Modernised ICT School Opens New Opportunities for Kosovo’s Youth

Prishtina, 27 October 2026 – A new chapter for vocational education in Kosovo began with the inauguration of the fully renovated and modernized “Gjin Gazulli” ICT Vocational School in Prishtina. Supported by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the Municipality of Prishtina, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science, the project represents a major investment in young people’s skills and Kosovo’s digital future. 
 

Implemented by LuxDev, in partnership with local institutions, the project represents the largest investment made by Luxembourg in educational infrastructure in Kosovo to date. It also holds particular significance as the only vocational school in the country dedicated entirely to information and communication technology (ICT), a sector increasingly recognised as a driver of economic growth, innovation and competitiveness.

Designed to accommodate approximately 700 students, the school offers a modern learning environment equipped with specialised ICT laboratories, state-of-the-art equipment, a 250-seat amphitheatre, an industrial kitchen and canteen, sports facilities and accessible infrastructure that enable all students, including those with disabilities, to participate fully in school life.
 

Students will benefit from new curricula developed through the Skills for Sustainable Jobs in Kosovo programme in areas such as application development, business informatics, computer systems, digital and interactive media design, electronics and solar panel installation. The programmes have been designed in close cooperation with industry partners to ensure that graduates develop the practical skills and competencies demanded by the labour market.

Investing in Kosovo's Human Capital

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Eric Dietz, Head of Mission of the Embassy of Luxembourg in Kosovo, stressed that the significance of the project extends far beyond the construction of a modern school building. "Today, we are celebrating much more than the opening of a new school building. We are investing in the future of Kosovo, in its young people, their talents, their ambitions and their opportunities."
 

He underlined that Luxembourg views investment in skills not only as an education policy but also as an economic policy and a long-term investment in a country's development. "We know from our own experience that a small country cannot compete in size alone. It must compete through knowledge, innovation, openness and the quality of its people." This vision is particularly relevant as Kosovo seeks to strengthen its position as a competitive, innovative and knowledge-based economy.

Responding to the Needs of a Growing ICT Sector

The investment comes at a crucial moment for Kosovo's ICT sector. Today, ICT is one of the country's most dynamic economic sectors, with approximately 1,700 companies, more than 20,000 employees and a contribution of over 6% of GDP.

At the same time, the sector faces a growing shortage of qualified professionals. According to the Kosovo IT Barometer 2025, three quarters of ICT companies export internationally, while nearly 90% report difficulties in recruiting skilled workers. The challenge is therefore not a lack of talent, but ensuring that young people have access to quality education and training opportunities that allow them to develop and apply their potential.
 

The modernised “Gjin Gazulli” school directly addresses this challenge by strengthening the link between education and employment. By combining modern infrastructure, updated curricula and stronger cooperation with businesses, the school will help prepare students for successful careers in Kosovo's expanding digital economy.

Bridging Education and Employment Through Dual Education

An important component of this effort is the continued expansion of dual vocational education and training (Dual VET), which combines classroom learning with practical training in companies.

For Lah Nitaj, Head of the VET Department at the Ministry of Education and Science, strengthening dual education has been one of the ministry's key priorities over recent years. "A key part of our efforts over the past five years has been the development of dual education. Our aim is to ensure that students are ready to enter the workforce from their first day after graduation."
 

By giving students direct exposure to the workplace while they are still in school, dual education helps bridge the gap between education and employment, strengthens partnerships between schools and businesses, and improves graduates' employment prospects.

Part of a Wider Reform of Vocational Education

The investment in “Gjin Gazulli” forms part of Luxembourg's broader support to vocational education reform through the Skills for Sustainable Jobs in Kosovo programme, implemented by Luxdev. Working with the Ministry of Education and Science, municipalities, vocational schools and the private sector, this support combines modern facilities with updated curricula, teacher training and qualifications aligned with labour market needs. Priority sectors include ICT, renewable energy and energy efficiency, wood processing and manufacturing.

Dual VET is a central part of this cooperation. The system has expanded from a pilot involving around 100 students in 2022 to more than 2,500 students, 32 vocational schools and over 1,000 partner enterprises across Kosovo. Cooperation with the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce also supports the training of company instructors and examiners and the development of standardised assessment and certification procedures, helping translate practical learning into recognised skills and stronger employment prospects.

Looking ahead, Luxembourg remains committed to strengthening skills development, fostering sustainable partnerships and supporting long-term solutions in the ICT, renewable energy and creative industries sectors.

Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation

For Mayor Përparim Rama, the project reflects a broader vision for the future of Prishtina and the role of education in shaping the next generation. "Every generation has a responsibility to pave the way for the next. For us, that means giving our young people the knowledge, space and opportunities to imagine a greater future and build it with their own hands." He described Prishtina as a capital of knowledge, innovation and opportunity, where talent is encouraged to grow and contribute to society.
 

The modernised school embodies that ambition. More than a renovated educational institution, it is a place where knowledge meets practice, where innovation meets opportunity and where young people can develop the skills needed to succeed in employment, further education and entrepreneurship.

Addressing the students, Mr. Dietz encouraged them to seize the opportunities offered by the new school: "Your future is not limited by the size of your country but shaped by the strength of your ideas and your determination to pursue them."

The modernised “Gjin Gazulli” ICT Vocational School stands as a powerful symbol of partnership, ambition and confidence in Kosovo's youth. More than a modern educational facility, it represents a long-term investment in skills, innovation and human capital that will help shape Kosovo's digital future and strengthen its competitiveness for years to come.