“I love my ABC book and math the most. When I grow up, I want to become a teacher,” says an 8-year-old girl from the Roma community, with her eyes gleaming with excitement and dreams as big as her heart. Last September, she started school for the first time at “Daut Bogujevci” Primary School in Prishtina.
Thanks to the dedicated work of the Day Care Center for Children in Prishtina, eight children began their educational journey this school year by enrolling in first grade. In addition, three children who had previously dropped out of school have returned to the classroom and are now attending lessons successfully.
In the municipality of Prizren, early identification of cases, support during the enrollment process, and ongoing follow-up by the staff of the Day Care Center in Nashec enabled three more children to enroll in first grade for the first time. They are now regularly attending school.
“I love playing with my friends the most. I like playing ball, jumping rope, and the game where we search for the hidden ball. When I grow up, I want to become a doctor so I can help people in need,” says a joyful 10-year-old boy from the Roma community, who is now a student at “Fadil Hisari” Primary School in Prizren.
These children are expected to successfully complete their first school year this June. For them, education is a significant step toward a better future. This success is a testament to the dedicated efforts being made to support children in vulnerable situations through the two day care centers.
The Day Care Centers in Prishtina and Prizren provide a safe and nurturing environment, based on a model of specialized services for children in street situations, children who are victims of sexual abuse, and those in need of protection. This model serves as a bridge between children and the protection system, connecting them with public services such as education, healthcare, psychosocial support, and more.
Why is education important for children?
Education is not only a fundamental right of every child – it is also a powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty, abuse, and social exclusion. For children in vulnerable situations, returning to school means much more than learning to read and write – it is a journey toward hope, self-confidence, and personal development.
“Education is not a privilege; it is a right. Every child deserves not only to dream, but to learn how to make those dreams a reality – and school is where that journey begins,” says Marije Vuksani, Program Manager for Migration and Anti-Trafficking at Terre des hommes Kosovo.
Children who attend school regularly are better protected from various forms of exploitation and harmful practices. They gain life skills, emotional support, and open doors to new opportunities for their future.
At Terre des hommes, we believe that every child deserves the chance to go to school, grow up happy, and dream freely. By helping them return to school and ensuring they feel safe, included, and empowered, we are not only changing their future – we are shaping the future of our entire community.
