While classes have started and students have returned to their desks, municipalities in several cities across the country have opened tenders for the reconstruction of educational buildings, a step that comes late, like "a fence that is erected after the horse has run away."
In Gramsh, the Municipality has made available around 140 million lek for the reconstruction of the 9-year school “35th Anniversary of the Liberation of Gramsh” and the construction of the gym. With the winning company already announced, the students have been temporarily relocated to another institution, while the works are expected to last 10 months.
In Elbasan, the "Dhaskal Todri" school will benefit from a complete reconstruction of the existing building, the surrounding wall and the construction of an emergency staircase. The fund allocated by the Municipality of Elbasan is around 200 million lek, while the deadline for completion of the works is August 2026.
In Bushat, the Vau i Dejës Municipality has planned to spend 120 million lekë for the reconstruction of the 9-year and high schools, including the addition of two floors. The contracted company will have 12 months to complete the works.
Meanwhile, the Municipality of Tirana has announced a tender worth over 166 million lek for the purchase of furniture and equipment necessary for the teaching process.
Currently, there are a total of 1,363 9-year and secondary schools in the country, a significant decrease compared to 2013, when their number was 1,741. This means that in just over a decade, 378 schools have been closed.
According to data from the Ministry of Education and Sports, along with the closure of schools, there has also been a decline in the number of students. In 2013, there were an average of 254 students per school, while today this ratio has dropped to 183 students per school.
