A significant milestone in preserving and promoting the Albanian language in Montenegro was marked today at the “Mahmut Lekiq” Primary School in Tuz, as the Albanian National Primer (Abetarja Mbarëkombëtare) was officially distributed to second-grade students. This initiative represents a major step toward supporting Albanian-language education and reinforcing cultural heritage among the Albanian community in Montenegro.
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| Albanian Language Primer Distribution Board in Tuz, Montenegro |
This initiative is the result of a collaborative effort between the National Council of Albanians in Montenegro and the Embassy of the Republic of Albania, supported by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania and the Montenegrin Ministry of Education. The cooperation reflects a strong commitment to ensuring that Albanian-language students have access to high-quality educational materials that foster both linguistic skills and cultural identity.
The implementation of the Albanian National Primer in Montenegro schools followed a meticulous approval process. A specially appointed commission, established by the Montenegrin Ministry of Education, thoroughly reviewed the material and granted approval for its use. This approval enabled the distribution of the Primer across all primary schools in Montenegro where Albanian is the language of instruction, ensuring that students throughout the country benefit from this educational resource.
According to the program, the distribution of the Albanian National Primer will continue over the coming days, reaching all schools offering Albanian-language instruction. Coordinated by the Albanian Embassy in Montenegro, the initiative ensures that every Albanian-speaking student in the country has access to the Primer for the 2025/26 school year.
The Albanian National Primer will serve as a supplementary tool in classrooms, complementing existing educational materials. Its introduction is expected to enhance literacy, strengthen cultural knowledge, and provide a unified learning resource for Albanian-speaking children in Montenegro. By standardizing early Albanian-language education, the Primer helps maintain linguistic consistency and promotes a shared cultural heritage among young learners.
The steps leading to the realization of this initiative highlight a model of effective collaboration between national and international educational stakeholders:
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National Request: The National Council, in cooperation with the Albanian Embassy, formally approached the Montenegrin Ministry of Education, requesting approval for the Albanian National Primer’s use in primary schools.
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Expert Commission Approval: The Ministry established a commission of educational professionals, including representatives delegated by the National Council. After thorough evaluation, the commission approved the use of the Primer, affirming its educational quality and cultural relevance.
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Material Distribution: With support from the Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Albanian Embassy ensured that sufficient copies of the Primer were provided for the 2025/26 school year, facilitating smooth implementation across schools.
This initiative highlights the broader goal of strengthening Albanian language education in Montenegro, ensuring that young students receive consistent and high-quality learning materials. Beyond linguistic benefits, the Primer fosters cultural identity, community cohesion, and a sense of pride among Albanian-speaking students.
Experts emphasize that access to culturally and linguistically relevant educational materials is essential for minority communities. By providing the Albanian National Primer in schools, authorities are promoting both educational equity and cultural preservation, ensuring that the next generation of Albanians in Montenegro remains connected to their language and heritage.
The collaboration between the National Council of Albanians, the Albanian Embassy, and educational authorities in Montenegro sets a strong example of international and cross-institutional cooperation. It reflects a shared vision to safeguard minority language rights, enhance educational opportunities, and strengthen cultural ties between Albania and its diaspora communities.
In conclusion, the distribution of the Albanian National Primer to second-grade students in Montenegro marks a significant step forward for Albanian-language education. By providing standardized, high-quality learning materials, the initiative strengthens literacy, promotes cultural awareness, and reinforces the Albanian community’s identity in Montenegro. This effort serves as a model for collaborative educational initiatives that protect linguistic diversity while fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments.