Fulbright ETAs Making a Difference in Kosovo
The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) program, part of the Fulbright U.S. Student program, has proven to be a catalyst for positive change and cross-cultural understanding in Kosovo. With their passion for education and community engagement, four remarkable ETAs from the 2022-2023 cohort, Avyan Majdeen, Kylie Henry, Marseda Halilaj, and Samir-Al-Alami have left a lasting impact on the lives of students and locals alike. Through their small grant projects, supported by the United States-Kosovo Educational Exchange Board (USKEB) they have addressed pressing issues and inspired the youth of Kosovo to embrace empathy, environmental consciousness, and a broader global perspective.
Avyan Mejdeen - Empowering Future Legal Leaders
Avyan Majdeen, placed at University of Prishtina, Faculty of Law. Avyan’s small grant at the Forum for Civic Initiative (FIQ), orchestrated a series of concluding intern presentations on research conducted by law students from the University of Prishtina. Through her integrated mentorship, Avyan provided interns with invaluable opportunities to develop their research, editing, critical thinking, and policy skills. The culmination of their efforts was showcased through individually conducted research presentations. The impactful internship and mentorship experience has undoubtedly shaped the growth and potential of these aspiring legal professionals.
Kylie Henry - Cultivating Empathy through Literature
Kylie Henry, placed at American Advising Center. Kylie's project focused on providing 11th-grade students in Kosovo with physical copies of the classic novel "To Kill A Mockingbird." By delving into discussions on racism and prejudice in the U.S. during the 1930s and drawing parallels to contemporary situations in Kosovo, Kylie encouraged her students to be empathetic and reject discrimination. The project not only enhanced students' English comprehension but also instilled in them a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by minority communities in their society.
Marseda Halilaj - Fostering Environmental Awareness
Marseda Halilaj, placed at University of Prizren. Marseda's project "Pick Up Prizren" centered on environmental awareness and preservation. Targeting the youth of Prizren, Marseda engaged students in cleanup activities and educational sessions on environmental issues. By removing over 10,800 liters of trash from significant sites in the city, the participants experienced the tangible difference they could make in preserving Prizren's heritage. The project not only empowered the youth to become responsible stewards of their environment but also motivated them to initiate positive change in their community. Marseda implemented the project together with Shaun Hicks, English Language Fellow Program awardee, and Brooke Larson, Fulbright U.S. Scholar.
Samir Al-Alami - Bridging Borders through Journalism
Samir Al-Alami, placed at the Department of Journalism, University of Prishtina. During the World Press Freedom Day, Samir Al-Alami’s project brought journalists from Afghanistan, Ukraine and Kosovo together for a conference on freedom of speech and media freedom in the digital age. With the aim of broadening Kosovar youth’s perspectives, Samir engaged students in discussions with displaced journalists from conflict zones worldwide. The conference, held at the University of Prishtina, raised awareness of challenges facing journalists around the world.
The Fulbright ETA program continues to demonstrate its transformative power in Kosovo, as evident through the impactful projects led by our Fulbright ETAs. From cultivating empathy through literature and fostering environmental consciousness to bridging borders through journalism, their efforts have left a profound mark on the educational landscape of Kosovo.
The dedication of these ETAs exemplifies the spirit of the Fulbright program, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the U.S. and Kosovo. Their initiatives have inspired the next generation of leaders, instilling in them a broader global perspective, empathy, and a commitment to positive change.