The “International Social Work Week” has kicked off at the Faculty of Philosophy with opening speeches. The event aims to increase cooperation with international professionals and give students valuable experience, so they can later use their work to help build a fairer and more equal society in Kosovo.

Organized by the Department of Social Work, the event has brought professors and students from the Netherlands and Germany to the University of Prishtina. Among them is one of the department’s founders, Professor Peer van der Helm from the University of Amsterdam.

In her opening address, Vice-Rector for Internationalization and Academic Development, Prof. Rozafa Basha, stressed that in a time when the world is undergoing profound social, economic and cultural transformation, the role of social work professionals becomes even more essential. She highlighted that, in this context, internationalization is no longer an option but a necessity.

Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, Prof. Bekim Baliqi, noted that social work is a key discipline directly engaged in needs of society and helps to its development. Head of the Social Work Department, Prof. Avdyl Gashi, thanked the visiting students and professors and said this week will be about working together, shared ideas, and learning from each other.

Pajtim Zeqiri from the “Terre des Hommes” Foundation, which supported the event, shared that the organization has built a strong partnership with the University of Prishtina. He added that a key goal of the Social Work Week is to create connections between theory and practise.

Professor Njomza Llullaku then outlined the Social Work Department’s achievements, reporting that more than 80 of its students have spent a semester at partner universities abroad through European exchange programs. Since the department was founded in 2012, it has also hosted over 100 international students.

The event concluded with thanks to the visiting professors, donor organizations, and staff from the University of Prishtina, the Faculty of Philosophy, and the International Relations Office. Throughout the International Social Work Week, a series of workshops will be held where professors from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany will share their expertise on pressing social issues.