Today, the new building of the Primary and Lower Secondary School “Ilir Konushevci” in Lluga, Podujeva was inaugurated, marking a significant investment by the Ministry of Education and Science in educational infrastructure, valued at approximately €1.8 million.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti; Acting Minister of Education and Science, Hajrulla Çeku; Mayor of Podujeva, Shpejtim Bulliqi; Acting Deputy Minister of Education and Science, Përparim Kryeziu; Acting Deputy Minister of Local Government Administration, Arton Konushevci; representatives of central and local institutions; family members of martyr Ilir Konushevci; school representatives, teachers, students, and citizens.
In his speech, Acting Prime Minister Kurti emphasized the importance of investing in education and creating modern conditions for students and teachers, noting that investment in education is one of the most long-term and impactful investments for the development of society and the country. He highlighted that the new school building, whose cornerstone was laid in September 2022, covers an area of about 2,600 square meters and represents an investment of around €1.8 million.
The school has been built and equipped with all necessary facilities for the learning process, including classrooms, laboratories, a library, a teachers’ lounge, and administrative spaces. The building also features a physical education hall, outdoor sports grounds, and green areas, providing modern conditions for the 287 students of the school.
Kurti further stated that investments in education and related infrastructure in Podujeva Municipality amount to around €8.7 million, including the Competence Center, three kindergartens, and the sports hall of “Shaban Shala” Primary School.
Addressing students and teachers on the first day of the new school year, Kurti wished them success and expressed his hope that the new school would serve as a hub of knowledge and a starting point for the dreams and achievements of future generations.
Mayor Shpejtim Bulliqi praised the importance of the new facility for students and residents of Lluga village, saying that its opening marks a new chapter in the school’s history and creates significantly better conditions for learning and development.
Meanwhile, Arton Konushevci, Acting Deputy Minister of Local Government Administration and brother of martyr Ilir Konushevci, spoke about the special meaning of opening a school that bears his brother’s name. He emphasized the link between the sacrifices of past generations and the responsibility of new generations to build the future through knowledge and education. His message to students was: “What was defended with sacrifice yesterday must be built with knowledge today.”
The inauguration of the new school building coincides with the beginning of the 2026/2027 academic year, marking a fresh start for the students and teachers of “Ilir Konushevci” School in modern facilities with improved conditions for teaching and learning.