A project set to change children’s future
Children in Fushe Kruje now attend classes in a brand-new school and kindergarten that was made possible by the government of Croatia and they adore it.
Fushe Kruje, November 26, 2019. Dawn.
The earth kept shaking.
Buildings collapsed, trapping people inside.
People lost their loved ones, their homes, and their livelihoods.
The children of Fushe Kruja lost something dear to them: their school and kindergarten. But they did not lose heart.
Ina Skenderi, an eighth grader at “Iliria 9-year school,” recalls the next day when she and her friends, ran to their school holding their breath.
“It was so sad to see it heavily damaged.
Due to concerns for our safety, our teachers forbade us from getting close.
The old school structure was already in terrible condition.
It had a lot of moist.It looked like it was ready to fall apart.
My friends and I participated in discussions concerning the new school.
We were requested to select one of the two designs that the architects showed.
“This was something completely new to us.”
Pamela Hasa, a pupil in the same school says: “Our new school is a dream come true. I has a gym, a sports court, well-equipped science laboratory, library and everything else that a school in Europe has. Words fail to describe how happy I am. The new school has made learning so much interesting”.
Skerdi Karaj — Principal of “Iliria” 9-year school says: “As the School Principle for over three years, my biggest challenge was the school infrastructure. Lucky enough with the kind support of the Croatian Government, a new school has been built which promises to resist natural disasters. For the very first time ever, we were engaged in consultations about the new building. This gave us a strong sense of belonging”.
Kujtim Zalla — Resident of Fushë-Kruja says: “I am a resident of Fushë-Kruja community. My children attend “Iliria” 9-year school. Before the earthquake, the school was already old and did not meet the right conditions for a decent education.After the earthquake, pupils’ and teachers’ safety was seriously compromised. My children have now returned to the new school. I can’t be happier. A decent education is all I can give to my children.”
A smart investment from the Government of Croatia
The new school, a one-million-euro investment from the Government of Croatia, is part of the Education Recovery Support Fund made available to Albania to cope with the devastating earthquake of November 26th, 2019.
UNDP, as the implementer of the program, combines two principles during the reconstruction process: #BuildBackBetter and #BuildBackTogether.
#BuildBackBetter implies stronger structures that can resist earthquakes and natural disasters and bear the highest international standards of quality and safety. The new school, powered by renewable energy sources, is fully accessible for pupils and children with disabilities, has dedicated spaces for medical care and psychological support.
This new academic year found 150 pupils and 14 members of the academic staff in a brand new school fit for 21st century education.
Modern classrooms, indoor and outdoor sports playgrounds, cooling and heating systems, psychological and medical rooms, and facilities for cultural events are only some of the features of the new school.
Minister Counsellor of Croatian Embassy in Tirana Maja Drmač said: “This is a strategic investment of Croatian Government in Albania. It is an investment for the future generations of Albania , That is why it has very special importance. The school is built with the highest European standards, is bigger, safer and has the necessary equipment needed for the teaching and learning process.”
If you go to Fushe Kruja, here is a suggestion: Go and visit the newly built school and kindergarten. There’s nothing better than the smiley faces of children. They are happy for this investment set to change their future.
