Alfabetizimi

Alfabetizimi is the Albanian term for literacy—the ability to read, write, and understand written text. It originates from the Italian word alfabetizzazione, tracing back to the Latin root alphabetus, and has been adopted into Albanian as a key concept in education and social development.

The history of alfabetizimi in Albania dates to the early 20th century, when the country adopted the Latin alphabet in 1908 to replace the Ottoman Ottoman script. This change was part of a broader national awakening that sought to modernize education, promote a unified national identity, and reduce illiteracy. Traditional rural communities continued to face high rates of illiteracy into the mid-20th century, prompting state-led campaigns that combined compulsory school attendance with adult literacy programs.

Today, alfabetizimi remains a central goal in Albania’s education policy. Since the fall of communism in 1990, the government has collaborated with international partners such as UNESCO and the World Bank to implement nationwide literacy initiatives. These efforts incorporate digital tools, early childhood education, and inclusive curricula designed for diverse linguistic and cultural groups within Albania. According to the most recent census data, the general literacy rate exceeds 95 percent, with ongoing projects aiming to ensure that all citizens, including those in remote and underserved areas, achieve functional literacy.