On the first day of the new school year 2025/26, the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) raised concerns about the government’s lack of investment in education and shortcomings in textbook subsidies.
During a press conference, MP Jehona Lushaku said that the new school year “finds Kosovo unprepared.”
“Today, September 1, finds teachers without support, without incentives to achieve more with their students. There is no digital curriculum, heavy bureaucratic burdens, and undignified salaries,” Lushaku stated.
She further criticized the government for failing to implement reforms or significant investments in the education sector.
Parents, she added, are facing difficulties in securing school textbooks.
“Most parents have not received sufficient financial support to purchase textbooks. The cost of books is very high. The Ministry of Education provides €80, while the actual price of basic textbooks can reach up to €130,” Lushaku explained.
Meanwhile, Samir Shahini, Director of Education in Prishtina, said that the only real progress in recent years has been the introduction of full-day schooling in some schools.
“This year we piloted full-day schooling in Kishnicë and Barilevë,” he noted.
In Prishtina alone, 37,667 students began classes across 64 schools.
On her part, Acting Education Minister Arbërie Nagavci congratulated students, teachers, and parents, calling the new academic year “a journey of knowledge filled with challenges and opportunities.”
This marks the third year that the Ministry of Education has implemented textbook subsidies through direct payments to parents. In 2025, €80 per student is allocated for grades 1–5 to purchase textbooks and materials, and the same amount for grades 6–9 to cover workbooks and learning tools. According to Nagavci, 144,337 applications for subsidies have been submitted.
Additionally, the Ministry expanded full-day schooling to seven new schools in Prishtina’s urban and rural areas, including:
- “Zenel Hajdini” – Prishtina
- “Ditët e Minatorit” – Kishnicë (full model for grades 1–9)
- “Ganimete Terbeshi” – Llukar
- “Pjetër Bogdani” – Prishtina
- “Avni Rrustemi” – Mramur
- “Teuta” – Grashticë
- “Ali Kelmendi” – Barilevë
