For immediate release
Oct. 30, 2015
The City of Lilburn welcomed 22 exchange students from Kosovo on Oct. 30. While in Lilburn, the students visited an elementary school, met a Lilburn police officer from Bosnia, and received a lesson from Mayor Johnny Crist on how to pronounce “y’all.”
The students made an impression at Lilburn Elementary School, where they read and played with the children. Later at Lilburn City Hall, it was their turn to be impressed by Police Officer Almedin Ajanovic who hails from Bosnia. The 25-year-old officer spoke to them about the importance of receiving a good education and fostering strong friendships.
The high school seniors are primarily from Suharekë, a municipality in southern Kosovo that became Lilburn’s sister city in 2013. They are here until Nov. 23 to study at Georgia Gwinnett College, learn about American government, and experience American culture. The exchange program is sponsored by Grace Fellowship Church in Snellville and the Suharekë government. The program is a cooperative effort of Kosovo Hope, the University of Prizren, and Georgia Gwinnett College.
“We want peace in all nations. We want peace between Christians and Muslims all over the world,” Kosovo Hope Director Berat Gegaj said.
University of Prizren Rector Ramë Vataj was proclaimed an Honorary Citizen by Mayor Crist during the students’ visit on Friday. Gegaj thanked Mayor Crist for his leadership in bringing the two cities together.
“People are people all over the world. We have the same hopes and desires,” Mayor Crist said.
Pictured:
The Kosovo student exchange group poses in front of the Lilburn Tunnel Bridge Mural on Railroad Avenue. Download
University of Prizren Rector Ramë Vataj, center, was proclaimed an Honorary Citizen by Mayor Crist, right, during the students’ visit on Friday. Kosovo Hope Director Berat Gegaj is pictured on the left. Download
Video of Mayor Johnny Crist explaining proper usage of “y’all”: https://youtu.be/2OzxcxDhM1w
Media Contact: Nikki Perry, Public Relations Manager, City of Lilburn, 678-551-1196, nperry@cityoflilburn.com
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