The new academic year for 2023-2024 has officially begun across all pre-university educational institutions in Albania.
This year, approximately 29,000 students are embarking on their educational journey, with around 27,000 students entering the 10th grade.
All primary education students from grades 1 to 9, as well as 16 special-needs categories in secondary education, have been provided with free textbooks. These special-needs categories encompass a diverse range, including orphans, students facing economic hardships in their families, individuals with disabilities, and members of the Roma and Egyptian communities, among others.
What sets this academic year apart is that students in grades 1 to 3 will receive textbooks for single-use only. This means that students are not obliged to return the textbooks at the end of the school year.
This decision aims to address the challenges faced by younger students in caring for their books, especially since many textbooks contain notes that could pose difficulties for future generations of students.
Furthermore, throughout this school year, an enhanced “School Safety” package will be implemented to ensure increased security and protection. The primary objective is to preemptively mitigate any potential risks that might arise for students.
President Bajram Begaj has sent his well-wishes this Monday to all students, teachers, and parents as they embark on the new academic year.
In a social media post, the President offered a special message of encouragement to the children who are taking their first steps into the world of schooling.
“May success accompany every student, teacher, and parent throughout Albania in this new school year, and a special shout-out to those young students stepping into their first-grade classrooms! Your efforts and commitment today are shaping the future of Albania,” conveyed Begaj.
Prime Minister Edi Rama also extended warm wishes for a successful academic year to students and teachers.
“In this moment, as the school doors swing open and a fresh voyage of knowledge commences to the tune of our national anthem, I send heartfelt greetings for prosperity and accomplishment to all the children, students, educators, and parents across Albania,” expressed Rama in a social media post.
Simultaneously, the inaugural class session in all schools nationwide kicked off with the national anthem. It is worth noting that the national anthem will now be sung every Monday in all of the Albanian schools.
