TIRANA, Sept 9 /ATA/ On the first day of the new school year, Minister of Education and Sport, Ogerta Manastirliu, sent a congratulatory message to all students, teachers and parents.
In her message, Minister Manastirliu stressed the importance of quality education and the government’s efforts to improve the conditions in schools, focusing on investments made to enhance the teaching standards.
“350,000 students sit in the school benches today, and 28,000 of them for the first time. Dear first graders, school is the place where you will learn, discover the world, and most importantly, build your future.
We have worked hard to make sure that you study in more modern schools this year, so that teachers are even more motivated, that schools are more equipped with the necessary didactic materials that will help you develop your intellect and personality from the beginning of your education and throughout your education, “she said.
The Minister noted that significant investments have been made in improvement of education infrastructure, including the construction and reconstruction of 100 schools and other educational facilities during 2024.
“We have provided free textbooks for 238 thousand students from 9-year schools and 16 special categories of students in high school. Investments in school infrastructure have resulted in 25 rebuilt schools opening their doors today to welcome about 10 thousand students and teachers. Only during this year have we invested and are investing in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 100 educational facilities throughout the country.
In an era where technology is rapidly changing the way we learn and work, work is in full swing to improve digital skills, creative skills and promote critical thinking.”
Another important focus is to incorporate technology and innovation into education.
“This year, 200 9-year schools have been equipped with 216 SMART labs, giving students the opportunity to learn through the new ICT curriculum and code monkey program, with about 35 thousand students already involved in these classes,” said Manastirliu.
The Minister emphasized the salary raise for over 30 thousand teachers and efforts to develop them professionally through free training, with the aim of involving 16 thousand teachers in the National Professional Development Program.
Manastirliu also mentioned the expansion of support for students with special needs, increasing the number of assistant teachers to 2100, as well as investments in sports grounds and gyms, to promote a healthy lifestyle for all students.
Minister Manastirliu said that “the programs launched, such as “Art and Crafts”, “Community Center School”, Olympics, Competitions and a series of new programs are scheduled for this school year, enabling a more diverse school and extracurricular program.
At the end, Minister Manastirliu congratulated all students and teachers on this new educational journey, expressing the government’s full support for a quality and inclusive education.
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