GDQ International Christian School History

GDQ’s founders were among the first missionary families in Albania after the fall of communism in 1991. The school started with six preschoolers and one teacher. As the missionary community quickly grew, the need arose for a larger, yet affordable program. GDQ began in the fall of 1993, encouraged by God’s obvious intervention. Through the generosity of many organizations and individuals, the school rented a building. The school relied on skilled volunteers to refurbish the building; acquired the necessary equipment, supplies, and materials; and most importantly, secured qualified teachers.

Our high school program found its start in 2004 as a cooperative with three families whose children graduated from GDQ’s K-8 program. With the student population continuing to grow, the high school leadership team began integrating various programs to best meet the educational needs of these students.  In 2009, the high school cooperative began a joint venture with GDQ and brought grade 9 under the leadership of the GDQ Board of Directors.  Grades 10-12 followed in 2010 with the Albanian Ministry of Education formally acknowledging GDQ International Christian School’s K-12 program.

GDQ is proud to take its name from Gjerasim D. Qiriazi (1858-1894), an influential Albanian patriot and evangelical Christian. He established the first school for girls in Albania, seeking to build Christian principles into the next generation of mothers, whom he regarded as the most influential people in Albanian society. Qiriazi endured political and spiritual persecution but remained faithful to his convictions.