(Pristina, Kosovo | Friday, May 31, 2024) – Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn commemorated the 10th anniversary of the agency’s country program in the Republic of Kosovo. Today in a tribute luncheon, the Peace Corps, U.S. Embassy, and Kosovan government officials marked the decade-long partnership between the Peace Corps, and the people and government of Kosovo, celebrating the impact of volunteers working side-by-side with Kosovan community counterparts to advance educational opportunities for youth. The Minister of Education Arbërie Nagavci, U.S. Chargé d’affaires Alyson Grunder, Peace Corps Country Director Dr. Carolyne Siganda, former President Atifeta Jahjaga, cabinet ministers, community partners, and Peace Corps Kosovo staff attended the event.

“Over the past decade, our partnership with the people of Kosovo has been defined by a spirit of friendship and cooperation that lies at the very heart of the Peace Corps’ mission,” said Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn. “As we look to the future, let us be inspired by the shining example of what Peace Corps Volunteers, staff, local partners, host families, and communities show us every day—what can be achieved when people from different backgrounds come together with the shared purpose of building a brighter future.”

As part of the anniversary celebration, Director Spahn and Kosovo’s Minister for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation Arbërie Nagavci signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand collaboration on English language education. This new MOU further anchors the Peace Corps’ ongoing partnership with the government of Kosovo, providing a strategic framework to meet locally identified priorities.

During her visit, and in a separate meeting with President Vjosa Osmani, Director Spahn expressed gratitude for the longstanding support from the government and the people of Kosovo, who have welcomed volunteers into their homes and communities. Director Spahn also participated in a series of activities to highlight Peace Corps Kosovo’s education and community economic development programs throughout the country. She visited volunteer project sites and engaged with local communities to gain firsthand insights into the impact of this 10-year partnership.

More than 260 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in 32 municipalities throughout Kosovo. During their service, volunteers learn to speak local languages, including Albanian and Serbian, to build bridges of mutual understanding. Service opportunities provide volunteers the opportunity to apply their unique skills, learn new ones, and gain a global perspective that is highly valued in today’s interconnected world.

The Peace Corps invites U.S. citizens from all backgrounds, who embody the spirit of service and cross-cultural understanding, to become volunteers. The next application deadline is July 1, 2024. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online to take the first step towards a life-changing experience of contributing to global peace and friendship. Visit PeaceCorps.gov/Bold to learn more about Peace Corps Volunteer service and how volunteers contribute through immersive experiences in over 60 countries.