Education in Kosovo: Towards inclusion, equity and digital readiness

Opinion from: Finnish Ambassador to Kosovo, Matti Nissinen, and UNICEF Kosovo Chief, Veronika Vashchenko
In today’s rapidly evolving world, equitable access to quality education is not just an aspiration – it is a necessity. Kosovo, with a population of 1.6 million and the youngest demographic in Europe, has the opportunity to reshape its future by investing in its education system. However, as it stands, Kosovo’s education system faces a number of critical challenges that threaten to leave the most vulnerable children behind.

The education crisis in Kosovo

Kosovo’s education system faces a dire situation. According to the Human Capital Index, a child born today will only reach 57 percent of their potential due to insufficient investment in education and healthcare. Kosovo’s PISA results are consistently below the OECD average, with only 15 percent of students demonstrating basic math skills.
The crisis goes beyond statistics. While 96 percent of children are enrolled in primary school, their participation drops sharply as they get older, especially among marginalized communities such as Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian children. Only 84 percent are enrolled in primary school, with participation in upper secondary education falling to just 31 percent, compared to 87 percent nationwide. This educational divide threatens Kosovo’s long-term social and economic progress.

The digital divide further exacerbates the crisis. Despite high internet penetration in Kosovo, Kosovo ranked second to last among 35 education systems (35 participating countries) in the International ICT Literacy Study (ICILS). Kosovo’s digital performance is a stark contrast to the average of 520 points achieved by high-performing countries. In a world where digital literacy is essential for success, Kosovo’s students, especially those with low incomes, are being left behind, unable to access the technological resources needed to achieve it.

Additionally, Kosovo’s education system continues to fail children with disabilities, many of whom experience functional difficulties but lack the support they need to succeed in the classroom. This directly impacts the estimated eight percent of children aged 2-17 who face challenges of functional difficulties, underscoring the urgency for an inclusive education system that accommodates all children.

Learning based on Finland's successful education model

However, this does not have to be the case. Kosovo can learn from successful education models and use lessons learned globally to transform a struggling education system into a successful one. Finland – often cited as having one of the best education systems in the world – offers a roadmap for Kosovo to follow. Finland’s success rests on three main pillars: early digital literacy, comprehensive teacher training, and equitable access to technology. By adopting these principles, Kosovo can begin to close the gaps in its education system.

First, early digital education should be integrated into the curriculum from an early age, allowing students to acquire essential digital skills in a structured and developmentally appropriate manner.

In Finland, digital literacy is integrated into all subjects from primary school onwards, focusing on coding, media literacy and responsible digital citizenship. This approach helps students build a strong foundation in digital skills for academic and work success. Kosovo could adopt a similar model by including digital skills in core subjects and ensuring a gradual development of digital skills at all levels of education.

Second, teacher training should become a priority as the effective use of digital tools in the classroom depends on the confidence and skills of educators. In Finland, teachers ensure continuous professional development through research-based training programs, digital pedagogy workshops, and cooperation with universities to stay abreast of the latest technological developments. In addition, schools have ICT pedagogical specialists who provide ongoing support to teachers. In Kosovo, many teachers still do not have the necessary training to effectively integrate technology into their teaching; in Kosovo, many teachers do not have the necessary training to harness the power of technology in the classroom. By investing in teacher capacity-building programs, creating digital mentoring networks, and incorporating digital pedagogy into pre- and in-service teacher training, Kosovo can equip educators with the skills needed to create an engaging, interactive, and technology-enabled learning environment.

Third, equitable access to technology is essential. In Finland, every student, regardless of their socio-economic background, has access not only to digital devices, but also to high-quality digital learning resources and well-trained teachers who can effectively integrate technology into education. Kosovo needs to ensure that all students benefit from an inclusive digital learning environment by investing not only in the procurement of devices, but also in teacher training, digital pedagogy and quality assurance systems. Sustained investments in these areas will help bridge the digital divide and ensure the meaningful use of technology in the classroom.

Implementing the roadmap will require significant investment in digital infrastructure, but it is an investment that will pay off in the long term. In 2022, Finland allocated approximately 5.5 percent of its GDP to education, while Kosovo’s public spending on education comprised about 4.7 percent (2020) of its GDP. These investments highlight the importance of allocating sufficient resources to education to support economic growth and development.

What should Kosovo's education system prioritize?

Kosovo’s education system is currently characterized by declining PISA scores, deep educational inequalities, and a digital divide. If Kosovo is to unlock its full potential, it must prioritize inclusive education, early childhood education (ECE), and digital learning. These are not optional investments – they are necessary for Kosovo’s future.

Strengthening early childhood education (ECE) is essential for building a strong educational foundation. As of 2023/2024, only 36.8 percent of children aged 3-5 are enrolled in ECE in Kosovo, compared to the EU standard of 9 in 10 children (or 96 percent). Despite significant increases in investment in ECE, in line with the priorities set out in the Kosovo Education Strategy 2022/2026, disparities are evident in the enrolment of children from Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities, children living in poverty and children with disabilities. Therefore, evidence-based budget planning and efficient utilization is necessary to achieve the 45 percent enrollment target by 2026, as envisaged in the Kosovo Education Strategy 2022–2026, focusing on equal access for marginalized communities and children with disabilities.

In addition, to ensure meaningful integration and quality learning for children with disabilities, early childhood education infrastructure, learning materials and the capacities of professionals need to continue to be strengthened, in line with strategic priorities. The integration of digital tools in support of children’s holistic development and skills attainment, adapting to the needs of different age groups, is also essential to prepare children for an increasingly digital future.

Kosovo’s future prosperity depends on its ability to equip its young people with the skills they need to succeed in a globalized and digital economy. Education is key to unlocking this potential. By prioritizing inclusive education, early childhood development, and digital learning, Kosovo can create an education system that prepares its young people for success in an increasingly digital world, ensuring that no child is left behind. /Telegrafi/