/020
  • Education, vocationnal training and employment
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  KOSOVO - Inclusion of Municipalities and national stakeholders for capital investments in supported VET (vocational education training) schools

  One of the primary focus of the project is to improve the VET offer in Kosovo through creating a new Information Communication Technology for Center of Competencies (ICT CoC) in Pristina, developing qualifications and strengthening a number of selected VET institutions to reach a higher level of efficiency and sustainability. The achievement of these targets is being promoted through the provision of continuous technical and financial assistance to the selected Project beneficiaries. With the aim of improving the sustainability of these interventions and investments, the project has promoted the idea of increasing the level of endorsement and direct technical and financial involvement of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST), the Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education (AVETAE), and seven Municipality Education Directorates (MEDs) as the official governing institutions of schools. This has been promoted with activities of research, dialogue and negotiation culminating to the signing of Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) between the project and the Municipalities or AVETAE, in which the process of identification and commitment of financial resources for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the premises of supported VET schools are summarised.

  As a result of an efficient coordination and cooperation between the project and the above-mentioned institutions, the project has managed to receive an additional financial commitment of 2.4 million Euro. From this total amount, 88% of the resources are dedicated for the construction and renovation of schools’ premises, and the remaining 12% are budgeted for the purchase of equipment and consumables. As mentioned above, these additional financial resources committed by the municipalities along with the Project’s budget will be used exclusively for the renovation of premises, equipping of workshops and provision of consumables, which will allow these institutions to improve their performance and enable the student to benefit from a relevant VET offer.

  The joint investment between the Project and the Municipality of Pristina has enabled the building of the ICT CoC and the Tourism School in the Future VET Schools' Park in Pristina.

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• • 14 February
  • By Nita Shala
  • 
  • Kosovo Office KSV/020
  • Education, vocationnal training and employment
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  KOSOVO - Recruitment of Private Sector Partners for the establishment of Industrial Bodies and the Industrial Advisory Board in the TVET School.

  One of the main challenges faced by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in Kosovo remains the limited cooperation between the schools and the employers. In order to promote an increased co-operation among these stakeholders, the Support to Vocational Education and Training (VET) Reform in Kosovo Project, KSV/020, is supporting the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) in the establishment of the Business Model Offices (BMOs) in selected VET schools, The BMO consists of the following units: Industrial Liaison and Career Guidance Unit, Information Systems and Data Management Unit, and Service Provision Unit.

  An important component promoted by the Project and MEST through the Industrial Liaison Office in the schools is the establishment of the Industrial Bodies (IB) and Industrial Advisory Boards (IAB) in the selected profiles of the supported schools. The main aim of the IB and IAB is the provision of information to the school related to the trends of the labour market. More specifically, the IB will conduct activities of research, market investigation and middle management, involving directly technical staff of external partners and employers, with the aim to fill the gaps of knowledge and support the limited human resources of the VET schools. Its work will be oriented towards:

  • the identification of the changes in the labour market needs;
  • further professional development of the teachers;
  • the establishment of new partnerships; and
  • joint-ventures with the private sector and the creation of professional practice opportunities for the students.

  In the meantime, the IAB, formed by representatives of the Industrial Bodies, will seek to provide continuous advice to the school management and the school councils, focusing both on sector and profile level and capitalizing the research and information acquired by the IB.

  Seconding the initiative of the relevant stakeholders in the Municipality of Suhareka, the Project piloted the establishment of the IB and IAB in “Skender Luarasi” Vocational School, starting from a workshop that represented the official opening of the campaign of recruitment of representatives from the Private Sector. The event, organised by the Municipality of Suhareka and held in the premises of the school on12 December 2019, saw the presence of the delegates of the MEST, the Ministry of Innovation, the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Kosovo,  LuxDev Country Office and Project, and more than 30 representatives of the national and local business community and Civil Society.

  Following the presentation of the functions and goals of the component by the Project team, all the participating local companies have agreed to cooperate with the school for the establishment of IB and IAB for different profiles. The immediate formalisation of this cooperation was done through the official signature of the 14th Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs). Through these MoUs, the management of the school, the MED, the Project and the business representatives committed to work closely together and identify other interested companies in order to cover the remaining profiles offered in the school. In addition, the Project KSV/020 will continue to provide support, technical assistance and coaching for the establishment of IBs and IABs and the development of capacities.

  Official Launch of the Campaign of Recruitment of Private companies’ representatives for the establishment of Industrial Bodies and industrial Advisory Boards in “Skender Luarasi” School in Suhareka.

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• • 10 February
  • By Nita Shala
  • 
  • KSV/020
  • Education, vocationnal training and employment
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  KOSOVO - Employment of the graduates of Level 5 qualification for students/children with Special Education Needs (SEN)

  One of the major steps undertaken in the implementation of the national reform of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) System in Kosovo, realized with the support of the Support to Vocational Education and Training (VET) Reform in Kosovo Project, KSV/020, is the introduction of the first two Level 5 qualifications in the public sector. The two courses, respectively in the fields of Special Education Needs (SEN) and Career Guidance (CG), have been developed in cooperation with the international partner Pearson Education and accredited by the Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC). Initially introduced in 2017, both Level 5 qualifications are replicated in four antenna institutions in Pristina, Ferizaj, Prizren and Peja enabling their access to a larger number of students throughout the main regions of Kosovo. This concretizes one of the main aspects of the scope of the Centres of Competence (CoCs), that according to the vision of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MEST) have to serve as national hubs of VET provision. It is important to note that both qualifications are also pioneering as income-generating activities allowing the CoCs to generate funds which can be used to pay for small expenses autonomously.

  Two years after their initial introduction, both Level 5 qualifications are successful, sustainable, in high demand and fully endorsed by the Government of Kosovo  and the MEST. A clear sign of this endorsement is the decision of the MEST to employ 100 SEN assistants throughout the public education system. Currently, 70 out of 129 graduates (two academic generations) have concluded regular employment contracts in public institutions. The significant percentage of employment of the SEN graduates (about 54.26%) represents an impressive achievement of the Project’s aim to foster employment in Kosovo, taking into consideration the high rate of unemployment and the general difficulties in professional requalification and access to the labour market. Further, it has an immediate impact on the quality provision of professional assistance to a number of children with special education needs, and a long-term impact in the improvement of the quality of their lives and in the general inclusion rate in the Country.

  The success of the qualifications has led to an increased interest of students to join the third generation of candidates that have started to be implemented in November 2019 and it is expected to end in October 2020. Further, the successful rate of employment has prompted the initiative for the development of other Level 5 qualifications required by the labour market which undoubtedly have a positive impact on narrowing the gap in terms of preparing skilled graduates for the labour market, thus enhancing the welfare and development of the Kosovo's economy.

  The second generation of graduates in the SEN Level 5 qualification: characterized by a massive presence of female candidates

  
  The second generation of graduates in the SEN Level 5 qualification: Delivery of diplomas with the presence of the Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Technology

   

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• 2019
• • 13 November
  • By Daniele PASSALACQUA
  • 
  • Kosovo Office KSV/020
  • Education, vocationnal training and employment
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  KOSOVO - An international recognition for the online information system “Busulla.COM”

  Busulla.COM is an online Information System including tools for the provision of services related to Career Guidance for students and adults, Job Placement, Skills Assessment, and School management tools, as Training Need Analysis, Skills and Knowledge Need Assessment, Industrial Liaison and M&E applications.

  It has been awarded with the title of the best public service in Kosovo at the Albanian ICT Awards Contest 2019. Developed with the financial support of Luxembourg Development Cooperation and the technical support of the Project KSV/020, in partnership with a consortium of Swiss providers. It includes the "Basic Check Test" largely used in Switzerland and by the Luxembourg Chambre des Salariés  and Chambre des Metiers.

  

  In addition to the high recognition of the System by the local authorities and the active donors in the sector (i.e. GIZ and USAID), the European Training Foundation has dedicated an article to it on page 23 of the Issue 44 of their highly specialised magazine "Live & Learn”.  

  Link to the magazine: click here 

  Besides, a project of the World Bank, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance and the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies "The Jobs Gateway" dedicated an international Webinar to Busulla.COM, for which they invited the Chief technical advisor of the KSV/020 project,  Daniele Cristian Passalacqua, to be the main speaker.

  The Webinar saw the active participation of several countries' delegations, specialised in the sector and including the neighbouring Serbia, Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro. High interest was registered by some central authorities strictly linked with policy makers and the exchange was fostering replications of similar tools in other Education Systems.

  More information about the webinar: click here

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• • 23 April
  • By Nita Shala
  • 
  • KSV/020
  • Education, vocationnal training and employment
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  KOSOVO - Upgrade of Gjin Gazulli Technical School to a new Centre of Competence (CoC) in ICT in Pristina

  On 5 November 2018, Project KSV/020 signed the agreement with the Municipality of Pristina for the upgrade of Gjin Gazulli VET School to a new Centre of Competence (CoC) for Information and Communications Technology (ICT). In line with the Project’s objectives and in consultation with the Ministry of Education Science and Technology (MEST), the Project commits to provide full technical and financial support to the new Centre in its two main components during the three-year upgrade process. The first component of support includes the construction and renovation of the current premises of the school to international building standards of a CoC in ICT. Furthermore, under this component, the Project has committed financial resources for the acquisition and installation of furniture and IT equipment.

  The second component of support focuses on the development of six (6) IT profiles (Application Developer – Coding, Business Informatics Technician, Systems Technician, Graphic Design Technician, Mediamatician / Interactive Media Design Technician, and Electronic Technician) that represent a priority for the ICT and Electronic sector in Kosovo. Under this commitment, the Project will support MEST in the development of the full range of qualification components for those profiles including the Occupational Standards (OS), Curricula, Teaching and Learning Material (TLM) and the capacity development of the management and teachers of the new CoC. All qualification sets will be designed and developed based on a balance of theory and practice that will reflect the real need of the local and international labour market, facilitating the absorption of the students to be absorbed by the labour market immediately after the graduation. Furthermore, the Project will provide technical assistance to the CoC and the Municipality, to ensure a constant alignment with the reforms and activities promoted at national level such as the implementation of the Business Model Office guidelines, Career Guidance Services, Information Systems and Digital Tools, other cross-cutting activities for the benefit of the socio-economic development.

  

  As stated in the MoU, the main aim of this intervention is to allow the students who will register for the academic year 2020-2021 onwards to engage in the new ICT CoC and benefit from new updated qualifications aligned to European and international education standards. By adopting significant elements of the VET dual system applied in Switzerland, Austria and Germany, and adapting them to the socio-economic reality of Kosovo, the ICT CoC will go well beyond its former role of traditional educational institution that provides formal education. Instead, stakeholders they will offer several income generating services in partnership with private (short courses, adult education, on the job training or employment opportunities for the students or the community, other services oriented to the common social benefit, the development of start-ups etc.), that will improve the financial performance of the VET Schools and promote a sustainable development of the ICT sector in Kosovo.

  

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• • 1 January
  • By Nita Shala
  • 
  • KSV/020
  • Education, vocationnal training and employment
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  KOSOVO - A new innovative platform for the provision of Career Orientation, Job Placement and the management of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools

  One of the most significant components supported by Project KSV/020 is the upgrading of the Career Guidance Information Systems (CGIS) into a more comprehensive instrument serving the Business Model Office of TVET schools in Kosovo. This commitment signifies a continuation and expansion of the support provided by Project KSV/015 for the development of a series of tools and applications that will improve the provision of students’ career orientation, job placement and management services, boosting the TVET sector in the whole country. The list of activities and events planned for this component aims at developing the provision of a international standard career guidance services in Kosovo, which were almost non-existent. The current CGIS, namely Busulla.com, will be upgraded and enriched with additional features that will transform it into a user-friendly tool that will be used by different stakeholders engaged in the education and career guidance sector in Kosovo.

  These innovative features will facilitate the updating of Occupational Standards and Curricula, the acquisition of labour market information (which will then be fed into the Education Management Information System (EMIS) of the MEST) and will digitalise some TVET school management practices. The most significant applications of the upgraded platform are: the Industrial Liaison Tool, the Training need analysis (TNA) and Skills and Knowledge Need Assessment (SKNA) web portal interface, the Busulla Mobile application on IOS and Android, the Basic Check Potential Assessment tests and the digitalization of VET Schools monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system. In order to ensure an effective roll-out at a national level, the Project will train master trainers. The next step will be the implementation of a large-scale training programme involving the staff of schools, municipalities, public and private institutions in the use of all the CGIS functionalities.

  

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