Support to the Higher Education Reforms in Kosovo 2008-2011: Closing and CDP+ Award Ceremony
Prishtina. After three years of project implementation, a Closing Ceremony for the Project “Support to Higher Education Reforms in Kosovo 2008-2011” was held at the premises of the Rectorate of the University of Prishtina (Senate Hall). Additionally, the best implemented projects within the CDP+ component were awarded.
Present at the Ceremony were: Prof. Dr. Mujë Rugova (Rector of the UP), Prof. Dr. Bajram Berisha (Vice Rector for Teaching and Research at the UP), his Excellency, Mr. Johann Brieger (Ambassador of the Republic of Austria in Kosovo), Mr. Christian Geosits (Head of the Austrian Development Cooperation Office in Prishtina), Basri Muja (Kosovo Accreditation Agency), Deans, Professors, Coordinators and other stakeholders.
Rector Rugova, in his speech stressed the importance of the support which the Republic of Austria offered to Kosovo’s Higher Education in general and to the University of Prishtina in particular during the years. He states that “The successful implementation of the project Support to Higher Education Reforms in Kosovo 2008-2011 was the continuation of the support from the Austrian Government through WUS Austria given to the University of Prishtina for many years. Considering the fact that the University of Prishtina was directly involved in the implementation of the project, it can be concluded that the project directly contributed to meeting the needs of the UP”. Furthermore, he mentioned the impact of project results in boosting the UP on its road to integration into the European Higher Education Area.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Austria in Kosovo, His Excellency, Mr. Johann Brieger, emphasized the commitment of Austrian Government to continue its support for Kosovo. “As part of its very pro-active role in the process of stabilization and European integration, the Republic of Austria has been supporting the higher education sector in Kosovo for many years. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Austria through the Austrian Development Cooperation gives unreserved and continuing support to the UP for many years."
Mr. Sc. But Dedaj, Regional Manager of WUS Austria, Prishtina Office, presented the project results achieved during the implementation phase, 2008-2011 for all components. In the Master Studies Development Program, four new Master programs were developed in the following fields: Mechatronics, Health Management, International Law, and Civil and Property Law. Within the Course Development Program Plus, 21 new courses were introduced and equipment was purchased at various faculties of the UP. Within the Brain Gain Program Plus, 45 emigrated Kosovar academics and Austrian professors delivered lectures at the UP. Within the component Support for the Academic Development Office, a lot of trainings with Austrian experts were organized for the Curriculum Development Office of the UP”, said Dedaj.
WUS Austria further announced the winners of the three best implemented courses within CDP+ during 2008-2011. Three different awards were granted as follows:
· Prof. Dr. Visar Morina, with the course “Constitutional Judiciary”, (awarded with 1000 EUR);
· Prof. Dr. Naser Zabeli, “Inclusive Education”, (awarded with 700 EUR);
· Prof. Dr. Linda Grapci – Kotori, “Ichtiology”, (awarded with 500 EUR).
In addition, the above mentioned professors were also awarded with gratitude from WUS Austria for their professional cooperation and successful implementation of the respective courses.
On behalf of the University of Prishtina, Rector Mujë Rugova heartily thanked the Head of the Austrian Development Cooperation Office in Prishtina, Mr. Christian Geosits and WUS Austria for their continuing support and valuable cooperation with the UP.
The Project “Support to Higher Education Reforms in Kosovo 2008 2011” was financed by the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) and implemented at the University of Prishtina by WUS Austria.
