The 2026-2027 school year has started with improved school infrastructure, stronger safety measures and expanded after-school activities.

Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro sent a video message to students, teachers and parents, wishing students success and underscoring efforts to provide better learning conditions. Around 25,000 children are entering school for the first time.

According to Kumbaro, this year, 53 new or rehabilitated schools will open their doors. The Education Ministry has also approved 39 additional school renovation projects.

More than 400 safety officers will work in schools under updated protocols and standards. The education system will also have 900 psychologists and social workers to address students’ social and emotional needs. Twenty schools in Tirana will join the pilot Smart City project with additional security measures using smart cameras.

Meanwhile, the ‘After-School’ programme will expand to 408 schools nationwide after its pilot phase in Tirana last year. Students and parents will choose clubs covering arts, music, theatre, sports, crafts and other activities. Teachers, retired teachers, artists, craftspeople and other professionals can apply to lead the activities.

Preliminary data from the Education Ministry show that around 1,200 students have transferred from private to public schools this year. Kumbaro says the trend reflects growing family confidence in the public education system.

/a.p./