28 May – ‘Dr. Ali Sokoli’ medical professional secondary school in Prishtinë/Priština

“You are part of the process”

In the framework of ‘EU teach a day’ programme, on Friday, May 28 2010, Ingrid Johanssen, the head of Swedish office in Kosovo delivered a presentation on the European Union at ‘Dr. Ali Sokoli’ medical professional secondary school in Pristina. Upon arrival she received an enthusiastic welcome by the Headmaster, Hilmi Retkoceri, teaching staff and around fifty students. Mr Retkoceri expressed appreciation on behalf of the school to Ms Johanssen for her willingness to visit and to share her views on EU matters.  Mr Retkoceri was proud to say that the most direct link that the school has with the rest of Europe is that many former students of the school are currently practicing in the health sector in various EU Member States, adding  “our diplomas are recognized in EU countries”. He was also hopeful that soon the time would come when the school could become a member of exchange networks with other medical schools in Europe.

Her main points were to share thoughts with students generally about the EU, its history, significance and current state. She also spoke about the role of Sweden as a Member State in the Union. And finally she underlined the main features of the Enlargement process and specifically of Kosovo’s EU integration process. 

When asked about how Kosovo can be helped by other countries in integrating faster, Ms Johanssen said, “Kosovo should not be only on the receiving end, it should also think hard about what it should give to the process. You are part of this process, and your generation will be the one that will benefit the most in this process.  And if you ask me how can you contribure, than I would say by educating yourself, by voting, by participating and being active in your community”.