Albania’s schools are operating normally across the country despite damage caused during recent protests, Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said on Monday. She thanked teachers for their commitment, urged parents to communicate more with their children and invited university students to continue dialogue with the ministry.

In a message delivered from the Education Ministry’s offices, Kumbaro said ministry staff had continued working throughout the disruptions. Some employees worked online because protesters had damaged parts of the ministry’s offices. She added that officials had maintained constant contact with schools over the weekend to ensure classes resumed nationwide. Teachers, school leaders, security officers and social workers stood ready to welcome students, she said.

Classes resumed on Monday at more than 1,400 schools across Albania. Kumbaro praised teachers for their dedication to children and their continued communication with parents. She urged families to trust educators and discuss recent events with their children. “Every hour that violence takes from them, every minute they spend watching the vandalism inflicted on our city on social media, represents time lost from their lives,” she said. She stressed that children should devote their time to education and confirmed that schools remained fully operational.

The minister also addressed university students, reaffirming her willingness to meet and discuss improvements to the education system. She said she had maintained contact with students individually throughout her tenure. “The ministry’s door is open, and so are the hearts of its staff,” Kumbaro said. She added that she remained ready to sit down with students at any time to discuss the changes needed to move forward.