 |
| During the inauguration of "Fol Shqip" School |
On Sunday, January 7th, the Albanian community in Queens, New York, celebrated a significant milestone with the inauguration of the "Fol Shqip" school. Over 60 children, ranging from 4 to 21 years old, expressed their interest in learning and mastering the Albanian language.
The initiative for this endeavor was taken by the "Shoqata Besi," serving as a cultural and support center for the Albanian community with roots in the village of Besa in Montenegro.
However, "Fol Shqip" School is inclusive, as all children interested in learning the Albanian language are welcome to join. Going beyond language instruction, the school also aims to preserve tradition and culture by offering dance classes. Albanian children can learn traditional Albanian dances in these classes.
Mirsad Hasanaj, the Chairman of the General Council of the "Besi" association, expressed, "For many years and until today, residents of Albanian territories in Montenegro and, along with them, the village of Besa, were prohibited from schooling in the Albanian language. Many generations passed with such a desire, but they never managed to realize it because the Yugoslav regime did not allow it for assimilation purposes."
Their initiative has been warmly welcomed by hundreds and thousands of Albanians living in the United States, as well as by the Ministry of Education and Sports in Albania and the Ministry of Diaspora.
The "Fol Shqip" School stands as a testament to the community's commitment to preserving the Albanian language, heritage, and cultural identity for the current and future generations in the diaspora.