For two decades, the Kosovar-American Fund for Education (KAEF) has opened the doors for the realization of the dreams of education and career for the youth of Kosovo.

Since the establishment of the program in 2004, over 115 scholarship holders have studied in over 40 prominent universities in the USA, in over 20 fields with a focus on the economic development of Kosovo. In marking the 20th anniversary of the establishment, the Director of American Councils in Kosovo, Gjeni Shporta, said that every such moment is an opportunity to honor the past.

“As we celebrate [KAEF's] 20th anniversary, we are reminded of the great importance of time, not only as a measure of years, but as a reflection of purpose and progress. Time afforded us the journey, allowing us to reflect on the bold vision that started it all, to celebrate the countless moments of transformation along the way, reminding us that every milestone is an opportunity to honor the past, to embrace the now, and to prepare for an even brighter future. It is a pleasure to mark this wonderful 20th anniversary of KAEF and at the same time the 50th anniversary of American Councils", he said.

Lisa Choate, president of American Councils, has added that the organization is thriving with over 100 scholars, including 115 from KAEF and 170 participants from other programs.

"We are a flourishing organization with over 100 scholarship holders, including 115 such from KAEF and 170 external busists who represent here. We have 40 locations where we operate and we have 700 staff, here in Pristina and also in Washington DC and around the world. Our students by traveling and learning new environments learn and grow and make our states better and stronger. Our goals are high for the future, we expect a lot from you", Choate said.

Meanwhile, the American co-chairman of the KAEF Board, Michael Hora, has stated that Kosovo, without exception, has distinguished students.

"I have met many people in your country and I have also met many young students from all over the world, Kosovo is the first without exception, you are as good as all the others", Hora expressed.

The co-chairman of the board of KAEF in Kosovo, Jeta Zagragja, said that education remains the most powerful force for sustainable state building. Derisa underlined that during the seven years he has led the board, he has seen firsthand how significant a scholarship can be.

"Their work is a testament to the power of education and the effect goes beyond individual influence. We know that our mission is no longer easy... We are building a future of Kosovo that is democratic and full of potential. We truly believe that education remains the most powerful force for sustainable nation-building. Our work is not finished", she underlined.

The member of the board, Gazmend Gjonbalaj, introduced the general manager and vice president of Microsoft, Drena Kusari-Berisha, who was the main speaker of the event.

"It is my special pleasure to present an Albanian American Drena Kusari Berisha, general manager and vice president of product at Microsoft". presented by Gjonbalaj.

Drena Kusari Berisha emphasized that KAEF has opened the doors to students' education, career and dreams for two decades now.

"For two decades, this program has opened doors to education, career and dreams, at one time they seemed distant...For 25 years of work in Kosovo, we have been catching up with the rest of the world, but the next 25 will to be for us redefining what is possible, especially with emerging technologies," Kusari-Berisha emphasized.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Albin Kurti said that KAEF graduates hold key roles in institutions and organizations in the private sector, and according to him "they empower the nation and build Kosovo as a powerful state".

"For two decades, KAEF has offered full scholarships to the best universities in the USA, creating a network of professionals who return to Kosovo, with valuable skills and dedication in this direction... With 11 million dollars investment, over 20 years, KAEF has produced 117 graduates who have managed projects worth over 80 million euros, who have started 50 businesses, created over 10 thousand jobs and trained over 5 thousand people... Our partnership with KAEF and American Councils aligns perfectly with our vision to be the best in the region, in all sectors... This partnership has had a very big impact, where now bursary of KAEF, hold key roles in institutions and organizations and in the private sector that empower our nation and build a strong state". said Kurti.

The former president of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga has stated that KAEF has contributed to Kosovo in various ways, both in the private and public sectors.

"The American government, the USAID mission in Kosovo, helped later by businesses and individuals who became partners of KAEF and finally the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, have made it possible for KAEF to continue its mission for a full 20 years until now. Successful journeys also contain many successful actions, we have seen these tonight and we have seen them for years through the KAEF scholarship, who have contributed to our country in different ways, both in the private sector and in the state sector. ", Jahjaga expressed.

In addition to the presentations, this anniversary also included acknowledgments to the people who contributed:

• KAEF Founder's Legacy Award – Dale B. Pfeiffer
• KAEF Award for Advocacy - Behgjet Pacolli Foundation
• KAEF Award for Transformative Corporation – Meridian Express
• KAEF Distinguished Achievement Award - Michael E. Hora
• KAEF Legacy Award - United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

The KAEF community expresses deep gratitude to the generous supporters of the evening: Rockerfeller Brothers Fund, Behgjet Pacolli Foundation, Meridian Express, AnchorzUp, FINCA, Bzzz Entertainment, InterSport Kosova, KOSTT, Recura Financials, Bora, Gjirafa, INSI, KFC, Prishtina Mall, Prishtina Premium, Shkolla.AI, The Hartsdale Group and Wasabi.

All proceeds collected from this evening went to the Kosovar-American Education Fund.

KAEF, established with funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is now funded primarily through the generous support of individuals and businesses in Kosovo, the Government of Kosovo, American donors, and American universities.