From November 10 to 14, 2025, DVV International in Kosovo welcomed Ms. Katrin Denys, Regional Director of DVV International for Southeast Europe and the Caucasus. The purpose of the visit was to gain a closer understanding of developments in adult education in Kosovo, current DVV International projects, and cooperation with local, central, and international partners contributing to lifelong learning in the country.
During her five-day stay, Ms. Denys, accompanied by the Head of the DVV International Kosovo office, Mr. Ramadan Alija, held a series of meetings with government institutions, partner organizations, and municipal representatives. The visit began with a meeting with the DVV International staff to review the organization’s strategic priorities and future plans.
Ms. Denys was later received by the Acting Minister of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ms. Arbërie Nagavci, where they discussed the results of the cooperation between MESTI and DVV International, as well as opportunities to strengthen adult education in Kosovo. Minister Nagavci highlighted DVV International’s contribution to establishing three holistic centers in Prizren, Pejë, and Vushtrri, which operate successfully in partnership with municipal institutions and local organizations.
The cooperation between DVV International and MESTI in the field of adult education will deepen through the development of the new 2027–2031 Strategy, the updating of adult education legislation, the strengthening of the ALE NK Network, and the development of a data management system, with the aim of improving this key sector.
Ms. Denys also held meetings with Prof. Dr. Blerim Saqipi, Dean of the Faculty of Education, to discuss the implementation of Curriculum globALE in the training of adult educators; as well as with Ms. Fikrije Zymberi, Director of Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education (AVETAE), to exchange experiences and best practices in the sector.
An important meeting was also held with Mr. Daniel Alker, Head of the Department for Economic Cooperation and Development at the German Embassy, to discuss ongoing projects and opportunities for future collaboration supporting non-formal education in Kosovo.
During field visits, Ms. Denys met with senior municipal officials in Vushtrri, Pejë, and Prizren to learn more about the activities, achievements, and development plans of the Youth and Adult Learning and Education Centres (YALEC).
In Vushtrri, she visited the NGO “Hareja,” YALEC Vushtrri, and the Municipality of Vushtrri, familiarizing herself with current programs and the draft plan for 2026, and discussing opportunities for cooperation in developing non-formal education with the Director of Education, Mr. Albanez Tahiraj.
In Pejë, Ms. Denys was welcomed by the local NGO, Youth Action Council – Peja (LYAC-Peja), and YALEC Peja. The meetings reviewed the accomplishments achieved so far, outlined the programs planned for next year, and explored opportunities to strengthen inter-institutional collaboration. She also met with Ms. Xhenet Syka Kelmendi, Director for Culture, Youth, and Sports at the Municipality of Peja, to exchange ideas on promoting lifelong learning at the municipal level.
In Prizren, Ms. Denys visited the premises of the NGO THY, where YALEC Prizren operates, and learned about the center’s educational programs, inclusive approach, and development plans. She then visited the Vocational Training Center (VTC) and met with its director, Mr. Sinan Gashi, to discuss the center’s role in developing professional skills and the opportunities for cooperation between YALEC Prizren and VTC Prizren.
The visit concluded at the DVV International office in Prishtina with working sessions on the organization’s long-term plans and opportunities for new national and international partnerships.
Ms. Katrin Denys’ visit to Kosovo marked an important step in strengthening regional cooperation and deepening DVV International’s support for the development of high-quality adult education in the country.