Promotion of the new curriculum pilot for early childhood education in Kosovo

The Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), in collaboration with UNICEF Kosovo, hosted an event to promote the draft curriculum for Early Childhood Education for children aged zero-6 years.

The event was attended by Ms. Arbërie Nagavci, Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Benjamin Fisher, Deputy Head of UNICEF Kosovo, partners and donors, education professionals, parents and caregivers, with the purpose to share and discuss the work and progress in the development and piloting of the new curriculum for ECE and its importance in supporting the holistic development and early learning of children in Kosovo.

"Following the approval of the new curriculum, we have begun its pilot implementation, offering training and professional development opportunities for educators and everyone involved in this process. A heartfelt thank you to all who have contributed since the beginning, addressing new approaches in early childhood education. Additionally, I welcome the collective commitment to these critically important processes for our children," said Arbërie Nagavci, Minister of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation.

The drafting of the curriculum for Early Childhood Education (ECE) took place throughout 2023, involving a multi-stakeholder, participatory and transparent process. Starting from early 2024, the curriculum is undergoing piloting in selected ECE institutions and pre-primary classes in Kosovo, comprising all forms of organization of ECE services.

The new curriculum brings a reformed perspective to early education, emphasizing a holistic, child-centered approach. It will tap into the unlimited potential of all children by offering diverse learning and exploration opportunities and promote the crucial role of parents in their children's education and development.

To reach their full potential, children need a stimulating environment, freedom, and encouragement from adults, including parents, educators, and the wider community. The new ECE curriculum will foster exploration, play, and meaningful experiences for children in early education settings. To achieve this, it is important that ECE settings nurture social, emotional, and physical well-being of every child, and meaningfully integrate children with developmental delays and/or disabilities.

Mr. Benjamin Fisher, Deputy Head of UNICEF, has expressed his great enthusiasm for this initiative, viewing it as a significant step towards enriching children’s early learning experiences to support their development and connection with their environment.  “The curriculum's focus on sustainability and natural environments reflects a commitment to a nurturing and stimulating early childhood education.”

UNICEF, with financial support from the Government of Luxembourg, has provided continued technical and other support to MESTI throughout the curriculum development and piloting stages, which will continue until the final endorsement of the curriculum. The process has also involved coordination with other partners involved in the development process. UNICEF calls on all partners to work jointly towards a shared commitment to shape a brighter future for Kosovo’s children and generations to come through quality, inclusive early childhood education and care services.