Diaspora Summit, Minister Kumbaro Standardization and Certification of Albanian a Priority for Education and European Integration

During the 4th Diaspora Summit in Tirana, Mirela Kumbaro, the Minister of Education, emphasized the need to establish a standardized and certified system for teaching Albanian abroad. This system would be a key step toward preserving national identity and aligning with European standards. She made these remarks at the panel “Standardization and Certification of the Albanian Language in the Diaspora.”
The minister noted that demographic changes and the growth of Albanian communities abroad have created a new reality in which entire generations are growing up in multilingual environments, where Albanian often remains only a family language. In such circumstances, language instruction necessitates structured educational intervention and long-term policies.
It was noted that the main challenge is not only preserving the language but also elevating it to a new level as a fully developed educational competence through unified standards and a reliable certification system. In this regard, the necessity of establishing a National Agency for the Albanian Language was emphasized. This agency would oversee the development of standards, the assessment and certification processes, and the global network for teaching Albanian.
The reform’s main focus is the development of two curricula: further developing Albanian as a heritage language and drafting a new curriculum for Albanian as a second or foreign language tailored to children in the diaspora. This process will be accompanied by the creation of a national language competence framework harmonized with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
At the same time, existing initiatives were acknowledged, such as the collaboration with Kosovo on shared textbooks, seminars for diaspora teachers, and Albanian language Olympiads. These initiatives have paved the way for a more unified approach to teaching.
The Minister of Education emphasized strengthening the role of teachers by establishing a sustainable training system and encouraging younger generations to teach Albanian in the diaspora. Additionally, developing digital platforms and using technology were considered essential to making the language more accessible and appealing to young people.
In conclusion, it was stressed that creating a standardized, certified system for the Albanian language is a strategic investment that connects Albania with its diaspora and establishes Albanian as a fully recognized language in Europe.