Representatives of the United Union of Education, Science, and Culture of Kosovo (SBASHK), Vice-Chair Vjollca Shala and Secretary-General Ymer Ymeri, visited the Netherlands for an official visit, where they took part in the Congress of the Dutch Education Union “AOb.”
In a press release, SBASHK highlighted:
Titled “Education for All!” Today we are participating in the AOb Education Festival in Utrecht, an event dedicated to teachers, educators, and all those working passionately for education. The program includes discussions, panels, workshops, and activities sharing experiences, ideas, and inspiration for the future of education. A day full of energy, collaboration, and vision for better education!
The congress brought together representatives from numerous education unions across Europe and beyond, creating an important space for dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of experiences on the challenges and directions of public education.
“During Saturday’s Congress, there were strategic discussions and sessions, in which the SBASHK delegation actively participated in thematic sessions, organized discussions, and meetings with unions and partner institutions. The Congress addressed key issues for the future of education: teacher welfare, public education funding, modern-day challenges in schools, and the role of unions in protecting the rights of education workers. SBASHK’s participation represents an important step in strengthening international cooperation and exchanging experiences with European unions,” the statement said.
Earlier, the Kosovar delegation was welcomed on Thursday by AOb leaders, Chair Coba van der Veer and Secretary-General Willem Naus, at a joint dinner that provided an excellent opportunity to discuss developments in public education, shared challenges for teachers, and new avenues of cooperation between the two unions. Experiences were exchanged on the role of unions in protecting the rights of education workers, their impact on public policies, and efforts to improve education quality.
On Friday, SBASHK representatives also visited the “Child Center LEF” school to learn firsthand about the Dutch education system. During this visit, Vice-Chair Vjollca Shala and Secretary-General Ymer Ymeri observed the school’s operations, pedagogical standards, collaboration with parents and the community, and working conditions for teachers. SBASHK representatives praised the professional organization, respect for labor rights, and continuous support provided by AOb to its member teachers.
After the school visit, the SBASHK delegation participated in a seminar and debate focusing on challenges in recruiting and retaining new personnel in the education system. This discussion, held at AOb headquarters, addressed issues many European countries currently face: shortages of young teachers, increasing pressures on existing staff, and the need to improve working conditions to attract new talent. SBASHK representatives contributed by sharing Kosovo’s perspective and field experiences, highlighting the challenges faced by young teachers and the importance of sustainable policies for their professional development.
On Friday, a farewell ceremony was also held for AOb’s International Secretary, Trudy Kerperien. SBASHK representatives expressed special gratitude for her close cooperation over the years, her valuable support, and her commitment to advancing SBASHK’s international relations. She has been an important voice in promoting union values and teachers’ rights at the European level.
