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Special Guests Join the Kosovo American Education Fund in Support of Kosovo

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Soccer star Lorik Cana and US Congressman Eliot Engel voiced their support for Kosovo's future leaders.
 

The Kosovo American Education Fund (KAEF) hosted its annual spring gala at the Russian Tea Room in New York City this past May to celebrate the program's alumni who are driving international attention for the young country. In business, international politics, sports, and the arts, KAEF fellows and esteemed guests have solidified Kosova's standing on the world stage.

KAEF is a prestigious academic program providing fully funded fellowships to promising Kosovars to attend graduate programs at leading US universities. Returning to Kosova, alumni use their technical knowledge and skills to generate sustainable and positive change for the country's national development. Established in 2004, KAEF has provided over 90 graduate degrees to the country's leading students.

KAEF was honored to have Lorik Cana, renowned Albanian soccer star, and Eliot Engel, US Representative and longtime supporter of Kosovo, deliver the keynote addresses.

"Today's Kosovar students are tomorrow's Kosovar leaders," noted Congressman Engel as he discussed the country's progress.

Cana echoed the statement and added, "If you have the opportunity to get the best and to give something back to your country that is the greatest thing someone can do. KAEF provides that opportunity."

The spring gala is an essential venue for KAEF to showcase its students and the program's contribution to Kosova's development. Gazmend Gjonbalaj, American Councils Trustee and Member of the KAEF Committee, commented that, "KAEF has become a great engine of progress within Kosova, as its fellows return to Kosova to take on positions of significant relevance and importance in all areas of society."

Annea Hap iu, a KAEF fellow and recent American University graduate, thanked guests for their support of the program: "It is people like you who see quality education as the cure to our societal wounds and act to make it reachable by those who cannot touch it otherwise, so we are able to fully celebrate Kosova's potential."

At the event, KAEF also presented the second annual David Gotaas Community Supporter Award. The award is named in honor of former American Councils Trustee and KAEF champion David Gotaas who supported fellows and believed in KAEF's potential to truly make a difference for Kosova's future. In his memory, KAEF recognizes remarkable members of the community who have demonstrated leadership toward program support and enhancement. Granit Gjonbalaj, Global Head of Development for WeWork, received the 2017 award for his philanthropic leadership and volunteer dedication to KAEF.

About the Kosovo American Education Fund
This special evening is organized by American Councils for International Education to benefit the Kosovo American Education Fund. Established in 2004, KAEF is dedicated to the long-term economic development of Kosova through the education of its most promising youth and professionals. KAEF provides fellowships to promising Kosovars to attend top-level graduate studies 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. To date, KAEF has provided nearly 90 graduate degrees to the country's leading students.

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