Pupils and teachers have returned to classes in their totally transformed “Shaqe Mazreku” school building in Durres that meets high standard requirements for educational institutions and provides spaces for contemporary educational needs after being forced to abandon because of the severe damages the old building sustained due to the earthquake on November 26 last year. Visiting the new school where its pupils have returned back in less than a year since the tragic night last November, Prime Minister Edi Rama hailed the new educational facility as an ideal and perfect building, a promise made and a promise kept for this school’s pupils and teachers. “I wouldn’t have really believed we will enter the new school on the scheduled date,” the school principal said.

The new educational facility meets contemporary standards, both in terms of the interior premises as well as the outdoor sports grounds. The new education infrastructure meets all requirements, including an elevator, emergency exits and other special school premises.

“It is a much better structure with much larger spaces to address educational needs,” one of the teachers said.

A total of 31 new educational facilities will be built in Durres, with 12 of them, according to Durres Mayor Emiriona Sako, slated to complete within this year, while work to construct the rest is also underway. The rebuilding projects include reconstruction of seven other school buildings.

According to the Education Minister Evis Kushi the new school represents another evidence showing how the earthquake crisis can turn into a great opportunity.