TIRANA, April 10 – Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said the government has introduced new measures to strengthen extracurricular programmes in pre-university education. She said the reforms aim to extend learning beyond mandatory classroom hours and focus more on student development.
She explained that the Ministry of Education has expanded after-school activities within the national curriculum framework. These include arts, crafts, Olympiads [contests], festivals, and other educational initiatives. In this context, she said such programmes now form part of the legal educational framework.
Kumbaro said a new government decision supports increasing the time students spend at school beyond compulsory lessons. The goal is to fill this time with activities that develop talents and improve aesthetic and creative skills. She said the approach combines education with structured recreational learning.
At the same time, the government approved increased financial support for these programmes. Kumbaro said the hourly payment for extracurricular work will double to 1,000 Lek for 60 minutes. She said the previous level stood at 5,000 Lek. This adjustment aims to strengthen participation and programme quality.
Furthermore, she said the policy opens participation beyond current school staff. Teachers who are retired can now join the programmes, along with specialists in arts and music. In this way, the ministry aims to broaden the pool of contributors to extracurricular education.
Finally, Kumbaro said the initiative seeks to improve the overall learning environment for students. She said diversified activities will enhance educational experience and better support talent development in schools.
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