Remote teaching for many children remains elusive

Schools in Kosovo have been closed since 12 March, following measures the government has taken to prevent the spread of the new COVID-19 virus.

Ten days later, the Ministry of Education decided to keep the teaching in distance.

We didn't have a computer. My brother brought me a computer, but he's very old. That sometimes both children can't lock up until the computer is opening, but it takes a lot of time. Then I have two children, and sometimes they both have classes at the same time as the teacher in (application) Zoo. I told my teachers about my problem, but they haven't answered my”, Fazliu says.

At first, remote learning started through public television channel RTK for primary school students. Almost all teachers are currently teaching online at other levels of schooling.

These lessons are maintained through various programs that can be downloaded to smart computers or phones.

The most useful application remains the Zoom where more than two people can communicate through audio and video. This app is being used in many parts of the world for online learning despite some warnings that it may not be safe communication.

In Kosovo there are a total of 345,540 students. According to Lulzim Krasniqi, official at the Ministry of Education, Technology Science and Innovation, follow-up is at a high level, more than 90%.

Krasniqi says however, the challenge could be considered lack of technological equipment, as well as internet access for many students.

“We have requested from all those who can contribute technology equipment to needy families. According to the information we have, some municipalities are only working to support families who lack equipment and internet access. The results of these efforts are encouraging so far, because municipalities and donors are mobilised in providing equipment for families in need, Krasniqi said.

Pristina municipality seeks help for students

In the Pristina municipality alone, there are a total of 28,785 primary school students, and of them 1,073 are not included in remote learning.

The Pristina municipality so far has identified 500 families, which have not had any technological equipment, to be able to convey instruction at a distance.

This data was told of Radio Free Europe, Miranda Mullafazliu, spokesperson in the Pristina municipality where, according to her, the Pristina municipality has already taken initiative to collect electronic equipment, whether it's a donation or even what someone doesn't use, and donated to children in need.

“Pristina Community Chairman Shpend Ahmeti has launched and called on anyone who can donate electronic devices that they do not use. Calls have been responded to by many citizens and companies by donating phones, computers, tablets, and these devices will be handed over to families and children so that all children can have equal access to follow-up learning, she said.

There is no distance lesson for children with special needs

Meanwhile, by the Coalition of Child Protection Organisations, KOMF, Klevis Vajcari told Radio Free Europe that based on data on the field, it turns out the biggest challenge of distance learning remains children with special needs. According to her, there is no special programme for them, since the Ministry of Education in Kosovo has not envisioned such a plan-program.

For disabled children, there are no programs dedicated to them, although they are part of the educational system. That's what we've raised as a concern.

Meanwhile, we have provided recommendations that children who do not have internet access, the Government of Kosovo will enable them to do so, whether by facilitating the issue of internet pay, since it too costs and may be the reason for children's failure to teach, she said.