The principle of equality is provided in the constitutional provisions of the Republic of Albania (Article 18). In accordance with this, every individual in the Republic of Albania, has the right of education regardless of race, colour of skin, gender, language, religion, political or other convictions, national or social origin, property, birth, social status or any other personal circumstances (Article 20, 57).

The legal framework in Albania warrants the right to education for all children, regardless of their needs and special abilities. Law Nr. 69 of 2012 “On Pre – university education” calls for free and mandatory education and it applies to children aged 6-16 years old. Underlying the process of inclusion is the assumption that the general classroom teacher has certain knowledge and understanding about the needs of different learners, teaching techniques and curriculum strategies.

Article 5 of this Law stipulates:

The right to education

1. In the Republic of Albania, the right to education is guaranteed to Albanian citizens, foreigners and stateless persons, without discrimination on the grounds of gender, race, color, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, political or religious beliefs, economic or social status, age, residence, disability or other reasons defined in Albanian legislation.

2. In public schools, compulsory education and upper secondary education are free.

Article 10
Education for national minorities

1. Persons belonging to national minorities are given the opportunity to learn and be taught in their native language, to learn their history and culture, according to the curricula and teaching programs.

2. In order to enable active and equal participation in the economic, social, political and cultural life of the Republic of Albania, conditions are created for students of national minorities to learn the Albanian language and to learn about Albanian history and culture.

3. The curricula and programs, as well as the ratios of the use of the mother tongue and the official language in the teaching process, are determined by special acts of the Minister.

Article 11
Education for Albanian children abroad
The Ministry, in cooperation with the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Albania and other state institutions, supports the implementation of special programs for learning the Albanian language and learning about the Albanian cultural heritage for children of the diaspora, in accordance with Albanian legislation.