The year 2020 proved to be one of the most challenging for the education system, with the closure of schools being one of the first measures taken to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. Despite the difficulties, members of educational institutions say that the education process during the pandemic year was successful.
Students and teachers faced numerous challenges during this time. Jora Maljoku, a 7th grader at „Faik Konica“ school in Priština, described the difficulties of studying in 2020. She mentioned the extra workload and the need to adapt to new ways of learning, such as wearing masks and maintaining social distance in classrooms.
Similarly, Joni Hiseni, an 8th grader at the same school, highlighted the challenges of online learning, including internet outages and technical issues. He also mentioned the difficulty of staying focused and active during online classes compared to in-person learning.
Ema Kusari, a 6th grader at „Faik Konica“ school, shared her experience of learning during the pandemic, mentioning the challenges of electricity outages and lack of internet access. Despite these difficulties, she expressed satisfaction with the knowledge she gained and the support she received from her teachers.
Parents also faced challenges during this time, with Špresa Kusari, Ema’s mother, juggling the online learning schedules of her three children. She mentioned the difficulties of providing access to technology and materials for her children’s projects, as well as the need for coordination and understanding from teachers.
Teachers also had to adapt to the new circumstances, with Donika Džemajli, a history teacher at „Faik Konica“ school, mentioning the challenges of teaching with masks and maintaining distance in classrooms. She praised the Ministry of Education and Science for their efforts during the pandemic but also highlighted the need for better conditions and support for teachers.
Ibe Gaši-Demoli, a mathematics teacher at the same school, emphasized the difficulties of assessing students‘ progress during the pandemic, especially with the shift to online learning. Despite these challenges, she commended the students for their resilience and adaptability.
Rahman Jašari, the president of the United Union of Education, Science, and Culture, called 2020 the worst year for the education system since the war. He praised the teachers for their dedication and hard work but also criticized the lack of support and resources for teachers affected by COVID-19.
In conclusion, the year 2020 presented numerous challenges for students, teachers, and parents in the education system. Despite the difficulties, everyone involved in the education process showed resilience and adaptability in the face of the pandemic. Moving forward, it is essential to address the issues highlighted during this time and ensure better support and resources for all members of the education community.