Saturday, 24 August 2024 – 9:00 Third Gjukaj
Shqipe Isufi shares her moving life story from the turmoil of the Kosovo War to recognition as a teacher in Switzerland and emphasizes the importance of the mother tongue in the context of the new school year 2024/2025 and using her own school biography as an example.
How have you shaped your professional career?
Isufi Albanian: My path to becoming a teacher began in Kosovo, where, as the eldest of five siblings, I attended primary school, high school and finally the Faculty of Education in Gjilan. But then, in 1999, the war forced us to flee to North Macedonia, from there to the Czech Republic and finally to Switzerland. But when NATO troops liberated Kosovo, my mother decided that we should return to continue our education in our mother tongue.
After my studies in Gjilan, I met my husband, moved to Germany and started working as a saleswoman because the language requirements prevented me from becoming a teacher. In 2012 we moved to Switzerland, where I learned German and eventually had my diploma recognized as a primary school teacher. Finally, in 2013 I started teaching in a regular school.
These experiences have made me realize the importance of language and education – especially that of one’s own mother tongue, which plays a central role in my school biography and today in the upbringing of my own children as a mother.
What importance does your mother tongue have in your work and family life?
Isufi Albanian: The mother tongue plays a central role in my work as a teacher and in my family life. I am convinced that mastering the mother tongue is the basis for a child’s entire education and personal development. As a young mother, I initially tried to teach my child both Albanian and German. But over time I noticed that this led to linguistic difficulties. I then decided to communicate only in the mother tongue. Today I advise all parents to speak to their children in their mother tongue, because this not only helps them to express themselves better, but also promotes their emotional and social development. A mother can best express her love for her child in the language in which she herself feels most comfortable and confident.
Is there anything you would particularly like to share with our readers for this school year 2024/2025?
Isufi Albanian: For the new school year, I would like to encourage parents to actively spend time with their children and support their education. Reading aloud is a simple but effective method of giving children a sense of closeness and security. Stories encourage their imagination, creativity and empathy. It is particularly important that parents give their children security and trust, even if German is not their native language. Take your time, talk about everyday school life and support your child, for example by drawing the school building together and engaging in playful conversation.
As a prospective special education teacher, what advice would you like to give to parents?
Isufi Albanian:As a prospective special education teacher, I appeal to all parents to seek cooperation with teachers and not to hesitate to accept help if their children have special needs. Small, consistent steps lead to success. My mother tongue and that of my children are a valuable heritage that I am proud to pass on today.
My quote:
“Every day we fight to make tomorrow better than today. With love, will and positivity we can achieve a lot. These forces are the best medicine for the soul – and they are a gift from God that lies within all of us.”
