The teacher who left a mark in the hearts of students and in the history of Skënderbeu Korçë

Today, on the 90th anniversary of his birth, we remember with respect and gratitude the well-known teacher and sportsman from Korçë, Zhani (Jani) Pilika.

Zhani Pilika was born on May 11, 1936, into a middle-class family in Korçë. In the post-war years, he was widely involved in the artistic, cultural, and sports life of the city, leaving a notable mark in many activities of the time.

He was a member of the folk dance group at the Pallati i Kulturës Korçë, where he participated in numerous artistic events, including the operetta “Agimi.” Alongside his passion for art, he also stood out in sports as a football player for Skënderbeu Korçë during the years 1957–1966.

At the same time, he worked as a teacher at the Shkolla e Muzikës “Tefta Tashko Koço”, where he educated and shaped dozens of generations of students in mathematics. For many of us, he remains not only a respected figure of the city but also an unforgettable teacher.

I had the privilege of having him as a teacher in primary school, and the memory of his dedication, correctness, and humanity remains vivid.

In the last years of his life, he lived with his family in Boston, where he passed away in 2017.

His memory and contribution to education, sports, and the civic life of Korçë remain unforgettable.

“KORÇA BOOM”