Conference at the Faculty of Education: “Grandparents and their educational paradigm”

On May 22, 2025, the Conference Hall at the Faculty of Education gathered researchers and translators, students and pupils of the Primary Cycle of the city of Durrës, in a conference where "Grandparents and their educational paradigm" was discussed.
The focus of this conference was inspired by the children's novels "My Grandfather Was a Cherry Tree", skillfully translated into Albanian by Lejbjana Hyseni Braho, and "The Grandmother on the Apple Branch", skillfully adapted by Sofjana Filipi.
Both books have common denominators, themes such as: death, loss, loneliness, sadness, and the replacement of loved ones seen from the perspective of children.

The conference was opened by Dr. Matilda Likaj, who presented a sociological approach to social traumas in Albanian society (death, divorce, neurodivergence, etc.), for young people who will be active in the labor market.

Dr. Julinda Cilingiri focused on children's ability to perceive the passing of grandparents. For future teachers, but also for teachers present at the event, she brought advice and suggestions on how we can understand and help children cope with death and the fear of losing their lives.

Dr. Anila Bratja, referred to her study on "Coping with loss and emotional education", a reference based on quantitative methods.

Dr. Enida Godime focused on the role of children's literature in educating us in coping with loss, disappointment, and the departure of our loved ones.
Msc Xhensila Lluka addressed the role of diagnostic assessment in identifying cases of anxiety, suggesting helpful practices and instruments.
The event was graced with the presence of translator Lejbjana Hyseni Braho, who answered questions from students and young readers. She tried to explain the mechanisms of the translation process, instilling in them the love we should have for the Albanian language.

The students brought their literary and artistic, cultural and intercultural, sociological, psychological, didactic and pedagogical approaches, demonstrating maturity of scientific thought, academic preparation and professional expertise.

The students of the Bachelor's Degree in Preschool Teaching, first year, Bachelor's Degree in Primary Education Teaching, first and third year, and Master of Science, Teacher of Albanian Language and Literature, first year, presented themselves with scientific papers, illustration, drawing and painting, interpretation and dramatization, thus revealing all the senses that children's literature sharpens.
The icing on the cake were the students of the 9-year schools "Kushtrimi i Lirisë", "Marie Kaçulini", "Qemal Mici", "Bajram Curri", "Hamza Muça", who, together with their teachers, addressed topics that are not included in the pre-university curriculum.
Many topics were discussed, but above all, the power that literature has on all generations and levels was discussed.
The conference was conceived and organized by the lecturer of "Children's Literature", Dr. Alma Dema and was moderated by students Eliona Hoti, Xhuljana Voci and Olsida Kondi!
Participants were awarded certificates of appreciation!