Mr. Vebi Velija was the founder of the Velija Foundation. It was first established on July 13, 1994 with the basic principle of founder’s motto that a nation can survive on little food but never on little culture. To secure the future of nation’s cultural creations, Velija Foundation has fully committed to safeguard the Albanian cultural heritage and support its unique culture traditions along the destined European path.

 The Velija Foundation is a national non-profit organization that acts through the financial support of its founder. It donates generously to award the best creations in the field of literature, entertainment, film and art. Throughout its existence, the Velija Foundation has attempted to revive the support for the national cultural treasures and to introduce the European and other international traditions into Albanian culture, hoping that those principles and human values will be thoroughly integrated by common sharing.

Mr. Velija is also well-known for his acclaimed donations outside Albania for the annual international award called “Premija Kadare” in honor to the most famous Albanian writer, Ismail Kadare, who is the chairman of award’s jury.

The first recipient of “Premija Kadare” award was the Argentinean laureate, internationally known writer, Ernest Sabato followed by equally famous Czech writer Milan Kundera.

Both, the Velija Foundation and the Premija Kadare International Award represent a continuous contribution for the promotion of culture outside the borders of the Albanian nation, thus reflecting a timeless effort, inherent to every human being to leave something behind, something eternal and valuable to speak about culture as a means of uniting people of all times and all places.

The Velija Foundation is currently transforming its mission and scope after Mr. Vebi Velija’s early departure. His son, Mr. Ferik Velija, intends to expand Velija Foundation’s support from 2011 on in the area of science, technology and education. A new Board will be established in 2011 that will represent more regional scope of activities, with new vigor and creativity.