The “Asim Vokshi” High School in Tiranë is one of the educational facilities rebuilt after the November 26, 2019 earthquake. Along with this school, 62 other educational buildings have been reconstructed across 11 of the country’s most affected municipalities.
“A project based on two main pillars: building better and building together. This means strong buildings constructed according to the highest European standards… and by building together, we included the community of parents and students,” said Nora Kushti, communication expert at United Nations Development Programme.
The program, which was implemented over six consecutive years, has now been completed, and around 25,000 students are now studying in improved conditions similar to schools and kindergartens in European Union countries.
“Honestly, one of the main reasons I chose the Foreign Languages High School was precisely the conditions. When I first came to see the school, it looked very beautiful and brand new. I saw that it had proper facilities, air conditioning — which for us is one of the most important things — and then there was the staff as well; the teachers seemed very good,” said Emanuel Murati, President of the Student Senate at “Asim Vokshi” School.
The new schools are equipped with gyms and laboratories, while European Union standards have also ensured ramps and elevators to guarantee access for children with disabilities.
For Suela Guhaçaj, director of the “Mehmet Babamusta” School in Kavajë, “the school has changed completely — completely in appearance and completely in mentality. This can be seen in the motivation of teachers and educational staff, who now work in much better conditions, in clean and organized environments, with laboratories, heating, cooling, running water, and very clean bathrooms. Children come happily, teachers as well; it is a safe environment.”
In Shijak, a parent whose children attend the “Shtojzovallet” kindergarten told Euronews Albania that she is very pleased with the conditions offered by the institution.
“Cleanliness is at the highest level, safety is extremely high, and this reflects very suitable and modern conditions. It says a lot about the well-being of our children, whom we bring every day to this kindergarten. There is simply no comparison,” the parent said.
On February 17, 2020, the European Union organized the International Donors’ Conference “Together for Albania” in Brussels, with the aim of supporting Albania in its reconstruction efforts after the 2019 earthquake. In this context, the “EU for Schools” Program was launched with a value of €75 million, implemented by the UNDP in cooperation with the Albanian Government in Krujë, Durrës, Kurbin, Kamëz, Kavajë, Tiranë, Mirditë, Lezhë, Rrogozhinë, Shijak, and Vorë.
The post 63 Schools Rebuilt After the Earthquake as the EU’s €75 Million Program Concludes appeared first on Euronews Albania.
