Shala: Schools in Kosovo might end up without teachers in the near future

In addition to the problems with textbooks in Kosovo, numerous demands from teachers are emerging. Due to poor conditions and salaries in education, many teachers are utilizing unpaid one-year leaves of absence to find jobs in Europe, as reported by RTV 21.

The Education Union sees this situation as highly alarming and points out that schools might end up without teachers.

"We have talked with union presidents at the municipal level about the teachers' requests submitted to municipal education directorates for a one-year unpaid leave. Around 300 teachers have submitted such requests for unpaid leave, and this is a very alarming signal for us, as there's a possibility that our schools in Kosovo might be left without teachers in the near future," Vice President of the United Union of Education, Science, and Culture, Vjollca Shala, said.

Visar Osmani, the director of the "Emin Duraku" Elementary School in Pristina, states that teachers are leaving for a better life.

"We know that we are on the brink of visa liberalization. There are teachers who fully depend on salaries that don't arrive regularly each month. There's also dissatisfaction with the new salary law that has yet to be implemented. Teachers and other categories are always looking for a better life. It's concerning to realize that a shortage of personnel might occur," he said.

Regarding the causes of the phenomenon of teachers' unpaid leaves of absence, teacher Ismet Fazliu says that teachers should feel secure throughout the month, at least to have social well-being.

"The economic situation has taken its toll, and people need to find a way out, whether in the West or here, where they can find the best path. People need to be secure, earn a salary every month, and have an average life," Fazliu explained.

The Labor Law allows employees to take a one-year unpaid leave and return to their jobs after that period.

Requests for unpaid leave are approved by municipal education administrations when teachers require it due to health reasons or for professional development.