THE EFFORTS OF THE ALBANIAN PEOPLE IN THE EASTERN ALBANIAN TERRITORIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SECONDARY AND HIGHER EDUCATION DURING THE 1980s AND 1990s OF THE LAST CENTURY

Nebi DERVISHI

Abstract

Years of experience have demonstrated that our people possess the resilience to weather the storms of history, fueled by their indomitable spirit, strength, and rich cultural heritage. Through the development and nurturing of their own culture, they have fortified their identity as a distinct people and nation. Consequently, Albanians, both within their ethnic territories and in diaspora communities worldwide, have consistently regarded education and culture not merely as assets, but as fundamental prerequisites for the preservation of their national identity. "The currents of history brought the Albanians in "Tito's" Yugoslavia to collaborate with other Yugoslav peoples. Amidst their efforts to persevere, the thirst for knowledge and cultural advancement remained unyielding. The flourishing of culture and education, particularly after the IV Brioni Plenum on July 1, 1966, during the 1970s of the 20th century, stands as undeniable evidence of the collective support extended by all constituents of the Albanian cultural sphere. Unified aspirations, a shared national character, and a burgeoning cultural identity necessitated the operation and mobilization of all facets of the Albanian ethnic community. History has consistently demonstrated that such mobilization invariably leads to progress and development in our national life and culture" . However, to gain a proper understanding of the starting point and the achieved levels of Albanian education and culture in the Albanian territories of Eastern and North-Eastern Territories (Western Macedonia and Kosovo), we must acknowledge the numerous difficulties, both objective and subjective, that it faced continuously. These challenges included bureaucratic hurdles, as well as nationalist and assimilationist reactions, aimed at creating obstacles or deterring efforts toward preserving and enriching Albanian cultural values. Despite the prevailing atmosphere of popular enthusiasm and steadfast labor for the advancement of Albanian heritage, certain factions within Yugoslavia perceived and treated each new stride by Albanians as a threat to their own influence. However, their opposition, sometimes open and sometimes hidden during the 70s, did not manage to become dominant and win over many people.

Pages: 139 - 150