Farewell to former teacher Gjergji Gusho!

With deep sorrow, we received the news of the passing of teacher, scholar, and esteemed intellectual Gjergji Tasi Gusho, a respected figure in education and culture in the city of Pogradec and beyond.

Gjergji Tasi Gusho was born in Korçë on March 18, 1939, into a family of educators. His parents, Tasi and Kostaqe Gusho, worked as teachers, instilling in him from an early age a love for knowledge and education.

He completed the Pedagogical High School in Korçë and then the Faculty of History and Philology, specializing in Russian Language, at the University of Tirana, graduating in 1959. He dedicated most of his life to teaching at the high school in Pogradec, where he worked until retirement. Afterwards, he continued contributing to private schools in the city, teaching Italian. He was also an excellent speaker of the rare language Esperanto.

From 1969 to 1972, Gjergji Gusho served as a cultural inspector at the Education and Culture Section in Pogradec. Between 1975 and 1985, he worked at the Pedagogical Cabinet of the district, initially as a methodologist and later as director. During this period, he visited all the villages in the Pogradec district, diligently collecting historical data, toponymy, legends, and folk songs, which became the foundation for two of his books.

His intellectual contributions are also reflected in his publications:

1988 – How to Learn a Foreign Language by Yourself

2000 – On the Spread of Christianity and Churches in the Pogradec District

2001 – Translation of the Book “The Circle of Stalin’s Close Associates”

2002 – Mysterious World, a collection of quotes from prominent literary figures on the art of writing

2005 – Folk Songs from the Pogradec District

For his longstanding contributions to educating and nurturing generations of young people, he was honored by the People’s Assembly with the Order of Labor and the “Naim Frashëri” decoration. In March 2005, the Municipality of Pogradec awarded him the title “Pride of the City,” and on March 7, 2010, he received the title “City Gratitude” for his dedication, professionalism, and love of teaching.

His passing is a great loss for his family, friends, students, and the entire Pogradec community. The memory and work of Gjergji Tasi Gusho will remain alive in the generations he educated and in the cultural heritage he left behind.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace.

“KORÇA BOOM”