Enver Hoxhaj takes over as chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Education

Enver Hoxhaj, a member of parliament from the Democratic Party of Kosovo, has been appointed chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Education in the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo.

The appointment marks his return to the education sector, which he headed in the first years after Kosovo’s statehood. Hoxhaj served as minister of Education, Science and Technology from January 2008 to February 2011.

During his tenure, the education system underwent a series of reforms. One of the main initiatives was the launch of a program providing free school textbooks. In 2008, around 200,000 students from first to fifth grade received free books for the first time, while the following year the measure was extended to all students from first to ninth grade.

Changes were also introduced to improve teachers’ working conditions and status. During 2008, a new salary system was established, with increases determined on the basis of professional qualifications. Meanwhile, in 2010, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology announced a decision to raise teachers’ salaries by 50 percent.

It was also during this period that the drafting of Kosovo’s new curriculum began. The reform envisaged changes to teaching plans and programs, stronger professional development for teachers, and the introduction of performance evaluations.

Another initiative was the testing of English-language instruction starting in the first grade. At the same time, investments increased to expand school facilities, build and renovate schools, and equip them with information technology.

During his mandate, policies on the licensing and accreditation of educational institutions were also advanced. New initiatives were likewise developed in the fields of vocational and higher education.

With his previous experience as minister of Education and following other institutional engagements, Hoxhaj will now lead the Parliamentary Committee on Education, which deals with legislation and policies concerning Kosovo’s education system.