Two education facilities: “Korb Muça” 9-Year School and “Europa” Kindergarten in Qereke, municipality of Kruje were inaugurated today in the presence of the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Prime Minister Edi Rama, Minister of Education Evis Kushi, Head of the European Union Delegation in Albania Luigi Soreca, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Albania Fiona McCluney UNDP Resident Representative Limya Eltayeb, local government representatives, parents, teachers, and children. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the plaque of Kindergarten Europa.

While speaking at a press conference with the Prime Minister, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen underlined:” I could not have chosen a better start for my tour through the Western Balkans than here in Albania and starting with inaugurating the Korb Muça Kindergarten and here the school – fantastic. It was impressive to see, to have a look at the children over there, the boys playing basketball, the girls with the volleyball but also the class with the chemistry. I wish I could have sent my children to such a fantastic school – really, really amazing. And I really want to thank all those, the team here, that have made that possible. And to keep now the school up and running, without you that would not have been possible. So many, many thanks for that. This is amazing”.

The Korb Muca Kindergarten and 9-Year School are a new construction comprised of three separate buildings: a one-storey Kindergarten, a 2-storey 9-Year School with 10 classrooms and 3 labs and a separate gym building. These are completed by outdoor sports facilities. The main school building has an elevator installed and all buildings have ramps to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities.

130 Pupils, 30 children, and 13 teachers are direct beneficiaries of this investment by the EU worth 1,764,173.82 Euro.  

The construction of the educational facility started in April 2020, based on two key principles: (i) #BuildBackBetter, aiming at rebuilding stronger, safer, more disaster-resilient infrastructure and systems and with higher standards and (ii) #BuildBackTogether through engaging children, pupils’ local governments, local public institutions, and communities in public consultations to have a say on the design and reconstruction process.

“Korb Muca” 9-Year School and Kindergarten “Europa” are part of the EU4Schools Programme funded by the European Union with Euro 75 million. 63 education facilities in the 11 earthquake affected municipalities will be repaired or reconstructed in the context of the Programme, which is implemented by UNDP.

To date, 15 education facilities have been completed and handed over to the beneficiaries. To increase transparency and accountability, an online Transparency Portal is established (http://eu4schoolsportal.al/). This portal is the gateway for transparency and communication with the direct beneficiaries and the public.

All education facilities to be reconstructed or repaired in the context of the EU4Schools programme are built with the highest standards of construction, eco-friendly materials, according to Eurocode 8. 80% of the kindergartens and crèches will be able to rely on solar panels hence greatly contributing to increased energy efficiency. All education facilities are provided with access for people with disabilities. Each institution now has new sport facilities, as well as a dedicated infirmary, psychologist room and fire escape.e text goes here ---