"Topography of Terror" in Shkodra

On Saturday, IDMC organized its third study visit to memory places. This time the study visit was organized with students of "Cajupi" high school in Tirana. Students visited the Site of Witness and Memory in Shkodra. Their guide was led by Pjerin Mirdita, specialist at the museum. He explained in very careful way the history of museum and acknowledged them with all the rooms of the museum and the meaning of the writings. It is important to note that the high school students showed high interest throughout the museum, which was also seen in their questions for the guide. Their questions brought as product a very fruitful discussion with the guide, the teachers and IDMC staff.

After the visit the students of "Cajupi" high school joined a reflection lunch, where the discussion moderated by Dr. Godole, the executive director of IDMC pointed out the importance of this visit for them. They shared their impressions and how this visit helped them to have a better understanding of the dictatorship in Albania. As well students were asked about the ways they would prefer to be taught about this period. IDMC noted that for high school students is important to go and see the places of memory and to listen for the dictatorship when they are there. In addition, students pointed out the importance of documentaries when reflecting about the past. They brought the example of the IDMC documentary "Children of the Dictatorship", which they had the opportunity to watch in the opening ceremony of MEMORY DAYS activity. They also talked about the discussion followed in their families after they had seen the documentary. They were proud of challenging the way they were taught about the dictatorship and being able to make their parents talk and sometimes confront their grandparents.

For IDMC this study visit was the last one for 2016, but it will continue those next year, as well. IDMC has reached its goal during these study trips because young people reflect on the dictatorship period and they accept that their knowledge is not enough. They rise awareness and gain a special interest in learning more about this period. Most of young people in all the study visits organized by IDMC have admitted that before the study trip this topic was not in their interest. The study trip in places of memory awakes the interest of young people to learn also independently about the dictatorship.