While Kosovo announces financial support for students on the eve of the new academic year, in Albania students continue to face a lack of assistance, dormitories that are shared "with a friend".
The acting government of Kosovo has decided to provide 100 euros to each student at the beginning of the academic year, to help cover study expenses. The news was announced by the acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, during a cabinet meeting.
"On the occasion of the beginning of the academic year, today we will approve the decision to allocate the amount of 100 euros to all students who meet the criteria. This is immediate support for them and their families," said Kurti, also announcing support for students who study in cities other than their place of residence.
Meanwhile, in Albania, such assistance is not even a thought. The only 'relief' for students in Tirana is a free season ticket, which often has no practical value due to the chaos in urban transport.
Furthermore, there have recently been tensions between students and authorities over the way rooms are allocated in Student City, where according to student allegations, the benefit of dormitories is closely linked to acquaintances and interference.
At a time when the cost of living for a student in Albania is significantly higher than in Kosovo, the reaction of the Albanian authorities seems minimal, if not non-existent.
