Tirana, March 7th, 2024: On Teachers’ Day in Albania, the 9-year school “26 Nëntori” in Tirana was inaugurated.

Impacted by the 2019 earthquake, the school has undergone extensive repairs and renovations, revealing a modern educational facility. The refurbished school now includes an IT lab, a chemistry lab, a library, a multifunctional room, psychological and medical facilities, an indoor gym, and an outdoor sports court. Moreover, with the installation of an elevator and ramps, the main school building ensures accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

570 pupils and 33 teachers are the direct beneficiaries of this EU investment, totaling ALL 83,280,000.

The 9-year school “26 Nëntori” in Tirana is part of the “EU4Schools” Programme, funded by the European Union with €75 million. This is one of 63 education facilities in the 11 earthquake-affected municipalities being reconstructed or repaired in the context of the Programme, which is implemented by UNDP Albania.

The repair of the school is guided by two key principles: #BuildBackBetter, aiming at rebuilding stronger, safer, and more disaster-resilient infrastructure and systems; and #BuildBackTogether, engaging children, pupils, local public institutions, and communities in public consultations to have a say on the design and reconstruction process.
Tirana municipality is one of 11 partner municipalities of the Programme, where seven education facilities directly benefit from the “EU4Schools” intervention.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of the European Union Delegation in Tirana, Silvio Gonzato, the Minister of Education and Sports, Ogerta Manastirliu, the Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, and the UNDP Resident Representative Monica Merino, alongside pupils and academic staff.

With 52 education facilities already completed and handed over to beneficiaries, the “EU4Schools” Programme continues to prioritize transparency and accountability.

To this end, an online transparency portal has been established at http://eu4schoolsportal.al/, facilitating communication with stakeholders and the public.

All education facilities under the “EU4Schools” programme adhere to the highest standards of construction, utilizing eco-friendly materials and conforming to Eurocode 8.

Accessibility for persons with disabilities is ensured across all facilities, which now also feature new sports courts, dedicated infirmaries, psychologist rooms, and fire escape stairs.