Two alumni from the US-Kosovo American Educational Fund (US-KAEF) were recently recognized internationally for their work in diplomacy and the arts. The US-KAEF program supports long-term economic development in the country by providing fellowships to promising Kosovars to attend top-level graduate training at US universities.
Returning to Kosova, program graduates assume leadership positions in business, nonprofit organizations, and the government, and use their technical knowledge to generate sustainable and positive change.
Kosova Leader Advances International Diplomacy
US-KAEF alumna Zana Zeqiri Rudi was recently named Kosova's Ambassador to Panama. Zana, who holds a Master's in Public Policy from Harvard University, previously worked as an advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Kosova and as Charg d'Affaires at the Kosova Embassy in Panama.
As ambassador, Zana will work on building and strengthening ties between Kosova and Panama.
Kosova Film Producer Wins Prestigious International Award
US-KAEF alumnus Shpat Deda was recently honored at the BAFTA Awards with a Best Short Film win for his work in the production of a joint British-Kosovar short film. Home, partially shot in Kosova, was the first Kosovar production to win an award at the prestigious British awards ceremony. Before working in film production, Shpat received his Master's in Business Administration from Temple University.
Speaking to the media in Kosova after the awards ceremony, Shpat remarked: "Success comes best when shared with others and in the case of Home we share it with so many people. Home has brought together the most talented young people with who I have had the honor to work with and it serves as proof of Kosova's potential. We need to build more bridges so that Kosova's talent comes to international attention."
About the Kosovo American Education Fund
The Kosovo American Education Fund (KAEF) supports long-term economic development in Kosova by providing fellowships to promising Kosovars to attend top-level graduate training at US universities. Returning to Kosova, program graduates assume leadership positions in business, nonprofit organizations and the government, and use their technical knowledge to generate sustainable and positive change. KAEF has earned a reputation as one of the most prestigious fully-funded fellowship programs in Kosova. All applicants undergo a merit-based, competitive selection process to guarantee that the most qualified, motivated, and talented candidates are selected.
Created by the American people through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and administered by American Councils for International Education, the KAEF program is an education fund that allows eligible and qualified Kosovars the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills in areas that would support economic growth, investment, and sustainable development in Kosova. From 2004 to date, the KAEF program has awarded more than 90 graduate level fellowships through a competitive and merit-based process to outstanding Kosovar students.