“Diversity Day: The EU and the Council of Europe reiterate that quality and inclusive education is a fundamental right of every child also during the current COVID-19 pandemic”

26.04.2021
Pristina

The European Union Office in Kosovo and the Council of Europe office in Pristina wish to mark the Diversity Day, 26 April by evoking the lessons learnt from the COVID – 19 pandemic with a specific focus on its effects on the most vulnerable children.

“The pandemic has affected all aspects of our lives and education is not an exception.  Yet, the consequences are even more severe for vulnerable groups. Now is the time to reinforce our efforts to provide adequate support to every child for equal access to education. This is their fundamental right,” emphasized Tomáš Szunyog, Head of EU Office in Kosovo/EU Special Representative in Kosovo.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that even in most severe times of crisis that affect everyone around the globe, the most vulnerable are disproportionally affected. Under these circumstances, for more than a year now, the challenges vulnerable girls and boys face in accessing education were exacerbated. We must ensure that they are offered adequate support and means to access education along their peers,“ highlighted Frank Power, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Pristina.

The joint EU/CoE project INCLUDE supports the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation  in improving access to quality education for all children with a particular focus on increasing the participation of children with special needs and children from disadvantaged groups such as Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian boys and girls.

The project started in January 2020 and is funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe. The project will last four years.

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