THE 11TH PLENUM OF THE PARTY CC BEGAN WORK
Speech by Comrade Ramiz Alia
Even from the standpoint of the divisions with the report presented to us concerning the problems of land ownership, it must be viewed in all its aspects and in its full complexity. The issue is such, and the discussions now taking place remain unclear regarding the problems of that body. We are before a new and necessary action. From the content of some discussions, it seems that the problems of land ownership are being treated in isolation and absolutized, that is, not in connection with all the important conditions for resolving this issue, especially with progressive agrarian economy. What is particularly important is the fact that our comrades focus mainly on the issue of land ownership; some regions turn it into an end in itself, to resolve it and proclaim it as the fundamental issue for the further development of agriculture. These things must not happen.
At this time we have given priority to the intensive system of increasing agricultural production, while continuing the socialist transformation of our countryside. This has been done on the basis of the decisions we have taken and are now implementing. We have the duty to carry out our line firmly and move forward. The reforms we have undertaken for the development of agriculture must be based on the concepts of our Party program.
Our agriculture, with the modifications and changes we have made in recent years, has been producing visible results. This is linked to the work of the masses and to socialist discipline. Narrow concepts, which reduce the issue solely to private property, must be fought. The problem must be viewed in its entirety, in connection with cooperatives, agricultural enterprises, supply, mechanization, science, and organization.
If we limit the discussion to only one element, then we will make a political and economic mistake. The issue of land ownership is important, but it must not be separated from the whole of our agrarian-socialist policy. On the contrary, it must be handled in harmony with the general interests of the countryside and the country.
There is no doubt that under today’s conditions we need more creative spirit, more responsibility, and more courage to implement reforms that move production forward. However, this must be done in an organized way and while preserving our socialist orientation. We cannot allow interpretations that run counter to the Party line.
Comrades, on this path we need ideological clarity, political determination, and organizational ability. We must work with people, convince them, explain to them which measures are in their interest and in the interest of society as a whole. Only in this way will we move agriculture forward and overcome the present difficulties.
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For the improvement of the educational system and the further qualitative strengthening of the school
From the report of the Minister of Education Skënder Gjinushi
Comrades,
Yesterday, at the session of the People’s Assembly of the PR of Albania, discussions were held and reports were presented by the central committee of the party and the central committee and districts. 1. The report on the improvement of the educational system and the further qualitative strengthening of the school. 2. On the implementation of the decisions of the 10th Plenum of the CC of the PPSH.
The feature of comprehensive and objective generalizations about our school stands out in other respects.
In 1944 Albania inherited education in a very backward state, with only 56 primary and secondary schools, about 5,000 pupils, around 80 percent illiteracy, teachers without proper education, and a lack of textbooks, premises, and teaching aids.
The Party and the state quickly placed education among the main priorities of their activity. This was done not only to create the conditions for the country’s economic and cultural development, but also as a historical necessity for the formation of the new man. In this sense, our school was put at the service of the great socialist transformations and the education of the younger generation in the ideals of socialism.
Today the educational network extends across the entire country. Eight-year schools, general and vocational secondary schools, higher schools, and scientific-pedagogical institutions have been established. The number of pupils and teachers has increased significantly. Curricula, textbooks, and teaching materials have been improved.
However, new developments and the demands of the times place other tasks before us. The qualitative level of teaching must be raised, as must the ideological-political and professional preparation of the teacher, the link between school and life, production, science, and technology. Formalism, unnecessary overload, repetition, and any weakness that lowers the effectiveness of instructional and educational work must be fought.
In higher education, the training of specialists must be better aligned with the needs of the economy and culture. Profiles, curricula, and teaching programs, as well as the scientific activity of the chairs, must be reviewed. Greater responsibility, discipline, and creative spirit are required.
The communist education of the younger generation remains the backbone of the school’s work. Alongside the acquisition of knowledge, the school must form convictions, civic attitude, discipline, morality, and love of work. In this regard, close cooperation between the school and the family and social organizations is essential.
Important problems are also posed by the preparation of teaching staff, especially for remote areas, for vocational education, and for certain special subjects. It is necessary to strengthen methodological work, supervision, qualification, and concrete assistance to schools.
The Plenum, by analyzing these issues, will help further improve our educational system and the quality of the school.
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