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By:
Shqidona Gashi
- November 3, 2025 14:53
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He has spent more than half his life with a diary in hand, passing on the legacy of numerous generations.
Former teacher Sami Haxhimusa from the village of Doganaj in Ferizaj belongs to the generation of teachers who built the foundations of education in Kosovo.
Now 88 years old, Haxhimusa remembers the time when teaching was more than a profession, it was a mission for him.
"I worked in the village of Greme, for almost 38 years. I also worked in Sllatinë i Morava, etc. I finished normal school and I am from the generation of 56-61, in Prishtina. At that time, teachers were assigned which schools to teach in. So, I taught in several schools. At that time, I taught in 8th grade, as a mathematics teacher. I was a teacher, but I also did the work of a teacher. I also went to the military, but I returned to education, until retirement. I retired in 2002."
In his early days as a teacher, he traveled by bicycle due to a lack of transportation.
For him, this was not a challenge, because teaching was a profession close to his heart.
"The issue of travel was difficult at that time, because there were often no means of transportation. To get to Viti, it was very difficult to secure transportation, but I traveled by bicycle first and then by motorbike. I always left 30 minutes early, so as not to be late. I was regular in my class attendance."
Sami Haxhimusa feels proud that the village of Doganaj is known for its numerous cadres in education and other fields.
"We have developed a habit of working harder and have had a desire to work. The population at that time also loved and supported us more. At that time, here and there, they did not send their girls to school. I am almost the first teacher to graduate from Doganaj, there were others. Intellectuals, education workers, doctors, engineers, etc. have emerged from this village."
88-year-old Haxhimusa says that he remains nostalgic for the earlier period of teaching, compared to today.
"As for that time, teaching was at the right level, I'm talking about my generation, who were each better than the other. We had less schooling compared to today, who have higher education. At that time, I was a teacher with 12 years of schooling. We worked hard because we had the will to work. I didn't look at how much we were working, but how we were working as well as possible, which is why I became a successful teacher. Even in the schools when I worked, I had colleagues without diplomas, but they did their job, their will kept them going. As teachers, I was free, I worked as much as I learned from other teachers, I was free in every aspect. Now teachers have their hands tied because they work more in administration than in education. I like what the student is learning. At that time, I taught, both education and upbringing. Now think that education is at one level, but upbringing is not. Previously, teachers were greeted with at least a 'Mirdita', now this is not practiced. Yes "Today's teachers are being left behind. I tell you teachers, politics is not for you, education is for you, immerse yourself in teaching students."
Even after over two decades as a retiree, Haxhimusa is never forgotten by his former students, he emphasizes, who visit him from time to time.
"I have contact with former students and they show me great respect. I don't even know how to explain it, they love me and I love them, in other words. I mentioned a former student, who is a doctor, Besim Ademi, I meet often. I love all former students," said Haxhimusa.
His three daughters also followed his path as a teacher with over four decades of experience in education.
Meanwhile, he is enjoying his retirement with the presence of his nieces and nephews.
"I also have family, young women, and girls in education. They work as teachers in education. I am satisfied with the education and work of my children." My sons are not in education by profession, while my daughters are."
The 41-year contribution of former teacher Sami Haxhimusa was also decorated by the Municipality of Ferizaj, as an example of dedication in the field of education.