Co-existence of two institutions is empowering women and supporting early childhood development

Can an early childhood education institution and a school operate together within a shared space that blends both of their missions?

Bresana, the largest village in the region of Opoja and only 15 kilometres distance from Dragash, is one of many champion villages in Kosovo joining such institutions.

Complementing two existing pre-primary classes for five-year-old children, two additional classes for early childhood education (ECE) for children of aged three and four has been opened. This expansion has significantly increased the once rare centre-based opportunities for early development and educational support. Following the model of other community-based centers, these classes are located within the primary and lower secondary school, which in Bresane is the "28 Nentori" school.

Community-Based ECE Centers

Since October 2023, Azra Trupaj Sallahi has been waking up in the morning and heading towards the two classes, constituting the community-based centers, embodying dual roles of educator and mother. Her daughter attends third grade, and her son is in fifth grade at the ‘28 Nëntori’ Primary and Lower Secondary School. Within the same building, Azra also serves as an educator in the community-based ECE center, where from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily, parents and caregivers from Bresane and surrounding villages bring their little ones to play, socialize, and develop different competences that will set the foundation for their development and learning, which may will continue in the same facility for the primary education. 

At 33, Azra has recently welcomed a new baby, who will undoubtedly experience the same harmonious environment that blends early childhood education with primary schooling. 

“I feel very secure because I am constantly informed about my children’s behaviours at school, and I can respond where necessary. On the other hand, I take my work at the early education centre very seriously, because I understand that entrusting a child to someone's care and learning support is a significant responsibility that requires great attention from us. Being a mother allows me to be more affectionate even with the other children, whom I help and care for as if they were my own” said Azra, whom we encountered among the children attending the center every day.

After graduating from the Faculty of Education in Prizren, Azra took a career break but soon realized the financial challenges that could arise.

“I have also worked as a teacher in another school, but here I feel most like myself, and the whole situation allows me to love my job dearly. Being able to financially support your family, partner, and children brings even greater fulfilment. In short, you have your own money, you can choose how to contribute to your family and domestic responsibilities, you are the one who can fulfil many of your children's wishes, and all the work and sacrifices are worth it” Azra shared with us.

Azra is one of the educators at the community-based ECE center in “28 Nentori”. She and two other educators provide early learning support for about 50 children, who attend the center for two and a half hours, five days a week.

Azra's story exemplifies a love for children and their early learning and development, confrontation of societal norms, women's empowerment through employment, and a hopeful outlook for the future. Azra explains that the establishment of this small centre within the school has empowered all the women who bring their children there. Children from the villages of Kosava, Blaç, Zaplluxha, and Kuklibeg also benefit from these two classes.

“During these two and a half hours the children spend here with us, mothers have the opportunity to focus on themselves or their careers. They can work, pursue education, reflect, and actively engage in shaping their future. Initially, only mothers accompanied their children, but now we are seeing interest from fathers as well. We use various play activities to encourage girls to explore jobs typically considered men's work, and similarly, we encourage young boys to consider jobs often attributed to women. This aspect of our work is important. We especially include fathers in conversations about their children, their development, and the importance of fathers’ engagement” Azra explained.

“This center positively impacts children’s development and enables women to become independent. Initially, it is only providing services for two and a half hours, but we are also looking forward to the construction of a full-day ECE facility. Mothers do not have to rely on their mothers-in-law or mothers to care for their children. With a full-day preschool, they can become independent, pursue a career, and contribute to their family’s economy. Being a woman who contributes to your family brings you respect and authority, and makes your voice heard. Women in this village are becoming empowered, and their partners are very supportive” Azra further explained.

It is evident that Azra is making the most of her potential, and having her children attend school very close to her workplace greatly simplifies her life.

“My partner is my right-hand in decision-making; he is the key factor that enables me to work and stay close to my children. I know I am helping my family, but I am also achieving self-growth. We’ve come this far, and we will go even further” said Azra Trupaj Sallahi, an educator at the community-based ECE center in Bresana.

A full-time preschool institution for children to be opened soon

Xhylferie Bahtijari Beqiri, an assembly member in the Municipality of Dragash, deserves recognition for her role in implementing a project that benefits many children and paves the way for future generations by providing greater education opportunities.

Xhylferie Bahtijari Beqiri shares that mothers who bring their children to the center express their gratitude to her daily.

“Every time I see them at the school, I witness the joy on the faces of both children and mothers, and I realize how happy they are to see their children playing with their peers. This is the ultimate gratitude I aim to receive for my efforts. It always bothered me to see young children unable to play and socialize with each other, and this inspired me to advocate for the establishment of an ECE center within the school. I had the support of the Mayor of Dragash, UNICEF, and many others in bringing this project to life” Bahtijari Beqiri said.

“Are the women of Dragash, particularly the mothers, more integrated and empowered in making decisions about their lives today? Definitely yes,” Xhylferie said.

“Women today are part of every gathering and initiative we undertake. They come to the school and community-based ECE center to voice their demands and concerns. This was not the case in the past. Mothers are particularly grateful for this project and are eagerly awaiting the establishment of a full-day preschool institution, which will solve many remaining challenges. This is just at the initial phase, but it is proving to be highly successful. The interior inventory has been provided by ‘Devolli Corporation,’ and the educational and play activities in the classrooms are amazing, greatly contributing to the early development of these children” she continued.

“We have received strong and decisive support from UNICEF Kosovo to implement the initiative. We are eternally grateful to UNICEF. However, we hope to soon have a larger building with dedicated space for young children, operating full-time, which would enable even more independence and empowerment for our women and mothers.”

The center has a pleasant environment, with children playing everywhere, complementing the beautiful landscape of this part.

“My other child is turning three, and I plan to enroll him in this centre right away. I want him to benefit from this educational environment and the learning process” Xhylferie Bahtijari Beqiri concluded.

This initiative was launched in Bresana as a partnership between UNICEF Kosovo and “Devolli Corporation”, who have joined forces to expand early childhood education services by supporting the establishment and functioning of community-based Early Childhood Education Centers, which provide play-based and experiential learning for children aged 3 and 4 years, as well as engaging their parents/legal guardians in various activities with children; thereby extending advice for continuation of learning support in the home environment.

*UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.