The government head posted photographs on social media of several newly built or renovated schools that are welcoming students and teachers with improved facilities and higher standards.

A total of 53 new or rehabilitated schools are opening their doors this academic year, while 39 additional school renovation projects have also been approved.

Meanwhile, 408 educational institutions are now part of the “After School” programme, providing children with more opportunities beyond regular classroom hours.

For Albanian students in the diaspora, around 5,800 educational packages covering levels I, II and III, containing nearly 17,000 textbooks, have been distributed across 17 countries.

/u.sh/

In his message, the President noted that holidays like Eid al-Adha reaffirm the core values Albanians have cherished for centuries: faith, family, hospitality and mutual respect.

President Begaj extended his holiday greetings from Mecca, where he is visiting at the invitation of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. /p.s./

“Happy Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary to all Orthodox believers,” Rama said in a message.

The holiday, which commemorates the falling asleep of the Mother of God, is among the most significant dates of the Orthodox liturgical calendar, drawing thousands of worshippers in prayer and reflection.

/a.f/u.sh/

After Prime Minister Edi Rama gave welcome to the leaders and heads of state and government from 47 European countries at the “Skanderbeg” Square, the summit began with an opening ceremony at the Opera and Ballet House. There the leaders saw a video presentation of the works created by students from Albanian schools, which are placed in the “House of Europe”, where the summit proceedings will also take place.

Then, there was played a video with images of famous figures from Albanian history, who have contributed to Albania’s independence.

Part of the opening of the summit were also performances of traditional Albanian dances and the violin interpretation of the song “Zjerm” by Shkodra Elektronike, which qualified for the grand final of the European Song Festival to be held tomorrow in Switzerland.

Another moment of entertainment was the congratulatory message from European leaders via Artificial Intelligence.

The summit will continue throughout the day with plenary sessions and discussion roundtables. /k.s/j.p/p.s./

The government head wished Albania’s Jewish community and all celebrating Rosh Hashanah a peaceful and sweet New Year.

“May this new year see the return of all hostages to their loved ones. May peace and humanity prevail over terror and savagery,” PM Rama said in a post on the social media platform X.

Celebrated in September or October, Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is one of Judaism’s holiest days.

/m.m/a.f/r.e/u.sh/

“Happy Eid-al-Fitr,” PM Rama wished Muslim faithful via e message on the social media.

In a significant show of unity, the central square of Albanian capital Tirana was filled with the faithful for the traditional Eid prayer, signifying the culmination of a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and reflection.

The Muslim Community leader Bujar Spahiu led the early morning prayer, wishing everyone may their fasting and prayers during the holy month be accepted by God and conveying the message of peace and fraternity.

Before the Eid al-Fitr prayer, the day started with donation Sadaqah and the devotees then started to gather at the square.

After a hearty family lunch, the celebrations then include visits to relatives and friends.

/u.sh/

In a message via the social media, the President of the Republic Bajram Begaj extended his warmest wishes for Eid al-Fitr to all faithful and Albanian citizens for prosperity, dedication and good deeds.

“Happy Eid al-Fitr to all Muslims, those who observed fasting and those who couldn’t, but who have reached out to God through their prayers throughout the holy month of Ramadan,” President Begaj said.

The Assembly Speaker Lindita Nikolla said in her message that “Eid al-Fitr is a festival of humanism, reminding us of the immense wealth of God’s compassion, freedom of faith, love for family and people, and help for those most vulnerable.”

Speaker Nikolla highlighted Albania’s diversity of religions and patriotism of religious communities is a precious asset for the country.

Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj wished for prosperity, peace and harmony in every Albanian family.

The chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party, Lulzim Basha said that Eid al-Fitr is the great festival of hope and faith, saying “the power of faith in God fills us with hope, gives us assurance that evil will be overcome, and that the future will be better.”

/u.sh/

In a post on the social media, President Begaj wished for a more prosperous and happier summer as he shared elements of Albania’s sole official holiday with pagan roots, marking the end of winter, and celebrated nationwide every March 14.

Approved by the Albanian Parliament in 2004 as an official and national holiday, this day of pagan celebration symbolizes the rebirth of nature, the awakening from a long dark winter and a general rejuvenation of one’s spirit. The celebration of Summer Day dates back to ancient times in the city of Elbasan, which due in part to its location in the geographic center of the country, was considered the umbilical city for all of Albania. According to an Albanian legend, the Mountain Muse, who was the goddess of hunting, forests, and all things related to nature, would usher in summer by coming out of her temple on the 14th of March.

/u.sh/

“There could be no strong Albania without strong women,” Basha said at the meeting.

“I would like to express gratitude to women, mothers and sisters, thanks to whose sacrifice life becomes more beautiful. The most important contribution we can provide to women is to enable them to demonstrate their potential,” Basha said.

According to him, “an empowered, strong, independent and happy woman is the guarantee for a healthy family and society.”

“Never forget your power and value. You are the source of inspiration, love and power in society. Happy March 8,” the DP chairman said.

/m.m/r.e/u.sh/

The government head posted a video of Teacher’s Anthem dedicated to all teachers performed by high school students in Tirana and the Artistic Lyceum chorus.

“Happy March 7 via the Teacher’s Anthem performed by schoolchildren and students from Tirana high schools and the Artistic Lyceum chorus with the deepest gratitude and respect for teachers in every Albanian region and the Albanian speaking territories and in the Diaspora,” PM Rama said.

Teacher’s Day marks the day when the first secular Albanian school opened on March 7th, 1887, mostly known as “Mësonjëtorja”, in the south-eastern city of Korça, successfully crowning tremendous efforts of the Albanian National Movement to provide and promote mother tongue-based education.

Opening the first secular school was a significant victory for the Albanian people. Due to Ottoman rule, up to this period, teaching was performed secretly. Since that day, March 7 marks the National Teacher’s Day and is celebrated by all Albanians wherever they are.

/r.e/u.sh/