The Republic of Kosovo Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) yesterday introduced a new Kosovo Curriculum Framework (KCF), on which it's been worked almost two years now, by starting this way the public discussion on this very important document on pre university education.

Minister of Education Enver Hoxhaj, said that the MEST has made efforts and is continuing the efforts to substantially reform our education system. He considered that this day, when we present the KCF, is a very special day, which in the short and long term level, will remain in the history of the system of the Republic as its most important day.
"The new Kosovo Curriculum Framework represents a vision for the development and implementation of a curriculum which above everything aims the quality education. This framework differs from others, since it is based on competences, which competences should be reached by students on primary and secondary level and above everything it has the student on its spotlight by integrating and reflecting the fundamental values and principles of human rights, coexistence, social law and comprehensiveness in the education system".

The Minister emphasized that this Framework does not only provide equal access to education and quality education to all students in the Republic of Kosovo, but at the same time allows for teachers to get qualified, to develop on the professional level for the development and implementation of this curriculum, and also the students' evaluation and the management of the school and class be more efficient than it has been so far.

UNICEF's representative, Johannes Wedenig said that Kosovo has the youngest population in Europe and that the education of young people should be done with European aspirations, thus to get close to Europe's educational system.

Representative of the European Commission Liaison Office, Kjartan Björnsson stressed the challenges that come up in the education system, whereas he said that the EC will ensure that this frame is functional.

Laura Kullenberg, representative of the World Bank has called the Framework as a very ambitious and visionary document. She said that as a partner in this Framework, the World Bank is concerned that all stakeholders are involved.
Among other things, according to new Kosovo Curriculum Framework, the school year is extended to 40 weeks, the English language is introduced as a subject from the first grade, it will get started with an integrated learning, new approaches are promoted for student's evaluation and for the overall management and functioning of the school.

The new Kosovo Curriculum Framework, according to experts who participated in its drafting, is considered as one of the best documents and frameworks that a country in the Western Balkans could have.

KCF will be in the public discussion by the end of June and this final phase will be followed by suggestions that come from all other parts of society. All teachers, municipal authorities, school principals, students, parents and civic society of all communities can give their suggestions and comments about the Kosovo Curriculum Framework.

UNICEF and World Bank have led the process of drafting of the KCF, while the European Commission is an expertise supporter in the development of the subject curriculums.

In the opening of the public discussion on KCF participated: MEST's officials, representatives of international organizations, MED directors including directors of Serbian municipalities, and representatives of the Independent Commission for reviewing of teaching materials in Serbian language.

The Republic of Kosovo is surrounded by mountains on its west and south and more softer ones in the central part. Although there are no established trails, with some knowledge all of these can be hiked.

The Alpine-Mountaineering Federation of Kosova (FBAK) supervises eleven mountaineering clubs with the most prominent being Pashtriku in Gjakova, Prishtina, Sharri in Prizren, Gjeravica in Peja and Sharri Lybeteni in Ferizaj. Other clubs exist but are not supervised by the Federation. The best way to taste Kosovo's mountains is to join one of these clubs for a small membership fee. The hikes are organized on weekends going from weekly ones with general attendance in some clubs to more rare but demanding hikes in others. Other than mountaineering, the clubs are also involved in alpinism, orienteering, speleology, biathlon and rescue training.

The best hiking can be done in the mountains in the west and south with some expeditions going on in the neighboring countries just across the border in Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro.
The clubs mostly hike the areas around the cities where they are based.

Mountains in Kosova are covered in snow from November to April. Snow and water-proof boots are mandatory in the West due to the need for stream fording.

Favorite mountains to hike are Gërmia near Prishtina, Lybteni, Bistra (at Prevalla), Gjeravica, Gen. Fritz Van Korph Peak, Pashtriku and Guri i Kuq (at Gjeravica).

Kosovo has two national parks: Accursed Mountains and Sharr Mountain.

If camping is your kind of thing, Boge in Rugova is highly recommended. In Lybeten at Gllokuqica you can drive all the way up to 1100 to a nice camping site, in Prevallë on the way to Bistër and in Bare near Mitrovica at around 1050 m.

Nearby Prishtina, you can pick from Kaçanik Mountain near Besiana, Zllasha Peak at over 1000 m, Artana Mountain and the all too familiar Gërmia.

If you prefer water, try the excellent hiking and waterfalls at Brod, Shutman, Koretnik or Mirusha. Liqenat in Rugova sports two beautiful lakes and a great view.

For some speleology, try the Rugova Gorge.

If any of these activities fancies you, FBAK can provide counseling and guides for a more stress-free experience. Please see http://fbaku.org for more information. FBAK and Prishtina club office is located on Andrea Gropa St. n. n. behind the Parliament and main government building.

See www.KosovoGuide.com for more things to do while in Kosovo.

PRISHTINA, BURIM - Seismological Institute of the Republic of Kosovo has detected today in time 14:38 hrs, an earthquake with epicenter six miles southeast of the town of Burim.

"Magnitude of the earthquake was 5.2 Richter scale, while the intensity in the epicenter was  scale VII , while according to MCS-64 the depth was 5.2 km", said the report from the Kosovar Seismological Institute, which operates within the Ministry of Energy and Mines of the Republic of Kosovo.

"The earthquake was felt by residents in the vicinity of Peje, Burim and the whole territory of Kosovo. Yet to be known about the people and material damage ", concludes communiques issued by the Seismologic Institute of the Republic of Kosovo.