GUSINJE, Montenegro — Young people from Ulcinj, Malësia, Plav and Gusinje gathered yesterday at the Assembly Hall of the Municipality of Gusinje for the official opening of the “School of Identity and Cultural Heritage”, an initiative dedicated to learning about, preserving and promoting the Albanian language, identity and cultural heritage.
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As host of the event, Asdren Çelaj, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Gusinje, welcomed the young participants and other guests.
Representing the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, Arben Xhurreta, Director General of the Directorate for National Minorities, addressed the gathering and emphasized the importance of institutional support for initiatives that contribute to preserving the language, culture and identity of minority communities, with particular attention to the role of young people.
A lecture focusing on the role of education in preserving identity and cultural heritage was delivered by Fikret Lulanaj, State Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation.
His presentation examined the importance of education in shaping young people and maintaining their connection with language, culture and cultural heritage.
Albanian Identity in Traditional and Social Media
The role of the media and the representation of Albanian identity in the public sphere was addressed by journalist Dafina Teliqi, who presented a discussion titled “Albanian Identity in Traditional and Social Media.”
The presentation opened a broader discussion about the ways traditional media and social networks influence how young people learn about, express and transmit their identity.
The panel also addressed the future of cultural heritage in the Plav and Gusinje regions.
Arbenita Vukaj presented the topic “Plav and Gusinje Between Tradition and Modernity: What Should We Preserve?”, focusing on the challenges and opportunities involved in preserving traditional values as lifestyles and community needs continue to change.
A perspective from the Rožaje region was presented by Professor Jetmir Lajçi, who spoke about the challenges facing young people in the area as they seek to preserve their identity and cultural heritage.
The participation of representatives from different regions provided a broader picture of both the similarities and distinctive characteristics of Albanian communities across Montenegro.
Young People at the Center of the Discussion
An important part of the opening session was the active participation of young people themselves.
Participants were given the opportunity to share their views on issues directly affecting them, including the use and preservation of the Albanian language among younger generations and the role of schools in learning about and preserving cultural heritage.
The initiative places particular emphasis on informal education and direct engagement with young people, creating a space where questions concerning identity, language, education and cultural continuity can be discussed across regional boundaries.
The “School of Identity and Cultural Heritage” is being implemented by the NGO “Horizonti i Ri”, with financial support from the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights through the public call “Identities That Connect Us”.
The project is part of the ministry's 2026 program supporting the protection and promotion of the rights of minority peoples and other minority national communities in Montenegro.