UNMIK/PR/105
PRISTINA – Hundreds of cheering students enthusiastically greeted Bernard Kouchner, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, during his visit to the Dardania Primary School to check out the school’s new central heating.
Last Saturday, Dr. Kouchner was on hand to flip the switch at the Central Heating Plant in Pristina, which is providing heat to thousands of Kosovo residents.
The plant had not been maintained for 10 years. But UNMIK experts, KFOR personnel and Kosovar technicians worked together to get the plant back up and running.
“This is a good, positive step,” Dr. Kouchner said. “The school is working because the heating is working and the electricity is working. It’s a good sign for UNMIK and Kosovo both.”
The school is educating 2,991 students, who lined up to sing and cheer the SRSG as he entered the building. A student in traditional garb gave Dr. Kouchner a bouquet of flowers to welcome him.
The SRSG then toured the primary school, urging students in one class he visited to study hard. He then met with faculty members and the school’s director.
“It gives us strength to see these teachers, the director and most especially the children,” the SRSG said. “These children represent the future of Kosovo.”
