History of education in Albania
This phenomenon is inextricably linked to the evolution of urbanization and the proliferation of civilized societies in Illyrian regions, particularly during the period spanning from the 7th to the 6th centuries BC.
The ancient Greek geographer and historian Strabo in his work Geographica describes it as "a city with good laws" (polis eunomotate).
[10] Even the Roman orator Cicero, who had visited these areas in 58 in his work Philipicae, described Apollonia as a "great and majestic city" (Latin: magna urbs et gravis) with a school of philosophy and oratory.
In different historical periods, Greek and Roman educational institutions functioned in Illyria in which the children of the rich Illyrian strata attended classes.
The advent of Ottoman occupation in the fifteenth century resulted in notable transformations in the religious, cultural, and educational landscapes of the Albanian populace.
Some of their notable members, including Marin Barleti (Barletius) and Nikollë Leonik Tomeu (Thomeaus), achieved distinguished recognition within the European education and cultural sphere.
Among them, the medieval painters Marco Basaiti and Viktor Karpaçi, sculptor and architect Andrea Nikollë Aleksi and art collector Alessandro Albani.
[18] The town of Voskopoja was noted for its notable contributions in the realm of intellectualism, particularly in the area of scientific inquiry, culture and education, such as Theodor Kavalioti (Kavalliotos), Theodhor Haxhifilipi etc.
Various associations and organizations held a significant position in the Albanian educational realm, as evidenced by their regular coverage in nationally circulated newspapers.
In an effort to establish a standardized national alphabet, the individuals in question published various articles and magazines written in the Albanian language.
The institution of education commonly referred to as "schooling" is a formalized system of learning and instruction designed to impart knowledge and develop skills in students.
The aim of schooling is to prepare individuals for future academic, vocational, or personal pursuits, and to promote critical thinking, inquiry, and intellectual development.
The declaration of the Young Turks' Constitution in 1908 was utilized by Albanian nationalists as a means to enhance their endeavors in the realms of patriotism, politics, culture, and education.
Novel clubs and associations were established within the territorial bounds of the country contributing substantially towards elevating the national consciousness across the four Albanian vilayets.
During the Renaissance era, notable figures made significant contributions to the methodology used in the publication of textbooks, including the incorporation of Albanian terminology.
In contrast, the Albanian populace residing beyond the confines of Albania, predominantly within the borders of the Yugoslav Kingdom, were devoid of educational institutions, particularly those that catered to the use of their native language.
Throughout World War I, a significant development took place in the territory occupied by Austria-Hungary as a number of Albanian schools were established for the first time.
The Herbartian pedagogy, utilizing a foundation based on scientific principles, was implemented in educational institutions situated within Albanian territories under the jurisdiction of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The chronological span of 1920 to 1939 in Albania was marked by the consolidation of the primary school and the establishment of a comprehensive national system of secondary education.
[25] During the historical period of the Second World War, Italian invaders introduced alterations to the education system of Albania, as well as to those within Yugoslavian Albanian regions.
A pivotal moment in the chronicles of Albanian education pertains to the transformation of the socialist society, which was invariably influenced by the Soviet experience and the Marxist–Leninist doctrine.
The following year, however, a major economic and political crisis in Albania, and the ensuing breakdown of public order, plunged the school system into chaos.
Widespread vandalism and extreme shortages of textbooks and supplies had a devastating effect on school operations, prompting Italy and other countries to provide material assistance.
The highly controlled environment that the communist regime had forced upon the educational system over the course of more than forty-six years was finally liberated set for improvement.
Furthermore, corruption among teachers is becoming a problem as 'envelopes' and expensive gifts are the norm when faced with important deadlines, such as entry averages, or failing the grade.
Meanwhile, private, non-public institutions across all levels have opened up with improved teaching material, staff, and added extra curricular activities but expensive fees.
In the winter of 2018–19, student protests took place in Tirana to demand better education infrastructure, slash tuition fees, and denounce favouritism, corruption, and sexual favours among teaching staff.
