Maarif International Schools in Kosovo brought together students who achieved national and international success during the 2025–2026 academic year at a special Achievement Awards ceremony.
Around 60 students were recognized for their accomplishments in science, technology, robotics, languages, debate, arts and sports, as well as for representing their schools at various national and international platforms.
The ceremony was attended by Şeyda Çimeli Aydın, Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Pristina; Mehmet Nedim Aslan, Representative of the Turkish Maarif Foundation in Kosovo; Dr. Kadir Dinç, Religious Services Counsellor at the Embassy; İlker Yurduseven, Internal Affairs Counsellor at the Embassy; Mehmed Taha Doğan, TİKA Coordinator in Kosovo; Áron Kerékgyártó, Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of Hungary; Suat Bakkal, General Manager of BKT; Necmeddin Esat Belen, Turkish Airlines Representative in Kosovo; and Meriton Sunduri, Executive Director of the Turkish Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo (KTTO).
Representatives of public institutions and civil society organizations from Türkiye and Kosovo, members of the media, school administrators, teachers and parents also joined the celebration.
In his opening remarks, Mehmet Nedim Aslan, Representative of the Turkish Maarif Foundation in Kosovo, emphasized that behind the students’ achievements are continuous effort, the dedication of teachers and the support of their families.
He noted that, alongside their academic accomplishments, students had successfully represented their schools and Kosovo in sporting, artistic and cultural activities.
Recalling that the Turkish Maarif Foundation, established in 2016, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Aslan said that the Foundation’s educational approach focuses on raising knowledgeable, compassionate and virtuous individuals.
He added that the Foundation’s educational activities in Kosovo, which began in 2017, continue with the same approach at its schools in Pristina and Prizren, supporting not only students’ academic development but also their social responsibility, cultural awareness and international communication skills.
First School in Kosovo to Include Artificial Intelligence in Its Curriculum
Speaking about digital transformation in education, Aslan announced that an artificial intelligence education program, launched last year as a pilot project with the support of the Turkish Maarif Foundation, has now been incorporated into the school curriculum.
According to Aslan, Maarif International Schools in Kosovo are the first schools in the country to introduce and implement artificial intelligence as part of their curriculum.
He explained that the program was developed in line with the digitalization objectives of Kosovo’s Education Strategy 2022–2026. Its aim is to equip students with the ability to understand technology, examine it critically, evaluate its impact and use it responsibly to develop solutions.
Aslan said the initiative has been positively received by students and parents and contributes to strengthening the digital skills of young people.
He also announced that the program has attracted the attention of the Education Committee of the Assembly of Kosovo. The schools have received a request to provide artificial intelligence training programs for other schools as well, with work in this area continuing.
Çimeli Aydın: Our Support for Maarif International Schools in Kosovo Will Continue
In her address, Şeyda Çimeli Aydın, Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Pristina, said the students’ national and international achievements were a source of pride.
She congratulated the students and thanked their families and teachers for their support. Aydın emphasized that the Embassy would continue to support Maarif International Schools in Kosovo and expressed confidence that the students’ achievements would continue to grow in the coming years.
During the 2025–2026 academic year, students secured first-, second- and third-place finishes in mathematics, physics and chemistry competitions at municipal and national levels.
In technology, robotics and innovation, they represented their schools and Kosovo at events including TEKNOFEST, the Kosovo Makers League, the Robotics Competitions organized by Türkiye’s Ministry of National Education and the Maarif International Robotics Competition.
In languages, debate and communication, students achieved notable results in Turkish-language debate competitions and Turkish language examinations, including first-place finishes at the international level.
Their work in photography, painting, creative writing and performing arts also demonstrated their artistic development. The ceremony additionally recognized achievements in table tennis, archery, volleyball, wrestling and jiu-jitsu at municipal, regional, national, Balkan and international levels.
Students also played an active role in international conferences, youth meetings and summer programs.
Students represented Kosovo at the 5th International Model Organization of Islamic Cooperation (Model OIC) Summit in Istanbul, while other participants gained international experience through programs such as Münazara, the NUN Summer Program, the Muslim Youth Meeting and RIDERS.
The Math Kangaroo Summer Camp and Summer Camp Istanbul in Türkiye further contributed to students’ academic development and provided opportunities to engage with peers from different countries.
The program also featured musical and choral performances by students.
During the ceremony, teachers and school staff who contributed to the students’ achievements were presented with certificates. The Turkish Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo (KTTO) and other institutions that supported students’ participation in international competitions were also presented with plaques of appreciation.
The ceremony, which highlighted the students’ all-round development and the contributions of teachers, families and supporters to their achievements, concluded with a group photograph featuring the guests, students and teachers.
