LEAD Albania graduated Class of 2018 and welcomed the Class of 2019 – New Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Government of Albania for extending the project for another 5 years (2019 – 2024)

On October 4^th, LEAD Albania, the fellowship program sponsored by the AADF, organized the graduation ceremony of the current Class and welcoming of new Class that was hosted at the Prime Minister’s Office, Protocol Hall. Deputy Prime Minister, Mrs. Senida Mesi, the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Michael Granoff, members of the Board, members of the Selection Commission and Alumni, welcomed the class of 2019. A new Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Government of Albania for extending the Program for a second five years period (2019 – 2024). Selected fellows that will serve a one-year fellowship as advisers to the highest levels of Albanian government include: Oltion Pengu at Prime Minister’s Office, Eltion Meka  at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Eugena Topi at the Ministry of Finance and Economy, Oerd Bej at the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, Besnik Maho at the Ministry of Justice, Manjola Stefani at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ermal Telha at the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Enyal Lani at the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Irola Andoni and Valbona Seranaj at the Municipality of Tirana. LEAD Albania is modeled after the White House Fellows Program and aims to become a unique and prestigious contributor to the development of future leadership in Albania. Five years from its successful implementation, the AADF approved the extension of the LEAD program to a second five-year period, budgeted at $3.2 Million and making it an overall investment of $5.7 Million.