Responding to comments on his “Sy m’Sy” social media segment, the government head also vowed to press ahead with a series of major investments designed to transform the country’s educational infrastructure.

Rama underlined that over a quarter of a million children attend primary and secondary education schools throughout Albania, with 238 000 of them receiving their textbooks for free.

“You underline all the school construction and reconstruction projects, while saying this is useless investment, since there are no children in Albania. Over a quarter of a million children attend the nine-year and secondary education schools in Albania, while tens of thousands go to kindergartens,” PM Rama said.

The government head underlined that educational facilities were dilapidated, while the average teachers’ salary was estimated 420 euros when his Socialist Party seized power in 2013.

“Schools were ruined, while parents had to buy the textbooks for their children when we took office. More than 238 000 schoolchildren now receive their textbooks for free. The average wage for teachers has increased to 950 euros from 420 euros in 2013. The average salary will reach 1250 euros per month within our fourth term in office,” Rama added.

Rama linked the planned salary increase to wider efforts to improve working conditions in schools, including infrastructure upgrades and better support for educators.

He said that 200 new schools will be built in the next four years, while the number of smart labs to be installed in schools throughout the country will reach up to 1000.

/j.p/u.sh/