Today marks the start of the new academic year in Albania, with around 345,000 students returning to classrooms across the country.
According to the Ministry of Education, there are a total of 31,000 teachers engaged in the education system this year. Special emphasis has been placed on supporting students with disabilities: 2,260 assistant teachers are now available, which represents an increase of 150 compared to 2024.
Key support measures for this school year include:
- Free transportation for 38,000 students and 12,000 teachers.
- 3,500 scholarships for students in need of financial assistance.
- Free textbooks distributed to primary-level children nationwide.
In Elbasan, as in the rest of the country, parents and children rushed to collect free textbooks. However, while families welcomed this support, many expressed concerns over the cost of other school materials.
In contrast, Korçë faces a worrying decline in student numbers. Compared to last year, the student population dropped by 3,726, from 21,080 to 17,354. This decline has led to the merging of several schools, with dozens of first-grade classes not opening due to a lack of registrations.
The Teachers’ Union in Korçë warned that the nearly 25% decrease in student numbers is an alarming trend that requires urgent intervention. The reduction in students also affects teachers, many of whom face reduced teaching loads and will need to be reassigned as assistant teachers or involved in after-school programs.
