Conclusion
Amidst Kosovo*’s ongoing efforts to build a cohesive and inclusive society, the need to address peace and security in schools has become a priority. The Kosovar Youth Council (KYC) held the transformative Student Council Conference on Peace and Security, an initiative aimed at empowering young leaders, fostering dialogue among diverse student groups, and tackling systemic challenges in educational settings. The outcomes of this conference—focused on actionable policy recommendations—provide a roadmap for creating safer, more inclusive schools across Kosovo.
Building Connections and Addressing Challenges
The event opened with an acknowledgment of the unique challenges faced by schools across Kosovo. Participants were organized into working groups to discuss three thematic areas: Challenges, Policies, and Interventions. Discussions highlighted significant concerns, including:
Bullying and Harassment: Both peer-to-peer and teacher-related incidents were reported as widespread issues.
Mental Health: Students emphasized the need for psychological support in schools to combat stress and conflict.
Inter-Ethnic Tensions: Divisions between communities, often exacerbated by the parallel education system, were identified as barriers to peaceful coexistence.
Safety Concerns: The presence of narcotics, weapons, and inadequate school infrastructure were seen as critical threats.
Actionable Recommendations
Based on the insights from the conference, the following detailed recommendations were developed, highlighting responsible stakeholders and implementation strategies:
1. Strengthen Mental Health Support:
Action: Ensure that every school has at least one trained psychologist.
Implementation: The Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MAShTI) should allocate funding for hiring psychologists, with support from municipal education directories.
Impact: A pilot program in Pristina schools showed a 40% decrease in disciplinary cases after employing full-time psychologists.
Action: Provide regular stress management and conflict resolution workshops for students and staff.
Implementation: Collaboration between schools and local NGOs.
Impact: These workshops will build resilience and improve interpersonal dynamics within schools.
2. Develop Inclusive Policies:
Action: Organize Peace Clubs and intercultural exchange programs.
Implementation: Student Councils, NGOs and local municipalities, should lead these initiatives.
Impact: Evidence from similar programs shows enhanced mutual understanding and reduced inter-ethnic tensions.
Action: Include peace and tolerance education in school curricula.
Implementation: MAShTI should partner with UNESCO to adapt the "Education for Peace" framework for Kosovo’s context.
Impact: This integration will foster a culture of respect and inclusivity.
3. Enhance Reporting Mechanisms:
Action: Introduce anonymous reporting platforms for bullying and harassment.
Implementation: Schools should adopt tested digital tools, with technical support from tech-focused and education NGOs.
Impact: In regions where these platforms are operational, incidents of bullying have decreased significantly.
4. Improve Infrastructure and Safety Measures:
Action: Install security cameras and emergency systems in all schools.
Implementation: Municipalities should prioritize these upgrades in annual budgets, with co-funding from international donors.
Impact: Research shows that visible security measures reduce vandalism and violence by 20%.
Action: Conduct regular inspections to ensure schools are narcotics- and weapons-free.
Implementation: Municipal education directories and Kosovo Police should collaborate on quarterly inspections.
Impact: Ensuring a safe environment will directly improve student well-being and learning outcomes.
5. Foster Community Engagement:
Action: Strengthen the student-parent-teacher triangle in addressing security concerns.
Implementation: School administrators should organize regular meetings and joint initiatives with parent-teacher associations.
Impact: Community involvement enhances the sustainability of peace and security measures.
6. Address the Parallel Education System:
Action: Develop initiatives to integrate students from parallel education systems through joint activities and shared platforms.
Implementation: MAShTI, with support from international organizations like UNICEF or/and others, should facilitate collaborations between Albanian and Serbian schools, including exchange programs, joint sports events, and cultural workshops.
Impact: Breaking down barriers created by the parallel education system can foster mutual understanding and reduce inter-ethnic tensions.
Outcomes and Future Steps
The conference’s immediate outcomes included the drafting of the Student Council Peace and Security Policy Recommendations and a collaborative Action Plan. These documents outline strategic steps to:
Promote tolerance and respect within schools.
Enhance reporting mechanisms for security incidents.
Integrate peacebuilding activities into the school curriculum.
Conclusion: Recommendations for Moving Forward
The insights and actionable recommendations from this conference provide a clear framework for addressing systemic challenges in Kosovo’s schools. Key priorities include:
- Establishing comprehensive mental health support systems to address the root causes of conflict and stress in schools.
- Developing inclusive policies and curricula that promote tolerance and bridge societal divides.
- Enhancing infrastructure and adopting modern safety measures to ensure secure learning environments.
- Empowering student councils and fostering community engagement to sustain progress over time.
- Addressing the barriers created by the parallel education system to unify students and promote shared understanding.
By implementing these strategies, Kosovo can take significant strides toward creating schools that are not only safe and inclusive but also nurturing grounds for future leaders. The Kosovar Youth Council remains committed to supporting these initiatives and ensuring that the voices of students continue to shape the future of education in Kosovo.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with Security Council Resolution 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
