Officials from 'Sister City' in Kosovo to Tour Johnston, Des Moines Area

From Johnston schools:

Administrators from Johnston Community School District will meet with four members of a Kosovo delegation on Wednesday, April 24.

The delegation from Peja, Kosovo, is composed of Peja Mayor Ali Berisha, Peja Director of Health and Social Welfare Xhafer Dema, Peja Director of Culture, Youth & Sport Shpresa Gjonbalaj, and Peja Director of Urban Planning Violeta Ukaj. During their four day visit to Johnston and the surrounding Des Moines area, they will be hosted by Mayor Paula Dierenfeld, city council members, school administrators, and business and community leaders.

Johnston school administrators will take the delegation on a tour of Johnston High School, Summit Middle School, and Horizon Elementary on Wednesday. On the following day, an official Sister City agreement will be signed between the cities of Johnston and Peja following the Johnston Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn, 8600 North Park Drive.

School officials say this partnership could open up an array of global education opportunities for students and staff.

“When we think of a 21^st century education and a 21^st century workforce, it is only natural that we think about working with schools and educators in other countries,” said Johnston Schools Superintendent Clay Guthmiller. “A sister city agreement with Peja will afford both communities with many opportunities to exchange ideas and knowledge. We look forward to working with them.”

Peja, population 85,000, is located about 50 miles west of the Kosovo capital city of Pristina.

Below is information for the school tours. Members of the media are invited to tour with the group or stop by any of the schools for photos/videos. Please let me know if you have any questions – we hope to see you there!

9:00-9:35 - Tour Johnston High School

9:35-9:50 - Travel to Summit Middle School

9:50-10:20 – Tour Summit Middle School

10:20-10:30 – Travel to Horizon Elementary

10:30-11:00 – Tour Horizon Elementary

11:00-11:15 – Travel to Pioneer