The USAID/Basic Education Program (BEP) (http://bep-ks.org/) is using project based learning to reform teaching and learning in schools throughout Kosovo, and one of the teaching tools is a video competition. Over 30 schools submitted student-produced films for the competition, dubbed the “Junior Oscars”. ‘Best Films’ were selected in five categories: Best Story, Best Documentary, Best Film in Albanian, Best Film in English and Best Film by grades 1-5. The content of the films submitted was remarkably mature and addressed important issues relevant to adolescents including: human trafficking, internet safety and violence in schools.

Students and teachers from four of the winning schools were invited to the Pristina ‘Skena-Up’ International Film Festival, where the winning films were screened during a ‘Junior Oscars’ Ceremony. USAID and program staff visited the winner in the grade 1-5 category and held a ceremony at the school.

The winners were:

Best film in English – Green School” from Pristina – Title: “Safety in Internet”

Best Film in Albanian – “Zekria Rexha” school from Gjakova – Title: “Look before You Leap”

Best Documentary – “Meto Bajraktari” school from Mitrovica – Title: Recycling Technology

Best Story – “Yll Morina” school from Gjakova – Title: Modern Day Slavery”

Best film by students from Grades 1-5 – “Zekeria Rexha” school from Gjakova – Title: “The Autumn”