The number of students with disabilities attending regular schools is 3903. Meanwhile, another 313 children go to resource centers or special schools. These are the data that the Ministry of Education possesses, based on the report “Education Statistics in Kosovo 2022-2023”. This ministry promises that it has undertaken some actions for the inclusion of these children in education.
There is no accurate data on persons with disabilities in Kosovo, nor how many of them are children. The state does not have such data even for children who are out of school.
“Based on the report “Education Statistics in Kosovo 2022-2023”, the number of students with special needs who attend classes in resource centers/special schools is 313, whereas the number of students with special needs who attend classes in regular schools is 3,903 “, reads the response of the Ministry of Education.
Despite the difficulties and challenges for education, MESTI promises that they have taken actions to improve this situation.
“The Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation has undertaken several actions for the inclusion of children with special needs, such as: It has allocated the budget to the municipalities for the employment of 500 assistants for children with special needs. 409 Assistants have been certified with the Pearson Program”, reads the response.
In the same response, it is said that 18 wheelchair ramps, will be built this year.
“We have equipped the schools with didactic tools and other necessary tools. We have established resource rooms for professional support for students and teachers. Last year, 15 wheelchair ramps were built in schools, whereas this year 18 more will be built”, reads the response of the Ministry of Education.
According to the World Health Organization, developing countries, such as Kosovo, have 7 to 10 percent of people with disabilities from the total population.
