The USAID Transformational Leadership Program (TLP) - Citizens Corps component held its third-annual “Volunteer of the Year” event on April 25. The “Volunteer of the Year” event recognizes TLP graduates who have made tremendously positive impacts on their communities, and further promotes civic engagement and participation among Kosovo’s youth. At this year’s event, organizers announced Korab Vranovci as the “Volunteer of the Year.” Mr. Vranovci, who completed his master’s degree in geography at the University of Arkansas, was honored for his work on land use policy and GIS application, in coordination with the Municipality of North Mitrovica and the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning.

USAID Mission Director Lisa Magno, in her congratulatory remarks, expressed her satisfaction with the efforts of all TLP volunteers, noting that she remains “so proud that TLP volunteers are leading and inspiring a growing, nationwide embrace of volunteerism.”

As part of its activities, the Citizens Corps component supports Kosovo youth in completing graduate-level studies in the United States, and requires 400 hours of volunteer work within two years of the graduate’s return to Kosovo. To date, 168 graduates have served as volunteers, with some working in multiple organizations.