Chiswick father sets up Albanian language school for second-generation children

Alban Bytyqi hopes to build a space for Albanian children to learn about their culture

Ahead of its opening in September, The Chiswick Calendar spoke to the school’s founder about the importance of language, identity, and community

Alban Bytyqi came to the UK from Albania in 2000, with no English.

After raising his son in Chiswick, Alban realised there was no real Albanian community in West London, in the same way as other parts of the capital.

“Despite being in one of the loveliest environments in Chiswick, we still have a bit of a longing for our own culture”, he said.

“I’ve seen loads of second-generation kids that seem to be lacking in something that is fundamental in their identity, and who they are as people”.

Alban decided to set up a language school, Gjuha Jonë (Our Language), for children aged five and over, so that they could better connect with each other and their relatives in Albania.

The Home Office estimates that 140,000 Albanians reside in the UK, and Alban believes there are around 500 families in West London who would benefit from this cultural space.

The Montessori-inspired approach will teach children through play and interaction (Gjuha Jonë)

Learning through play

The school will be a Montessori-inspired, screen-free environment, and will use play as the main teaching method.

“Play is the easiest way to learn”, Alban said. “I want to build an ambiance and environment for them, so they enjoy being there”.

Albanian is the official language of Kosovo and Albania, and the last-surviving Albanoid language. It is considered particularly difficult to learn due to its complex grammar and distinct dialects.

It is important to Alban that the children know about the unique, diverse cultural landscape of their home country.

The school’s cultural education will include the range of Christian and Muslim festivals celebrated in Albania, as well as Independence Day.

“If they want to lean into the language and heritage of their parents, then they can. It’s just providing the space for them to do so”, he added.

“In the kaleidoscope environment where we live, it adds a bit more colour to the space we are in”.

The school is hosting an Open House event for prospective families at its space in Arts Ed school on 12 July.

Spaces can be reserved on the Gjuha Jonë website.