Inauguration of the Youth and Adult Learning and Education Centre (YALEC) in Peja

On November 21, 2024, the Youth and Adult Learning and Education Centre (YALEC) in Peja was officially inaugurated.

The event took place in a warm and inspiring atmosphere, with the participation of representatives from local, national, and international institutions, as well as prominent figures from the fields of education and professional development.

This center will offer various educational programs designed to meet the needs and interests of the Peja community. Through these programs, citizens of all ages will have the opportunity to develop their personal and professional skills, contributing to social inclusion and economic development. Inspired by the model of German folk high schools (vhs), the center aims to create an inclusive and accessible educational environment for youth and adults in the Municipality of Peja.

The ceremony was opened by Ms. Xhenet Syka Kelmendi, Director for Culture, Youth, and Sports at the Municipality of Peja, who also acted as the event’s moderator. In her speech, Ms. Syka Kelmendi expressed gratitude to DVV International for their support and praised the close collaboration between DVV International, the Municipality of Peja, and Non-Governmental Organization Local Youth Action Council - Peja (LYAC-Peja) in establishing this important center for the community.

One of the most significant accomplishments of this partnership is the invaluable support from DVV International for the renovation of the Youth Center building in Peja, particularly the LYAC-Peja space, where the Youth and Adult Learning and Education Centre has now been established. This modern and inclusive facility aims to empower citizens through high-quality education and advanced training programs.

In this context, a short video was presented documenting the preparatory process for the opening of YALEC-Peja, showcasing key moments from the planning and renovation of the building.

In this context, Mr. Vullnet Gusia, Head of Youth Affairs at the Directorate for Culture, Youth, and Sports in the Municipality of Peja, presented the transformation of the Youth Center in Peja into the Youth and Adult Education and Training Center, made possible with the support of DVV International. He emphasized that the center will offer a variety of courses and training programs aimed at supporting career development and promoting the concept of lifelong learning.

Furthermore, the Mayor of Peja, Mr. Gazmend Muhaxhiri, expressed his sincere appreciation to the German government and its people for their continuous support in Kosovo's progress and development. He also conveyed special gratitude for this new project in collaboration with DVV International, wishing for its successful implementation.

Meanwhile, Ms. Ryve Prekorogja, Head of the Lifelong Learning Sector at the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), acknowledged the significance of the center’s opening, highlighting the ministry’s dedication to advancing education and vocational training while fostering lifelong learning. She also expressed her gratitude to DVV International for their role as a key development donor and important partner in supporting these initiatives.

Mr. Naser Gega, Deputy Mayor and Director of the Directorate of Education in the Municipality of Peja, outlined the current situation and key priorities of the local government in education, as well as the investments made in educational institutions.He also highlighted the ongoing collaboration with DVV International, noting the challenges encountered during the establishment of this center and its crucial role in fostering the development of new skills and capacities among the citizens of Peja through lifelong learning.

Mr. Thomas Lichtenberg, Regional Director of DVV International for the Caucasus and Southeastern Europe, praised the collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI) and the Municipality of Peja. He emphasized that the establishment of the YALEC – Peja center would not have been possible without the dedicated cooperation of DVV International’s Kosovo office, led by Mr. Ramadan Alija, and partners from LYAC-Peja. Lichtenberg also highlighted that this center will serve as both an educational space and a community center, offering services and activities that promote social interaction and local development. This is the second center of its kind, following the one in the Municipality of Prizren, with the aim of establishing similar centers in other municipalities in the future.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ramadan Alija, Head of the DVV International Office in Kosovo, highlighted the journey leading to the opening of this center and its importance for community development. He mentioned the many efforts that contributed to the realization of this project and emphasized the benefits it will bring to the citizens of Peja.

At the end of the event, the Mayor of Peja Municipality, Mr. Gazmend Muhaxhiri, presented certificates of appreciation to Mr. Thomas Lichtenberg, and Mr. Ramadan Alija, as a token of gratitude for their continuous cooperation and valuable contributions to the successful implementation of the project.

The inauguration of YALEC Peja is an excellent example of inter-institutional collaboration and commitment to bringing positive change to the community.