Albanian School - "Mëso Shqip"
The Albanian school "Mëso Shqip" opened in recent years in Staten Island, namely in April 2022, has more than 150 students who can attend Albanian language classes, traditional dances and Albanian source songs.
It was established with the contribution of two associations: Kraja Association and Ana e Mali Association, as well as with the province of parents, teachers and members of the three different associations in diaspora.
When the Albanian school "Mëso Shqip" started its journey, in the first year it reached 50 students, while today it counts over 150 students. All this great work was accomplished by the hardworking teachers, the coordinators of the 3 associations: Kraja, Ana e Mali and Ulqini, successful businessmen, as well as the volunteer parents who are always by our side to be in every activity that the schools carry out.
With the desire of the dedication of the characteristics, the staff of teachers and the care of the volunteers of this school, these two years also organized parties such as those for: End of School Year, Flag Day, Independence of Kosovo, Mother's Day, Annual Picnic, etc.
In the following years, we hope that this school will continue to function and have as long a lifespan as possible.
Teachers at Albanian School
Arlinda Sukaliq
Albanian Language Teacher
Arlinda Sukaliq is a primary school teacher who graduated from the Faculty of Education in Prishtina and has been working for 10 years in her hometown at the "Marko Nucullovic" school in Shtoj. Two years ago she moved to New York, where she works as an assistant teacher at the elementary school PS 58 in Staten Island, and on Sundays she is a teacher at the Albanian school "Mëso Shqip" in Staten Island, where she contributes as a teacher to the life of children. language, culture and national identity.
Merita Gjokaj
Albanian Language Teacher
Merita Gjokaj is a classroom teacher. She graduated from the Faculty of Pristina with the award "Distinguished Student" where she also received the title "Classroom Professor". Merita started her career in her hometown where she worked as a teacher at the "Mahmut Lekiq" elementary school in Tuz, and at the "29 November" school in Dinoshë. She has moved to America, where she is continuing her career working as an assistant teacher at the "Tottenville HS" school in Staten Island and as a teacher at the "Mëso Shqip" school. Merita has always given, and I will continue to give my best to help, contribute to the Albanian people to preserve their language and culture.
Sebastian Tinaj
Traditional Dancing Teacher
Sebastjan Tinaj, born and raised in Vermosh, Malësi e Madhe, expresses himself through the art of dancing. Having started his dancing journey at the age of seven, Sebastjan has completed some schooling back home and now plans to further his education in New York. Six years ago, he established his own dancing group where he teaches others the art of dance, sharing his passion with them. Sebastjan is devoted to continuing his dancing career and aims to make his group successful for many years to come.
Ilsi Ademi
Albanian Source Songs Teacher
Ilsi Ademi was born and raised in Shkodër, Albania and since 2018, he is living in NY.
He started singing when he was 10 years old. He graduated from high school in Shkodër with a degree in voice and has won many awards. In 2012, his group "Classic Boys" reached the top 4 in X-Factor Albania.
He likes to work with children because he knows how difficult it is to start from the beginning and be helped by the best teachers. He is happy that in the groups that he has, the Albanian community will soon have its new superstar artist.
