In the courtyard of the Rectorate of the University of Tetova, the “Special Study Week” was successfully completed, an activity organized by the Faculty of Education of the University of Tetova in collaboration with the “Education” Association from Switzerland. The theme of this year was: “Biodiversity and Cultural Diversity – Diversity as a Method of Research and Reflection.” On this occasion, on Friday (October 6, 2023), at the fair organized in the courtyard of the Rectorate of the University of Tetova, the 10 municipalities of the Sharri region that were the subject of study presented their work done during the Special Study Week. They showcased traditional foods and clothing, the history of villages, folklore songs, musical instruments, notable personalities, etc., highlighting the diversity and similarities among them.
The Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli, on behalf of the University of Tetova, thanked and congratulated all the organizers of the “Special Study Week,” especially the staff of the Faculty of Education, the “Education” Association from Switzerland, and the philanthropist and owner of ‘Ecolog’ company, Lazim Destani. “Through this special study week, a unique value is reflected. Respected citizens, residents of different regions and territories, it is a pleasure that today in the spaces of our University, values, diversities, similarities, and differences are presented, which bring us closer to each other. I believe that you all noticed that in some areas, different foods, clothing, traditions, cultures, and notable figures were presented. But I’m sure you all also noticed the presentation of the cradle, which is an extremely important symbol, implying that most of us were raised in that cradle. It is a symbol of sacrifice, of all the mothers who have given birth to and raised sons and daughters, who today are mastering many processes and naturally inclining towards the field of education, preserving and cultivating all these extraordinary values and traditions,” said the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli.
The owner of “Ecolog” company, Lazim Destani, emphasized that it is an honor and pleasure to be present among us, especially greeting the students, whom he considers the future of our nation. “Before this event started, with the rector and with a part of the University’s leadership, we visited the tables representing the villages, the values of their culture that they have showcased in this fair. In some places, I stopped and thought that many of us also have grown up together. It was a pleasure, an honor for me to be here today with you at the University of Tetova ‘Fadil Sulejmani,'” said the owner of “Ecolog” company and philanthropist, Lazim Destani.
The Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Dr. Lulzim Mehmedi, in his speech, talked about the characteristics of the villages in Sharr and the diversity encountered during this journey. “During this period, we spent a lot of energy, but it was worth it because the beneficiaries of this are the students, the beneficiaries of this are all those members of the working groups with whom we have become familiar befriended, and spent extremely good moments together, for which I am grateful. Their hospitality was evident. I will mention one hospitality that was extended to us in Brodec, with Albanian hospitality, bread, salt, and heart. But not only Brodec, all the villages had their own special characteristics and specifics, which today, on this day, they promote. All the villages welcomed us and received us, and this was an experience for me. This means that we, as the Faculty of Education, as the University of Tetova, are always open to collaborate and enhance the image of the University of Tetova, which was born from you and which you are nurturing. Besides being a University, we also have values that stem from the people, and these values, this diversity, we brought here today from Sharr, but not only from Sharr, as we had wonderful presentations from our students from all the places they come from, for which I am grateful and thankful,” emphasized the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Dr. Lulzim Mehmedi.
This activity was enriched with artistic and entertaining elements. The stage of the University of Tetova was enhanced with musical performances by a group of students from the Faculty of Arts, singer Elita Ziberi with her group, a musical group from Xherma, and the Sejdiu brothers from Bozovca.
The study of biodiversity and cultural diversity is essential for expanding our understanding of differences and characteristics, and at the same time, for understanding respect, tolerance, and interaction in society.
