Albania’s ‘After School’ initiative will now reach over 400 public schools this year, offering pupils a variety of clubs and activities aimed at nurturing talents, reducing screen time, and fostering social engagement, according to Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro.
Albania’s “After School” programme will reach 408 public schools this year, with pupils choosing clubs and activities rather than being assigned a fixed after-hours routine, Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said on Saturday.
In a video message posted on social media, Kumbaro said the scheme is meant to do more than simply keep children occupied until parents finish work. She said the first weeks will be used by parents and pupils to decide which clubs they want to join, with options expected to include sport, art and other activities that help children develop their talents.
According to the minister, younger primary pupils will also be able to get help with homework, while the wider aim is to reduce time spent on screens and increase social, cultural and practical engagement. The programme is being organised through school-based clubs rather than by tailoring hours to each family’s needs.
Kumbaro said the recruitment process for trainers is still under way, with applications open to teachers working in schools, active teachers, retired teachers and professionals from the arts and sports sectors who meet the criteria. She also stressed that success will depend on close communication between schools and parents, with head teachers, deputy heads and class teachers all expected to play a role in coordination.
The rollout follows earlier announcements that the scheme would expand nationwide this school year, with Albana Koçiu, Albania’s deputy prime minister, saying the programme was designed to encourage creativity and talent development. State broadcaster RTSH reported on 1 September that the trainer call had opened, while other Albanian outlets said the initiative was originally piloted before being scaled up to more than 400 institutions, reflecting the government’s plan to use this year’s results as a basis for further expansion.
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