At the University of Tetova, March 7th – Teacher’s Day was celebrated. This day marks the founding of the first Albanian school in Korça, a courageous act that laid the foundation of Albanian education and determined the direction of our cultural and national development. This solemn event was attended by university leaders, professors, students and prominent educational figures from the country and the region.
Regarding the importance of this special day we are celebrating today, spoke the Dean of the Faculty of Pedagogy, Prof. Dr. Lulzim Memedi. He expressed that on this special day of Albanian education, we must remember all those teachers, distinguished national activists, who, in the midst of many wars, laid the foundations of the unique system of national education, as well as all those generations of teachers who, despite the inquisitions and violence, continued to work even more determinedly in the spirit of Naim’s ideals and his great message. “In order to keep the Albanian school alive, the teachers of our people made great sacrifices. Therefore, under these conditions, starting from Korça, the national educational system was born and took shape. “Luarasi’s saying, ‘A people who has learned to read has learned to fight for its rights”, reminds us that education is the foundation upon which a strong and free nation is built. The teacher and poet Ndre Mjeda defined the role of education at that time with the words: “The language of my nation is the tool with which people build their freedom. To protect the language is to protect the freedom of a people”. This message is just as relevant today as it was in his time. Therefore, the path of letters, initiated and paved with blood by Albanian teachers, students, and pupils, triumphed even though it passed through horrific barbaric nights. Their light spread throughout the areas where Albanian is spoken, and in North Macedonia, it was crowned in 1994 with the foundation of the University of Tetova. As an institution that supports the development of Albanian education, today our university plays a key role in the advancement of national education and the preservation of cultural identity. Grateful for all the teachers to date, including those who are no longer with us, the veterans of education, as well as the teachers who, with utmost dedication, spread the light of knowledge to the new generations. I have nothing left but to wish our students to continue in the best way the initiative of their predecessors”, – said among other things, in his speech, the Dean of the Faculty of Pedagogy, Prof. Dr. Lulzim Memedi.
On this historically significant day for Albanian education, by decision of the Senate of the University of Tetova, the well-known Albanian businessman and philanthropist, Mr. Lazim Destani, was awarded the National Prize “Fadil Sulejmani”. The initiator of the aforementioned prize, the Vice-Rector for Science of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti, presented the importance of this award and the biography of Mr. Lazim Destani. He emphasized that the University of Tetova, guided by its permanent dedication to honoring great figures, established the National Prize “Fadil Sulejmani” as a symbol to keep alive the memory of our historic Rector and to honor the personalities whose vision and dedication have left an indelible mark on the educational, scientific, cultural, and social life of our nation. ‘The Senate of the University of Tetova, on February 27, 2025, unanimously and without any doubt, decided that this year the National Prize “Fadil Sulejmani” should be awarded to the distinguished personality, visionary figure, philanthropist, and devoted Albanian to education, culture, and social development, Mr. Lazim Destani, who is a well-known name both nationally and internationally. He is the successful businessman and distinguished philanthropist who has contributed and continues to contribute to the major issues of the Albanian nation. Besides his success in the field of business, Mr. Destani is known as a permanent supporter of educational institutions, cultural projects, and humanitarian initiatives. Through his philanthropic activities, he helped in the construction of schools, supported students, and developed and promoted educational values, making an extraordinary contribution to the younger generations. Mr. Lazim Destani was engaged in many projects that elevated the national cause. He played a key role in promoting the Albanian identity. He assisted the Albanian communities in their homeland and diaspora with his knowledge and experience. He was part of many important initiatives for the economic and social development of Albanians, as well as being a great and unwavering supporter of institutions that promote knowledge and the advancement of our nation”, – said initially the Vice-Rector for Science of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti.
Then he also touched upon the biography of the philanthropist, Mr. Lazim Destani, which can serve as a model of dedication and success, not only on a personal level but also on a collective one. “Lazim Destani was born in 1954. He completed his primary school in Tetova. He finished his economic high school in Prishtina in 1974. He completed his studies in tourism and communication in 1982 in Aachen, Germany. He was the founder, owner, and manager of the travel company “Sharr Turist”, based in Stolberg, Germany, which distinguished for supporting numerous national, cultural, and educational activities during a dark period when Albanians were an extra-institutional nation, struggling for survival. Mr. Destani also built an extraordinary career as the founder and leader of the multinational company “Ecolog International”. Since 2007, he has been the President of the supervisory board of this company, which, through technology and supply chain management, offers services to a range of industries, including the energy sector, construction, facility management, and the environment. Today, the company ‘Ecolog International’ employs over 12,000 people. It operates in 150 locations across more than 50 countries and five continents. Mr. Lazim Destani is the Honorary President of the Global Network of Albanian Diaspora Businesses; Honorary President of the Albanian Diaspora Business Chamber; Member of the Coordinating Council of the Albanian Diaspora; Member of the Strategic Council for Foreign Policy in North Macedonia; Honorary Member of the Council of Albanian Ambassadors. He was also a political advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo. This respected and esteemed personality throughout the Albanian geographical area has been honored with many prestigious awards, such as: “Honor of the Nation” – awarded by the President of the Republic of Albania, Bujar Nishani; “Presidential Medal of Merits” – awarded by the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi; “Flag of the United States of America”, awarded by Congressman Eliot Engel; “Doctor Honoris Causa” from the State University of Tetova, awarded by Rector Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti; “Honorary Citizen of Tetova” – awarded by the Mayor of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Sadi Bexheti; “Golden Eagle” and “Ambassador of the Nation” – awarded by the Government of the Republic of Albania, respectively by Prime Minister Edi Rama and the Minister of State for Diaspora, Mr. Pandeli Majko, etc”. To the aforementioned recognitions, today is added the National Prize “Fadil Sulejmani”, which is awarded to philanthropist Mr. Lazim Destani for his great contribution in supporting education and the development of society; for his dedication and the help he has provided to educational institutions; for encouraging and developing projects that positively impact the advancement of cultural and educational values at the national level. The award is a sign of gratitude and appreciation for Mr. Destani’s continuous commitment and his unconditional support for the development of the University of Tetova and for education in general”, – said, among other things, the Vice-Rector for Science of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti.
In the following, the President of the Senate, Prof. Dr. Kenan Ferati, presented Mr. Lazim Destani with the decision for the awarding of the National Prize “Fadil Sulejmani”, and then the Vice-Rector for Science, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti, awarded the National Prize “Fadil Sulejmani” and the certificate of appreciation. Meanwhile, the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli, gifted him the complete collection of books by Professor Fadil Sulejmani.
At the conclusion, the philanthropist and businessman, Mr. Lazim Destani, winner of the National Prize “Fadil Sulejmani”, also gave a speech, expressing that he feels deeply honored and emotional for this award given by our university. “I am immensely happy when I see today the University of Tetova, at a high level and achievement, advanced in every sphere. Now, all those generations, boys and girls who have completed their studies here, today we proudly see them engaged in jobs, duties, whether in the public or private sector. Every sacrifice, commitment, and investment has been worth it, because education is essential for a more developed, better, and advanced society. I thank the University for this honor it has given me, and I am happy that we have now left behind the difficult years full of sacrifices. Now, we look ahead to new opportunities that enrich the lives of our students, bring benefits to society, and guarantee a future for new generations. I congratulate the University of Fadil Sulejmani, the university leadership, the academic staff, and students for the successes achieved and wish that this university continues on the path of progress and walks alongside the best and most modern universities. Today, as we celebrate Teacher’s Day, I have the pleasure of wishing this national holiday, with its roots in Korça, to all teachers across our lands as well as in the diaspora”, said the winner of the National Prize “Fadil Sulejmani”, Mr. Lazim Destani.
This event concluded with a rich artistic program, featuring the distinguished artist from Albania, Kastriot Tusha, and pianist Premtim Etemi.
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