With the motto “United for better food and a healthier future”, the Faculty of Food Technology and Nutrition marked World Food Day today through an exhibition of traditional dishes prepared by students. Present at the event were the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli, the Vice-Rector for International Relations, Prof. Dr. Salajdin Salihi, the leadership of this academic unit, professors, and students.
The Dean of the Faculty of Food Technology and Nutrition, Prof. Dr. Gafur Xhabiri, stated that the Faculty marks World Food Day every year, and this time it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
“This day, which was initially known as “Hunger Day”, has evolved over the years along with the development of food science. The motto for this year is: “United for better food and a healthier future”. At a time when our society is facing a concerning rise in modern diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, where unhealthy eating plays a negative role, we feel a responsibility to promote healthier eating habits. Precisely for this reason, in collaboration with our students, we have organized a symbolic activity where they prepared a variety of foods at home, including traditional dishes, to encourage a return to the nutritional values of home cooking and to compare them with the ready-made foods that are widely consumed today. In the spirit of solidarity and care for those in greater need, part of this food will be distributed to people in need”, – said the Dean of the Faculty of Food Technology and Nutrition, Prof. Dr. Gafur Xhabiri.
At this event, Rector Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli stated that, alongside its educational and scientific mission, the University of Tetova also places special importance on its relationship with the community and its significant social contribution.“Today, we are pleased that the Faculty of Food Technology and Nutrition is organizing a special activity as part of World Food Day, through which we are practically demonstrating that we have achieved results in this field as well. I am especially glad to see not only students from this faculty but also from other study programs, who will perhaps enjoy the food even more and share their impressions. We often speak at the institutional level about European integration and cooperation with other institutions, and in reality, dear students, we have something valuable to offer Europe, because we often think only about what we can take from it. We have many values, such as tradition, cuisine, respect, gratitude, and loyalty that we can contribute to the European Union. And precisely for this reason, we say that we should be part of the EU, and today’s activity is one of those values,” said the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli.
For this purpose, the students of the Faculty of Food Technology and Nutrition had carefully prepared a wide selection of traditional dishes, offering attendees the opportunity to taste authentic foods from different regions. This activity served as a call to raise awareness about the importance of healthy eating, sustainable production, and the preservation of tradition. The Faculty reaffirmed its commitment to supporting students in similar projects that combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience. In conclusion, certificates of appreciation were awarded to the students who participated in this event.
