The Korça region will start the new school year with a significant drop in the number of students, compared to the previous year. From 21,080 students who were registered last year, this year the number has dropped to 17,354 – a difference of 3,726 fewer students.
According to the Independent Education Union in Korça, this figure is worrying, but not unexpected. Union representatives emphasize that the phenomenon of declining student numbers has been present for years and is expected to worsen further in the coming years.
The most affected are the first grades, where shortages have been observed for two years. Experts warn that this trend will continue in later cycles, affecting 9-year and secondary education.
The main causes of this situation are related to the emigration of young people and the significant decline in the birth rate in the country.
The decline in student numbers is affecting not only schools in rural areas, but also those in the city of Korça. Three schools in the city, “Naim Frashëri”, “Ismail Qemali” and “Asdreni”, are currently at the minimum number of students to maintain their status as independent institutions. If numbers fall further, they risk becoming subordinate schools.
Meanwhile, even though the number of teachers without a full teaching load has increased, the union explains that, according to the collective agreement, no teacher will be left without a job, they will be placed as assistant teachers.
