Bridging skills for Special Educational Need (SEN) professionnals

Challenge

Kosovo faces a severe shortage of certified SEN assistants, with only 250 active in public schools for over 3,900 children with special needs. Geographic limitations and limited qualification offers prevent aspiring professionals—especially women and rural residents—from accessing accredited training. Parents of SEN children face reduced employment prospects due to the lack of adequate school support. Existing public programs are limited, in-person only, and under-accredited, failing to meet rising demand from both municipalities and families seeking private support.

Innovative solution

QPGJ develops a hybrid, internationally accredited Level V qualification program, blending 600 hours of theory and 600 hours of practice. Delivered through online modules and in-person workshops, the program includes mentoring, family-focused modules, and flexible pacing for working professionals and caregivers. With a cohort-based approach and online classrooms as the delivery platform, it enhances access, affordability, and employability. The solution is scalable, cost-effective, and fully aligned with international and local standards. The program’s accreditation by OCN London ensures compliance with the Ministry’s requirements and equivalency with existing public programs.

Impact

• 75 new jobs created by enabling graduates to access relevant employment as Special Educational Needs (SEN) Assistants
• 75 children with special needs receiving qualified, personalised care from newly trained and employed assistants
• Employer satisfaction rate projected to rise from 60% to 75%, indicating improved service quality and graduate performance.
• 185 students trained, representing new users of the innovative qualification program
• 8 municipalities reached, improving regional access to professional training across Kosovo
• Blueprint for a national day-care centre for SEN children developed, progressing from initial draft to advanced plan stage by project end