Publication of the report “Public Investment in Education Sector – Higher Education Sector 2008-2010”

Prishtina March 16, 2011 ” Today Movement FOL held a press conference and presented the report on “Public Investment in Education Sector – Higher Education Sector from 2008 to 2010”.

Fidan Kalaja of Movement FOL appealed for more transparency in public investments and required a greater involvement of civil society in designing and setting priorities for the education sector.

Meanwhile, policy analyst, Armend Mazreku, has presented the findings of this report. “Despite the progress achieved during the years 2008, 2009, 2010, there are still major problems and challenges,” said Mazreku. He has requested that the education sector must be re-dimensioned, so that it should not be seen as a problem in itself, but as an opportunity for overall socio-economic, cultural and political development. “Institutions of higher education should be oriented towards the sphere of research and scientific publications, and not only in their teaching function. Then, another problem is insufficient infrastructure, lack of academic staff and small budget for education sector in general and in particular higher education. “

For further details see the executive summary presented by Mr. Mazreku:

During the period 2004-2007 have been invested 121 million euros. In 2004 around 35 million euros, in 2005 about 24 million euros, in 2006 about 27 million euros and in 2007 about 33 million euros. This investment shows a fixed position regarding the focus on enhancing the quality of the education system in general.

From 2008 until 2010 have been invested about 146 milion euros. In 2008 around 56 million euros, in 2009 about 52 million euros, whereas in 2010 has been a decrease in these investment, 37 million euros;

Public funds according to the Medium Term Expenditure Framework 2011-2013 will be around 174 million euros. For the year 2011 are planned 57 million euros, in 2012 about 55 million euros, and in 2013 it will grow to about 61 million euros;

The organizational structure of institutions of higher education is consisted of two public universities, 10 private university colleges, five professional schools and three institutes. In the context of their work are 122 public programs, 69 private, 6 from institutes and 14 from professional schools. These programs include the undergraduate level (Bachelor) and graduate level (Masters).

In 2008 in higher education were invested around 15 million euros. About 8 million euros have been spent on salaries, over 3 million for goods and services, about 1 million euros for municipal expenditures and 2.3 million on capital investments. The University of Prishtina has spent 7.3 million euros for salaries, 2.8 million euros for goods and services, 945 thousand euros for municipal expenses. The Student Centre has spent in all categories 1.1 million euros, 480 thousand euros were spent by Institutes, and 116 thousand euros by Pedagogical Institute;

During 2009 in higher education have been invested 13.6 million euros. Kosovo government has invested 8.5 million euros for salaries, 3.3 million euros for goods and services, 1.3 million for municipal expenses and over 375 thousand euros for capital investments. From these investments, the University of Prishtina has received 7.5 million euros for salaries, 3 million for goods and services and over 947 thousand euros for municipal expenses. Student Center spent 661 thousand euros on salaries, 182 thousand euros for goods and services and 337 thousand euros for capital expenses. Institutes have spent 283 thousand euros for salaries, over 103 thousand euros for goods and services and 54 thousand euros for municipal expenses;

In 2010, were planned 15 million euros for higher education. The Government of Kosovo during the year 2009 has invested 11.1 million euros for salaries, 3.3 million euros for goods and services, 1.4 million euros for municipal expenses and 2.2 million for capital investments. From these investments, the University of Pristina has received over 10 million euros for salaries, 2.9 million euros for goods and services and over 1 million for capital expenses. Student Center spent 646 thousand euros on salaries, 201 thousand euros for goods and services and 337 thousand euros for municipal expenses. Institutes have spent 321 thousand euros for salaries, over 118 thousand euros for goods and services and 40 thousand euros for municipal expenses. Pedagogical Institute has spent 73 thousand euros for salaries, 33 thousand euros for goods and services and 9 euros for municipal expenses;

The Government of Kosovo has invested 4.9 million euros in capital projects. Within these projects are the Institute of History, Construction of the Student”s Dormitory in Prishtina, renovation of the Faculty of Medicine, Construction of the Faculty of Education in Prishtina, renovation of Albanologic Institute, Building Infrastructure, etc