| Abanian-American Academy (AAA), founded
on February 28, 2007 in Maryland, is a not-for-profit
educational and cultural organization. Its primary goal
is to disseminate Albanian language, customs and heritage
to the present and future generations of Albanian descent
and to all other interested parties in the Washington
DC metro area.
The establishment of AAA brings to fruition previous
attempts and initiatives, which are recognized here
with gratitude. Our motto has been to build an institution
that will withstand the test of time, both from an organizational
and programmatic point of view.
AAA is an all-inclusive entity. In establishing AAA,
we built an institution that, created by the members
of the community, would serve the interests and needs
of this community. For this purpose, AAA is organized
as a collegial institution where its members, being
its sole legal and financial beneficiaries, exercise
their right to vote in all the matters related to the
activity and leadership of the Academy (view
AAA bylaws).
The main activity of AAA is to teach Albanian language
and culture through a variety of classes held Sundays
12-2:00 PM at American University (view
map) and taught by native Albanian instructors.
Five different levels of instruction from preschool
to advanced are at present being offered. The school
year, divided into two semesters, runs from the first
week in September through the second week in June. The
academic calendar for 2007-2008 can be found here.
The curriculum
combines the progressive American teaching methods with
the best Albanian tradition of education. Special emphasis
has been placed on fostering close parent-student-teacher
cooperation, the use of audio-visual elements and a
hands-on approach to teaching and learning. These elements
will be implemented in accordance with the needs of
respective age groups. Various textbooks and teaching
materials have been provided by the Albanian Ministry
of Education and Culture in cooperation with the Albanian
Embassy in Washington DC and by the generosity and tireless
efforts of the Albanian community through donations
of materials, time and money.
Our Academy also offers English lessons for Albanians
of all ages that have migrated here recently, in order
to facilitate their quick integration in the American
life. These lessons take place in the same place (view
map) and at the same time. This service is free
of charge for the unemployed and seniors. For more information
about this program, please contact
AAA.
As part of its mission, AAA plans to organize educational
and cultural activities that will be open to the public.
Please check these pages periodically to find information
about such activities. |
