Through private courses benefit from pupils

Mitrovicë - Holding private courses by teachers for their students who attend classes in...Photo 1/1

Mitrovicë - Holding private courses by teachers for their students who attend classes in public schools are an act of corruption which is forbidden by law of Kosovo.

In a country where there is rule of law an order such a thing would be strictly forbidden because it is the conflict of interest. However in Mitrovica the phenomenon of courses for the benefit of the teacher has become something normal. In addition to mandatory classes in school, students attend as well various courses organized by the same teacher from public schools solely for the benefit of teachers and not for the benefit of students. Fees for attending such courses are high, taking into account wages and unemployment in our country.

SG, twelve grade student in 'Frang Bardhi' High School of Mitrovica says that unfortunately, there are cases when students who do not attend the course with certain teacher, they can pass the subject, or do not get the desired marks, though they deserve it. According to her, such a thing happens with English language subject.

"Even though you attend the same subject in school, by the same professor, and if you want a passing mark, you should have to definitely attend a course with him. This happens also to outstanding students," S.G. said. She admits she is attending two courses and pays 50 euros a month, but does not reveal the subjects or the names of the teachers of these courses. “I will tell you after I finish high School” she said, gingerly of retaliation if she tells the names of professors.

Artan Istrefi, a student of economic school, said that holding these courses almost has turned into a business, not in favor of students, but in fulfilling the financial requirements of teachers. According to him such courses are held by music school teachers, other secondary schools, even elementary school teachers, including teachers of low cycle.

Almost every time they lay blame on students for most things but not everything is in such a way that we imagine, because in most cases students are the only victims, "Istrefi said. 
He stressed that this is also observed in the state graduation tests, where each year nearly half of the students pass the test, with no possibility for admission to the university
"This clearly proves the achievement of courses and education, where most professors work on achieving their financial goals, but not for a worthy and educated generation," he said, adding that though it is said that youth is the future of the country, their future is being violated almost in every aspect.

Whereas parents of students say they are astonished at how such courses are not controlled by competent people.
"Education inspectors should examine under what conditions is worked and what quality these courses produce," Sanije Pllana, a parent, said, who did not allow her daughter to attend any course, doubting the quality of teaching in these courses. According to her, courses organized by certain teachers are held purely for material benefits of teachers. On the other hand education officials in Mitrovica said that such courses sometimes can not be controlled, because most of them are held in private homes of professors. 

Isa Sejdiu, an official at the Department of Education, says the law did not stipulate the holding of courses by professors. According to him, something that is not forbidden is allowed, criticizing the professors who hold courses for the same student they are teaching them in schools.  
He stressed that he did not notice private courses to be held in schools.  "One of the main reasons for holding such courses in the private homes of the professors is as well not settlement of obligations to the state, because running of this kind of business means the settlement performance of obligations to the state," Sejdiu said.