Gjakova, 1 September 2022
A young Albanian generation is starting the path of knowledge with the Unique Common Primer-book. This is how the inspiration inherited between generations, which has always kept us connected, is materializing, said the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, on the occasion of the inauguration of the Unique Common Primer-book.
In the ceremony organized in Gjakova, together with the Minister of Education and Sports of the Republic of Albania, Evis Kushi and the Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation of the Republic of Kosovo, Arbërie Nagavci, Prime Minister Kurti recalled the commitment between generations to preserve the Albanian language.
On days like these, we must remember the work and sacrifice of all patriots, indomitable intellectuals, uncompromising Albanianologists, researchers, teachers and unreserved contributors, women and men, who in the most difficult times, preserved our Albanian language, our wealth common, said Mr. Kurti.
I am therefore happy today that we have this primer-book in our hands, for which we pledged with the agreement from the joint meeting of our two Governments in November of last year, added Prime Minister Kurti.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the Government of the Republic of Kosovo is working to support Albanians wherever they are, and we are doing this in coordination with the Government of Albania. Because only together, side by side with each other, we can advance our interests for development and progress in every field, said Mr. Kurti.
The Government of the Republic of Kosovo, together with the institutions of the Republic of Albania, has also prepared the first level text “Albanian language and Albanian culture” dedicated to our children in exile, which will be distributed during the month of September.
The full speech of Prime Minister Kurti:
Honourable Minister of Education and Sports in the Republic of Albania, Mrs. Evis Kushi,
Honourable Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation in the Republic of Kosovo, Mrs. Arbërie Nagavci,
Honourable Ambassador Minxhozi,
Honourable authors of the Primer-book, Mrs. Mimoza Gjokutaj, Mr. Naser Zabeli, Mrs. Saranda Kumnova Pozhegu and Mrs. Tereza Babasuli,
Dear teachers and professors, education veterans, dear Mrs. Purrini,
Dear students,
Good to see you on this beautiful September day, here at the Amphitheater of the Park named after the poet of devotional verses, Ali Podrimja.
It has been 178 years since Naum Veqilharxhi published the First Circular and Evetor.
114 years have passed, since Albanian scholars from all Albanian territories gathered in the Congress of Manastir, or as we know it, the Congress of the Alphabet, for the unification of the alphabet of the Albanian language.
This is how the common alphabet of the Albanian language was brought to life, which from today, our children, throughout the state inhabited by Albanians, will learn as a Common and Unique Primer-book.
Our people know that unity is necessary for the overall good of the nation, for its progress.
As in different historical periods, when our leaders came together and built the transition from a strong sense of identity to a high national consciousness, we are the ones who must now continue the implementation of the political idea, in development programs and policies, in joint educational activities.
Dear participants,
The fate of the Albanian school has been closely connected with the fate of our nation. The relationship between language and nation is historical. Love for the nation is rightly taught through language.
Today, in the midst of equality and freedom, our nation is also united by this primer-book. A young Albanian generation is starting the path of knowledge with the Unique Common Primer-book. This is how the inspiration passed down through the generations, which has always kept us connected, is materializing.
On days like these, we must remember the work and sacrifice of all patriots, indomitable intellectuals, uncompromising Albanianologists, researchers, teachers and unreserved contributors, women and men, who in the most difficult times, preserved our Albanian language, our common wealth.
All those pens, which did not stretch out, but turned into the illuminating flame of the path to the light of knowledge. Mothers, who with their lullabies, raised their children and language. Poets who sang even when they lived with death. Our fallen heroes, that we may live their dream of freedom and unity.
I am therefore happy today that we have this primer-book in our hands, which we committed to with the agreement from the joint meeting of our two Governments in November of last year.
Together with the institutions of the Republic of Albania, we have also prepared the first level text “Albanian language and Albanian culture” dedicated to our children in exile, which will also be distributed during this month of September.
Our government is working to support Albanians wherever they are, and we are doing this in coordination with the Government of Albania. Because only together, side by side with each other, we can advance our interests for development and progress in every field.
Dear students,
Childhood is the time when you sow both knowledge and morals, because the impressions of the first years of life are the only ones that time will never be able to erase. In addition to scientific knowledge, on the table of your mind, the school will also place valuable education, which will become part of your spiritual formation, and hope for our future.
The path of letters that brought us here is long and difficult.
May the path of knowledge be good to all of you, girls and boys, who will learn the Alphabet from this book, with full sun inside its pages.
Thank you!
Last modified: September 1, 2022