OSCE Mission encourages lifelong learning in Kosovo

PRISTINA, 16 December 2005 - Lifelong learning is a guiding principle for developing education and training policy and introducing this concept to Kosovo is the focus of a two-day conference, which began today in Prishtine/Pristina.

The event, EDUKOS, is organized by the,Education, Science and Technology, Labour and Social Welfare, and Culture, Youth and Sports Ministries, with support from the OSCE Mission, the Association of Adult Learning in Kosovo, GTZ, KOSVET, and the Swiss Contact Office.

"Kosovo is facing great changes next year and people need to be ready to adapt. Educational and training systems can upgrade people's skills," said Zlatko Dimitroff, the Political Director of the OSCE Mission. "Lifelong learning, which encompasses formal, non-formal and informal education, can prepare people to face these challenges."

The purpose of the conference is to present, promote and discuss the developments of lifelong learning in Kosovo and its linkage to economic development. It is also an opportunity to share experiences from Europe and the region, by bringing together government officials, business and education practitioners from Kosovo and elsewhere.

As part of the event, public and private organizations will present a broad range of formal and non-formal educational and training opportunities on offer in Kosovo.

A longer term goal is for the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG)PISG, in partnership with training institutions and the private sector, to develop effective strategies and policies for lifelong learning and help bridge the gap between formal education and the labour market.

"The OSCE encourages the Government and the Assembly of Kosovo to foster strategies within the framework of public-private partnership and promote lifelong learning by making it a priority," said Mr Dimitroff.

The OSCE Mission is committed to promoting lifelong learning in Kosovo, which is necessary to develop a modern and effective education and training system compatible with European standards.