On 23 and 25 February, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) made a donation of computers, monitors, printers, scanners, routers, and office furniture to support children, students and teachers from the elementary School “Shkendija” in Pristina, the “Šilovo Gymnasium” in Šilovo/Shillovë, and the Elementary School “Musa Zajmi” in Gjilan/Gnjilane. The Mission also donated a vehicle to the school for children with disabilities “Përparimi” in Pristina, helping this institution better provide inclusive education.

The donation ceremonies were attended by the Head of EULEX, Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, and they were enlivened by students’ performances.

Prior to the donation to the “Musa Zajmi” school, Wigemark also had a meeting with the Mayor of Gjilan/Gnjilane, Alban Hyseni, with whom he discussed how education builds common values and a deeper understanding of the role of the rule of law.

“The rule of law really begins at local level, in the municipalities and in schools, with students, young children and their families. This is how you build values and that’s why we are here to support you,” Wigemark said.

The right to education is one of the most critical fundamental human rights and values of the European Union and over the last years, the Mission has supported students, teachers and local education institutions through the donation of IT equipment and office furniture.

In particular, since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, EULEX has made donations to elementary schools in Laplje Selo/Lapllasellë and in Pristina, where it has also joined the No-Child-Is-Left-Behind Initiative launched by the Municipality of Pristina to ensure that kids have access to learning opportunities amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic.