Shtime, 26.04.2024 – Through the Kosovo Digital Economy Project (KODE), the Ministry of Economy organized the “100^th School” activity, connecting 100 schools with modern telecommunication infrastructure, secure and manageable network dedicated solely to educational purposes, and with network coverage throughout the school premises, thus influencing the empowerment and preparation of new generations for global competition.

At the event held today at the Vocational High School in Shtime, Minister of Economy Artane Rizvanolli, Minister of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation Arbërie Nagavci, Mayor of Shtime Municipality Qemajl Aliu, Senior Operations Officer at the World Bank Elene Imnadze, and Head of GEANT Eric Huizer were present.

On this occasion, Minister Rizvanolli emphasized that our digital infrastructure, as well as our excellent ICT sector, place Kosovo at the forefront and in a competitive position with European countries.

She stated that according to the Emerging Europe competitiveness report of 23 countries in Central and Eastern Europe, including countries like Estonia which are IT leaders, Kosovo ranks first in the region for competitiveness and 11th among the 23 countries, first in the region, second overall after Romania for infrastructure, and first in the region for the number of IT students per 100,000 inhabitants.

Minister Rizvanolli also highlighted that Kosovo is undergoing a period of rapid technological development, making it the perfect time to reap their results.

She announced that regarding infrastructure in the ICT sector, especially Internet access, last year we achieved 100% coverage of settlements with high-speed Internet. This places Kosovo in the top 8 European countries, alongside Switzerland and the Nordic countries.

“During the internet connection of settlements, through the KODE project, we have stimulated over 10 million euros in investments from the private sector and generated savings of public funds. We are celebrating the results of these savings today, as we have connected 100 primary and secondary schools with high-speed broadband internet and installed internal networks in school premises”, Minister Rizvanolli emphasized. She also announced that by the end of 2024, 114 schools in Kosovo will be connected to the Internet network.

Meanwhile, Minister Nagavci stated that children and youth are our most valuable treasure and the strongest pillar of our society.

“Our commitment to preparing them for sustainable, relevant, and inclusive education is an undisputed priority. This is also our objective to equip them with the necessary skills in a dynamic job market”, Nagavci said, adding that learning environments are rapidly digitalizing worldwide, and Kosovo is advancing equally fast towards meeting these needs.

The Ministry of Economy, responsible for national policies and strategies for the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, by 2030, aims for Kosovo to be a modern digital country with an advanced digital economy, an effective public administration ensuring the smart use of infrastructure.

Since 2021, ME has joined the GEANT Association, connected to the largest academic network – the pan-European GEANT network where KREN has benefited greatly from GEANT’s support and the National research and education network (NREN) as part of GEANT in the development of our services and network.