The Government of Kosovo has allocated 254,562 euros for Albanian-language textbooks aimed at elementary students of Albanian descent residing in the three municipalities located in the southern region of Serbia.

Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti has confirmed that in the past year, the Kosovar administration had also earmarked funds for educational materials and textbooks. He further stated that a similar provision would be made for the upcoming academic year, extending support to students in Preshevo, Medvegja, and Bujanoc.

“During the previous year, we allocated financial resources with the explicit purpose of equipping Albanian students in elementary schools situated in Preshevo, Medvegja, and Bujanoc with educational materials in the Albanian language. Our assistance to fellow compatriots is not just a matter of necessity but also a commitment on our part to safeguard their fundamental rights,” he affirmed.

This financial allocation was in response to a request from the Albanian National Council. This council has previously advocated for equivalent rights for the Albanian community in Serbia as enjoyed by the Serbian community in Kosovo.

One of the emphasized rights includes the provision of teaching materials in the Albanian language, an aspect that has been highlighted in light of the allowance granted to the Serbian community in Kosovo to utilize educational materials from the Republic of Serbia.

Officials representing Preshevo, Medvegja, and Bujanoc – collectively known as the Preshevo Valley – have frequently voiced grievances concerning discriminatory treatment by Serbian authorities.

As per the most recent population census, Albanians constitute the fourth-largest minority group in Serbia, with a total of 61,687 individuals of Albanian origin residing within the country’s borders.