52 Brand New Schools, Kindergartens, and Creches in 11 Earthquake-Affected Municipalities

February 17, 2024: As the clock strikes 8 a.m., the gates of “Dhosi Liperi” Secondary School in Sukth, Durres, open to a heartwarming sight.

Four years ago, these grounds were nothing but a pile of rubble—a stark reminder of the devastation caused by an earthquake that shook Albania to its core.

Today, a new view unfolds. A beautiful building, large classrooms, well-lit and heated, sports courts, a gym, modern laboratories, and a library. Disability-friendly elevators are just a few of the many improvements.

The youthful faces of Joni, Ilir, and Dino light up with anticipation as they enter their brand-new school. They have embarked on a journey of learning and growth.

Among them, aspirations fly high—dreams of becoming doctors, IT experts, or firefighters—fueled by the promise of a better tomorrow.

This is just one of 52 education facilities now standing tall and welcoming pupils every day. In total 2,463 children, 12,489 pupils, and 1,031 teachers are enjoying brand news facilities like their peers in any European Union country.

Retrospect: 

In the aftermath of the devastating 6.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Albania on November 26, 2019, the country was left reeling. The earthquake left cities paralyzed and communities hopeless.

The staggering toll—51 lives lost, over 900 injured, and 321 educational facilities either destroyed or damaged—served as a grim reminder of the challenges ahead.

February 17th, a date “carved” into Albania's collective consciousness, marked a turning point. On this day, an international donor conference convened by the EU offered a glimmer of hope amid the devastation. The EU mobilized the international community to give Albania a helping hand. With a pledge of 115 million euros from its own budget, the EU extended a lifeline to a nation in need, committing, among others, to restore Albania's education system through the EU4Schools programme. This day will remind Albanians of Europe and European solidarity.

In partnership with the Albanian Government, the EU4Schools programme identified 63 education facilities across 11 of the most earthquake-affected municipalities for reconstruction and repair. Navigating through the dual crises of the earthquake and the ensuing COVID-19 pandemic was no easy feat.

Yet, the EU4Schools programme pressed on, guided by a steadfast commitment to restore hope and get children back to school. Rooted in the principles of building back better and building back together, the programme aimed not just to rebuild stronger structures but to empower communities and engage stakeholders in the reconstruction process. As construction neared completion, the project team conducted place checks, ensuring that stakeholders' voices were heard, and their needs addressed. From pupils eager to resume their studies to parents yearning for a sense of security and teachers dedicated to nurturing young minds, the impact of EU4Schools resonated deeply.

Four Years After

Four years on, the scars of the 2019 earthquake gradually fade into the background as Albania's education landscape undergoes a profound transformation. Where once lay ruins, now stand modern bastions of learning and teaching. These institutions are not merely buildings but portals to a future teeming with promise for the children who step through their doors.

The UNDP Resident Representative Monica Merino says: “We extend our gratitude to the European Union for their unwavering partnership and support of the flagship #EU4Schools Programme. Today, fifty-two educational hubs stand as enduring symbols of resilience—empowered with renewable energy sources, they offer safety and accessibility to all. This transformative collaboration underscores our shared commitment to investing in  Albania’s youth recognizing  that education is the foundation of a better future for generations to come. The impact of "EU4Schools" transcends mere infrastructure rebuilding; it champions the cause of quality education”.

Today, as one bears witness to the transformation, one can only be filled with gratitude for the solidarity and support that have breathed new life into these once-destroyed grounds. 

"The new school feels like a second home," remarked Almira Visha, a pupil whose enthusiasm for learning was reignited amidst the newly refurbished classrooms. "I feel safe and inspired to pursue my dreams."

Valentina Daci, an ICT teacher at “Asim Vokshi” school in Tirana speaks about the transformation of the school, now equipped with modern ICT facilities, language classrooms, a library, sports amenities, and accessibility for pupils with disabilities. Teaching in the ICT laboratory is now comfortable and productive, fostering skill development in technology. With modern facilities and resources at our disposal, we can nurture the minds of tomorrow with confidence and pride," she proclaimed, her eyes shining with passion.

With 52 education facilities completed to date and real-time progress updates available on the EU4Schools portal, the journey towards educational excellence continues.