TIRANA, March 19/ATA/ The Ministry of Education and the British Council organized the “After-school Education in Albania – Policies, Standards and Models for Inclusive Development” conference.
During this conference, Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro presented the ministry’s vision for the after-school program, now supported by a legal framework.
Kumbaro noted that this achievement was a collaborative effort, thanking those who supported them along the way.
“In partnership with the British Council, we have tried to combine our local experience with the best international practices. This cooperation brings to Albania successful models such as the “21st Century Schools” program, naturally integrating the development of digital competencies, critical thinking and the skills required by the time in which we live”, said Minister Kumbaro.
Minister Kumbaro emphasized that, “This extracurricular program does not only aim to extend the time spent in school, but to create a new space of opportunities for students, a safe, rich and inspiring environment, where they can discover their talents, develop new skills, build a social, civic education and a new relationship with the environment, with the land”.
According to her, one of the main goals of this initiative is to eliminate the fragmentation of existing programs and create a unified, structured and qualitative approach to after-school activities.
“If on the one hand we are investing in smartlabs and integrating artificial intelligence into curricula, on the other hand we want to distance children from unhealthy technology. And here is the greatest strength of this program. Art and Craft, Land in School, Community Center Schools, or many other initiatives will have to be included under the same umbrella that is after-school education. At the Ministry of Education, we are also working on the payment scheme for these teachers, while British Council partners will support us with training by strengthening the competencies of teachers, but also local actors who will join this program”, underlined Kumbaro.
The teachers, professionals in arts, crafts and sports, as well as the community will play a key role in this program. They will be committed to providing a structured and inspiring experience for students.
“Their presence guarantees high professional standards and directly affects the motivation and involvement of young people. At the Ministry of Education, we are also working on the payment scheme for these teachers, while the British Council partners will support us with training by strengthening the competencies of teachers, but also local actors who will join this program”, explained Minister Kumbaro.
The official logo of this program was also presented at the event, the product of a competition between schools to make students part of the decision-making. /k.s/j.p/p.s./
