Dozens of activists gathered in front of the Ministry of Education in Tirana to demand basic conditions in school premises, such as heating.

Protesters placed heaters in front of the ministry on Monday, symbolically representing the lack of heating in many educational institutions across the country.

On Friday, education minister Evis Kushi announced that all schools will remain closed for three days as temperatures will dip below zero.

“Our country closed down school and cannot even support their heating. In Dibra and Maqellare there is no water and heating. Students pick up wood to warm up their classroom”, said activist Migen Qiraxhi.

Education minister Evis Kushi ruled out lack of heating, as the reason why she ordered schools to be shut down.

“We’ve been informed that in many schools water deposits are frozen, but not many schools lack heating. This isn’t only about heating, there are other elements”, said Kushi.

Minister Kushi also dismissed rising COVID-19 figures as another reason for shutting down schools.

Parents to get three days off work

In light of the government’s decision, one parent will also be allowed to get three days off work in order to stay home with their children.

The rule only applies to parents working in the public sector, although the government called also on private institutions to consider making an exception.