The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs today welcomed in Tirana the group of children “Zogjtë e Manastirit” from Bitola, North Macedonia, as part of a visit aimed at promoting the learning of the Albanian language and strengthening the cultural identity of the Albanian community in the region.

The children, accompanied by their parents and teachers, were welcomed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, H.E. Mr. Edi Rama, at the premises of the Center for Openness and Dialogue (COD). Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ms. Vilma Premti, the Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, Ms. Oriana Osmani, as well as Ambassador Denion Mejdani.

During their stay in Tirana, the children visited the “Dora D’Istria” nine-year school, where they held a joint activity marking March 7 with the students and teachers of the school, focusing on the exchange of experiences and the creation of new connections among peers.

The program continued with a cultural activity at the National Center for Children’s Culture and a visit to the new Puppet Theater in Tirana.

A delegation of students, teachers, and parents also conducted an interview at the studios of Albanian Radio Television (RTSH), where they shared their experience and presented the initiative of the “Linkest” Library, which supports the educational and cultural activities of this group of children.

The visit concluded with an official reception at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, organized by Deputy Minister Vilma Premti and Deputy Minister Miriam Shyti in honor of the children, parents, and teachers who participated in this activity.

This initiative, undertaken at the initiative of the Embassy of the Republic of Albania in North Macedonia, aims to support and encourage projects that promote the Albanian language, culture, and national identity among the younger generations of the Albanian community in the region.

The group “Zogjtë e Manastirit” represents an example of civic engagement and cooperation among parents, teachers, and cultural initiatives, demonstrating the importance of investing in language, culture, and education for the preservation and development of the Albanian community in Bitola.