NAVFAC EURAFCENT Expeditionary Capabilities Team Completes Kosovo Project
17 October 2023
From Anthony Cage
U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeffery Hovenier, joined local dignitaries and officials during a ceremony to mark the U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Europe Africa Central (EURAFCENT) completion of renovating the Zanel Hajdini School in Drenas, Kosovo Oct. 17.
U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeffery Hovenier, joined local dignitaries and officials during a ceremony to mark the U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Europe Africa Central (EURAFCENT) completion of renovating the Zanel Hajdini School in Drenas, Kosovo Oct. 17.
The $670,164 renovation project made energy-efficient improvements, modernized classrooms, and enhanced infrastructure to accommodate the needs of students and teachers, making the facility a more conducive environment for learning and growth for the students and community.
The U.S. Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid (OHDACA) Program funded the project. It was a collaborative effort between NAVFAC EURFACENT, U.S. European Command (EUCOM), and local authorities in Drenas.
"I feel a tremendous sense of pride being able to support the embassy, EUCOM and the U.S. Government accomplish its diplomatic mission," Alexander Dodge, NAVFAC EURAFCENT project manager for the Zanel Hajdini School project said. "By renovating the school, we are investing in the aspirations of the young minds of Kosovo, that is why this project is so important."
The project's completion is a testament to the commitment of the United States and its partners to support education and community development in Kosovo.
"The projects we undertake are some of the only enduring visible artifacts the US Government leaves in the country," Dodge said. "Renovation projects like this contribute to improved educational opportunities and foster goodwill and friendship between the United States and Kosovo."
The NAVFAC EURAFCENT's Expeditionary Directorate, Expeditionary Capabilities Team, led the project awarded in July 2022.
“Projects like this are win-win for us,” Don Maconi, NAVFAC EURAFCENT Expeditionary Directorate director, said. “We leveraged our resources and experience to optimize support that will pay dividends in fostering and developing mutual, beneficial understanding between our two countries.”
The Expeditionary Directorate aims to bolster NAVFAC EURAFCENT's mission by delivering affordable, effective, and sustainable infrastructure to enable U.S., allied, and partner nation forces. Mission-driven and operationally focused with the intent to access and influence; the directorate is postured to respond to unplanned events with quality solutions to enable mission execution while significantly increasing agility and innovation.
About Naval Facilities Engineering Command Europe Africa Central
NAVFAC EURAFCENT manages facility project planning and design, including all related acquisition, construction, leasing, environmental, maintenance, and contingency support required by the Navy and Department of Defense commands where the Navy is designated as the lead agent in Europe, Southwest Asia, and the Gulf of Guinea, Africa, and the Horn of Africa. Subordinate Public Works Departments in Bahrain; Devesulu, Romania; Djibouti; Naples, Italy; Redzikowo, Poland; Rota, Spain; Sigonella, Italy; Souda Bay, Greece, provide facilities support service to each installation throughout the area of responsibility, and employs approximately 1,200 military, government civilians, local nationals and contractors.
For more information, contact NAVFAC EURAFCENT public affairs at +39 366.695.8800 or NAVFAC-EAC-PAO@us.navy.mil. Please reference package number at top of press release.