Two new schools recently built under the post-earthquake reconstruction program in Durres opened doors recently, transforming into reality the promise to turn the last year’s tragedy into a fresh opportunity for schoolchildren and teachers in the quake-hit city.

The Adem Gjeli school in Ishem is one of the educational facilities where pupils and teachers are returning back to attend lessons in premises that meet contemporary standards for habitability and environmental comfort and provide spaces for best education conditions. Local community has also gained a new space for sports events after school hours. 

Prime Minister Edi Rama, accompanied by the Education Minister Evis Kushi, the State Minister for Reconstruction, Arben Ahmetaj, and the Mayor of Durres, Emiriana Sako, visited the new school that meets same standards as every other educational facility in the European Union member states. The new school has ten classrooms, a library, a laboratory, a gym and auxiliary facilities, with children themselves acknowledging that all these premises are “much better and more beautiful” than the old school.

The government head returned to his old passion for few minutes as he not only watched a basketball game of a group of students, but he also interacted with them.

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Xhelal Shtufi nine-year school in the village of Shkafane opened its doors to pupils and teachers recently. Just like any other educational facility being rebuilt under the Reconstruction program, this school is incomparable to the previous old building in terms of standards, quality and its look.

Prime Minister Rama briefly visited some of the classrooms of the new school, where the anti-COVID measures are strictly observed. In addition to the 15 renovated classrooms and laboratories, the botany plots, a special element of this school, as well as a gym that meets optimal parameters. “We didn’t train or play in such a gym when we used to play as professional or semi-professional basketball players. We used to go to the Student City and used to play and train in a much smaller gym than this one. In other words, ideal conditions are provided in order to educate and encourage children to participate in sports,” PM Rama told the physical education teacher.

A school infirmary is also part of the new school’s infrastructure.

The goal of the Reconstruction Program is not only to rebuild the damaged buildings, but also to turn them into much stronger and more beautiful structures than before.