“Dervish Rozhaja “ 2024 School Environmental Award, established within the “Youth Environmental Impact” (YENI) project, was awarded today to three public high schools which were evaluated by a five- member professional jury . This prize, awarded for the second time, will be invested in environmental projects within the winning schools in Kosovo.

In this very interesting and competitive environmental competition, all Eco Clubs of public high schools in Kosovo had the right to apply. Five (5) Eco Clubs were selected as finalists for the presentation of their innovative projects to a wide audience , of which the three projects with the highest positive impact on the environment and climate change mitigation were selected.

The winners are as follows:

• First prize: Eco Club from “ Bahri “ secondary school Haxha “ in Vushtrri.

• Second prize: Eco Club from “ Lasgush Poradeci “ “ secondary school in Malishevë.

• Third prize: Eco Club from secondary school “ Jovan Cviijć “ in Shtërpce.

Address the audience, the Secretary General from the Ministry of Regional Development (MRD), Mr. Besim Kamberaj, expressed gratitude for the continuation of this initiative and for the high commitment of schools and Eco Clubs. “ We are satisfied with the significant impact of these projects and concrete proposals from Eco Clubs,” he said. Mrs.​ Beat Katya Elsasser, Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), emphasized: “ This award recognizes young people as a force for change in society. We want to empower young generations to focus on environmental and climate initiatives while showing social responsibility.”

The award ceremony was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Regional Development, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the University of Pristina, the Environmental Protection Agency in Kosovo, the Swiss Caritas in Kosovo, officials from the Municipalities, family members of academician Dervish Rozhaja, finalist Eco Clubs together with professors and school management , as well as non-governmental partner organizations from different regions.

The YENI project aims to empower Kosovo's youth to act on environmental issues and climate change, encouraging a more responsible and proactive attitude . This project is implemented by Caritas Switzerland in Kosovo, with co-financing from Caritas Switzerland, the Ministry of Regional Development and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).