EU4Schools: Inauguration of “Asim Vokshi” High School in Tirana

Today, Asim Vokshi High School in Tirana was inaugurated, opening its doors to pupils and teachers. The school, impacted by the 2019 earthquake, has undergone thorough repairs and renovations, unveiling a contemporary educational facility. The new school features an IT lab, a chemistry lab, a library, a multifunctional room, psychological and medical facilities, and an indoor gym. The main school building is equipped with an elevator and ramps, ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities.

750 pupils and 62 teachers are direct beneficiaries of this EU investment, totaling ALL 162,000,000. The repair of the school is guided by two key principles: #BuildBackBetter, aiming at rebuilding stronger, safer, and more disaster-resilient infrastructure and systems; and #BuildBackTogether, engaging children, pupils’ local governments, local public institutions, and communities in public consultations to have a say on the design and reconstruction process. Tirana municipality is one of 11 partner municipalities of the Programme, where 7 education facilities are under repair/reconstruction. 

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of the European Union Delegation in Tirana, Silvio Gonzato, the Minister of Education and Sports, Ogerta Manastirliu, the Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, the Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Albania, Francisco Roquette, and pupils.

“Today we’ve inaugurated the “Asim Vokshi” High School in Tirana, providing its students and teachers with a modern learning environment. EU4Schools, is one of the EU programmes I’m most proud of. It was born as a sign of our solidarity with the people of Albania, hit by a tragic earthquake, but it quickly became much more than just improving infrastructure. EU4Schools has provided schools with sport facilities, rooms for psychosocial assistance, ensuring health, safety and accessibility for all students, while promoting energy efficiency and offering a proper environment for learning. It’s such a satisfaction now to see young Albanians thriving in these modern and safe facilities,” said Ambassador Silvio Gonzato.

"Asim Vokshi" School is part of the EU4Schools Programme, funded by the European Union with €75 million. 63 education facilities in the 11 earthquake-affected municipalities are being reconstructed or repaired in the context of the Programme, which is implemented by UNDP.

“The impact of "EU4Schools" goes beyond mere infrastructure reconstruction or rehabilitation. It champions the cause of quality education as per SDG 4. This year UNDP marks 20 years of partnership with EU - all based on shared values enshrined in the UN charter We express our profound gratitude to the European Union for their steadfast support and investment in education, recognizing it as the cornerstone of a better future for generations to come,” declared the UNDP representative Francisco Roquette.

To date, 52 education facilities have been completed and handed over to the beneficiaries. To increase transparency and accountability, an online transparency portal has been established (http://eu4schoolsportal.al/), serving as the gateway for transparency and communication with direct beneficiaries and the public.

All education facilities under the EU4Schools programme adhere to the highest standards of construction, utilizing eco-friendly materials and conforming to Eurocode 8.

Accessibility for persons with disabilities is ensured across all facilities, which now also feature new sports courts, dedicated infirmaries, psychologist rooms, and fire escape stairs.