Last night, the official opening ceremony of the 10th Cohort of the OriginAL program was held at RIT Kosovo in Prishtina, marking the beginning of a new experience for young Albanians from the diaspora.

The ceremony opened with remarks by Sihana Bejtullahu, Co-Executive Director of GERMIN, while Gjovani Cinari, an OriginAL alumnus, shared his personal experience and reflected on the impact the program has had on his journey.

Participants were also welcomed by Albina Balidemaj-Basha, President of RIT Kosovo, through a video message.

In his remarks, Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo Albin Kurti emphasized that the OriginAL program gives young people from the diaspora an opportunity to learn more about Albanian history, culture, and identity beyond state borders. He stressed that the connection with one’s place of origin is not inherited automatically, but must be discovered, experienced, and built over time.

Also present at the opening ceremony was Silke Bellmann, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kosovo.

Representing the diaspora, Avni Mustafaj, Co-Chair of the GERMIN Board, shared a message with the participants of Cohort 10, while Elvin Guri, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and donor of the OriginAL program, welcomed the young participants with remarks of his own.

Lirim Krasniqi, Co-Executive Director of GERMIN, presented the journey of OriginAL to date and the program’s vision for the future.

The evening concluded with an artistic performance by Egzon Sadiku, Project Manager at GERMIN, followed by a cocktail reception for participants and guests. The ceremony was moderated by Arieta Dragusha, Communications Manager at GERMIN.

With the official opening of Cohort 10, participants now begin their journey across Kosovo and Albania through activities that will bring them closer to the history, culture, people, and places connected to their heritage.

Photo Credit: Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo.