Memorandum of Understanding signed for the project “Support of Reforms of Higher Education in Kosovo 2008 – 2011”
Prishtina. On the 17th of July, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Austrian Development Agency, the Austrian Embassy in Kosovo (donors), the University of Prishtina (beneficiary) and World University Service – Austrian Committee (implementing agency) was signed.
The event took place at the Rectorate premises in the presence of media, at 12:00 o’clock. The new projects for the period 2008 – 2011 are a continuation of almost 10 years of successful cooperation among the signatories. The contract gives “Support to Reforms of Higher Education in Kosovo 2008-2011, for Building Quality, Knowledge & Skills for Social and Economic Development” of the country.The project is supporting the structure of the Austrian “Multidimensional Project” (MP) and will be implemented under the same Austrian Umbrella and in very close cooperation with the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the MP.
For the Rector of
the UP, Prof. Dr. Enver Hasani, the signing of the memorandum can be
considered as an important step for further support to the University
of Prishtina and Higher Education in Kosovo for fostering the reform
process.
The Austrian Ambassador in Kosovo, Mr. Gernot Pfandler, stated: “This
is something that will continue in the future as well. There are a lot
of representatives of the economic and political life in Kosovo that
were part of WUS Austria’s programs, and this is a good example of how
an organization can function in the field of education”.
Andreas Fritz from the Austrian Development Cooperation emphasized that this projects are a logical continuance of the program that has begun in 1998.
WUS Austria Prishtina Office operates in Kosovo since 1998 and is the first NGO that has supported the University of Prishtina. Currently, WUS Austria is supporting the reform process of the UP for the implementation of the Bologna objectives with its projects, and bolsters the orientation of higher education towards labor market demands.
Signatories:
Gernot Pfandler, Austrian Ambassador in Kosova
Prof. Dr. Enver Hasani, Rector of the University of Prishtina
But Dedaj, Regional Manager WUS – Austria, Prishtina Office
The New Projects
“Support to Reforms of Higher Education in Kosovo 2008-2011” contains the following projects:
1. Master Studies Development Program (MSDP)
2. Brain Gain Program Plus (BGP+)
3. Course Development Program Plus (CDP+)
4. University Reform and Development Support Unit
The amount granted to WUS Austria for the implementation of abovementioned projects is EUR 833,000.00.
1. Master Studies Development Program (MSDP)
The Master Studies Development Project (MSDP) supports interested
faculties to create tailor-made master programs, whose graduates are
most needed at the local labour market. Within the foreseen budget, it
is planned to develop three pilot master programs at one or more
faculties (given an interdisciplinary approach) from the University of
Prishtina.
2. Brain Gain Program Plus (BGP+)
BGP is designed with the aim to reduce the effects of the brain drain
in SEE universities, in general, by giving emigrated academics from the
region or teaching staff in Austrian universities, the opportunity to
give a guest lecture at a SEE university and thus enhance knowledge
transfer (brain gain).
The established BGP program has been enriched for the new project
period with the additional components research and mentoring.
3. Course Development Program Plus (CDP+)
The CDP+ supports the course development at the University of
Prishtina, with regard to its integration into the European Education
Area, by the provision of means for the introduction and/or improvement
of min. 20 courses within the 36 months duration of the program.
Priority will be given to courses relevant for the labour market.
4. University Reform and Development Support Unit
The Curriculum and Study Program Officer will be hired and trained to support the reforms at the UP in the fields of curriculum and study programs in order to ensure the sustainability of both projects: WUS Austria’s Project and the Multidimensional Project.