Renovated school helps educate the future of Kosovo

Photo By Sgt. Cody Barber | Students of the Musa Hoti Elementary school hold bouquets of flowers during the official opening of the newly renovated school in Mitrovica, Sept. 9. The $530,000 renovation project included interior and exterior renovations ranging from doors, windows, ceilings, floors, electrical, restrooms, a new façade and roof replacement.  

CAMP BONDSTEEL, KOSOVO

09.15.2014

Story by Sgt. Cody Barber 

KFOR Regional Command East

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - With confetti and fireworks, school-age children celebrated the official re-opening of the newly renovated Musa Hoti Elementary school in Mitrovica, Sept. 9.

The project was made possible through coordination by U.S. European Command’s Humanitarian Assistance program and the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo, and cost approximately $530,000. The school’s remodeling included interior and exterior renovations ranging from doors, windows, ceilings, floors, electrical, restrooms, a new facade and roof replacement.

The U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo said the project was possible through the cooperation of many international organizations, which ultimately helped the school’s students.

“As you know, education is the future and we are proud that we can cooperate on this important field through agencies like [U.S. Agency for International Development], the Peace Corps and our Office of Defense Cooperation,” said Tracey Ann Jacobson, U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo. “It has brought needed enhancements to the Musa Hoti Elementary school.”

Jacobson added she was thrilled to see the quality work and vast improvements completed at the elementary school, and that present and future students will benefit greatly from the renovations.

“The students have a much better learning environment, which will enable them to grow and prosper intellectually as a result of our joint work and efforts,” said Jacobson.

Rame Buja, Kosovo’s Minister of Education, Science and Technology, also attended the ceremony and said he was very thankful for the work done to the help improve the school.

“We can pay back the U.S. for all they are doing for us by putting all our efforts and work into teaching,” said Buja.

With the ongoing improvements being made in Kosovo, Jacobson said she is looking forward to future projects.

“We are proud of all that has been accomplished to date and continuing our partnership and cooperation with the Minister of Education and the local municipalities in future projects in the educational sector,” she said.

• Date Taken: 09.15.2014
• Date Posted: 09.15.2014 08:57
• Story ID: 142161
• Location: CAMP BONDSTEEL, ZZ