In Kosovo, the issue of school security has garnered significant attention, with an alarming number of incidents raising concerns among experts. Discover the insights shared by education specialists, psychologists, and officials as they advocate for a comprehensive approach to enhance safety measures and create a conducive environment for students in schools across the region.

Introduction:


Amid the recent surge in security incidents within and around Kosovo's educational institutions, a wave of apprehension has enveloped the region, prompting experts to highlight the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to reinforce school safety. With the Kosovo Police reporting a staggering 236 incidents, including criminal offenses and violence, over a six-month period, the gravity of the situation has drawn the attention of education specialists, psychologists, and municipal authorities. As the community grapples with the multifaceted challenges of ensuring students' well-being and a secure learning environment, a chorus of voices advocates for a holistic institutional strategy and collaborative efforts to address the complex dynamics influencing school safety.

Cultivating a Supportive Ecosystem: Advocating for Institutional Cooperation and Teacher Empowerment


Education expert Rinor Qehaja emphasizes the critical need for an integrated approach to tackle the issue of violence and ensure students' well-being in educational settings. In his assessment, fostering a symbiotic relationship between teachers and school psychologists is pivotal for early identification and intervention in potential security threats. Underlining the significance of comprehensive support from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MEST), Qehaja underscores the imperative for professional development programs aimed at equipping educators with the requisite tools to navigate diverse emotional challenges within classrooms. Additionally, Qehaja stresses the indispensable role of active psychologists within schools, emphasizing the necessity for their continuous engagement with teachers and students to foster an inclusive and proactive school community.

Psychological Support and Collaborative Efforts: Key Components for Effective School Safety Measures


Naile Rrustolli, a child psychologist, highlights the intrinsic connection between family support, school environment, and the psychological well-being of students. Emphasizing the pivotal role of schools in fostering a nurturing and accepting climate, Rrustolli advocates for an increased presence of psychologists within educational institutions to proactively identify and address emotional challenges faced by students. Stressing the significance of early intervention and emotional support, Rrustolli underscores the role of psychologists in averting potential conflicts and safeguarding the well-being of students within the school ecosystem.

Strategic Measures and Holistic Action Plans: Enhancing Safety Parameters in Kosovo's Schools


Besianë Musmurati, the Director of Education in the Municipality of Prishtina, sheds light on the comprehensive safety measures implemented to fortify the well-being of students. Detailing the allocation of significant resources and the deployment of security measures, Musmurati highlights the installation of surveillance cameras and the initiation of collaboration between teachers and parents to identify potential concerns among students. With a structured three-year action plan in place, the focus remains on data-driven policies to address specific safety challenges, ranging from bullying to physical security concerns within educational institutions.

In a bid to curb the escalating risks, the Kosovo Police has recently intensified its monitoring of student activities in the vicinity of schools, emphasizing the critical role of proactive policing in ensuring the safety of students and the broader community.