TIRANA, April 15 – Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro on Wednesday called for a new and structured approach to teaching the Albanian language in diaspora communities. She warned that younger generations face a real risk of losing the language without concrete and long-term intervention.
Speaking at the Diaspora Summit in Tirana, Kumbaro said challenges have become more complex in recent years. In the past, families ensured natural language transmission. Today, however, that process no longer guarantees continuity. While first-generation migrants retain the language, the second generation requires support. Meanwhile, the third generation risks gradual detachment.
Against this backdrop, Kumbaro said authorities must treat the diaspora as a distinct educational reality. She called for targeted and systematic policies that respond to this shift. At the same time, she highlighted the role of digital tools in language learning. Online platforms, applications, and distance education now expand access beyond geographical limits.
Moreover, Kumbaro proposed the creation of a National Agency for the Albanian Language. She argued that current teaching models fail to meet the needs of students outside Albanian-speaking environments. Instead, these learners need structured methods, clear progression, and measurable objectives. Without unified standards, she warned, inequalities in language education may deepen.
To address this, she outlined a dual approach. On one hand, institutions must preserve Albanian as a heritage language. On the other, they must develop a dedicated curriculum for Albanian as a second language. In conclusion, Kumbaro said reform must combine preservation with adaptation to ensure long-term sustainability.
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