Toward a unified model and beyond the school timetable, Kumbaro: Pilot program “After School” begins

The “After School” program has begun piloting in several schools in the capital. The news was announced by the Minister of Education, Mirela Kumbaro, through a post on her official page.

“From this week, the pilot program ‘After School’ has started, and after classes end, students are involved in their preferred activities, from dance and crafts to visual arts and doing homework,” Kumbaro stated.

The Minister of Education also congratulated the students and teachers of the “Androkli Kostallari” school, a school on the outskirts of Tirana, where the “After School” program has begun its pilot phase with a selected number of students.

“Good luck to the students and the dedicated teachers of this school who, through this program, educate, entertain, and encourage cooperation within the community,” Kumbaro wrote.

In the video posted by the minister, students expressed enthusiasm and happiness that their school is now also a space to develop talents and passions in various fields such as art, sports, and creativity. For parents, this is a welcome initiative that supports their children after school hours.

The Ministry of Education had previously presented the program “After School Education in Albania – Policies, Standards and Models for Inclusive Development,” which aims to improve and unify extracurricular activities in schools, combining local experience with international best practices, including models such as the “21st Century Schools” program.

The program aims to develop digital competencies, critical thinking, and skills needed for today’s time.

The “After School” program, currently piloted in 46 schools in Tirana, is not only intended to extend students’ time at school but to create a safe and inspiring environment where they can develop talents, social skills, and civic awareness.

The initiative also aims to eliminate the fragmentation of existing programs and create a structured approach, including initiatives such as arts and crafts, “Farm in School,” sports teams, and schools as community centers.

As previously stated by Minister Mirela Kumbaro, under the new scheme approved by the Albanian government, hourly payments for teachers involved in the “After School” program have been doubled.

“KORÇA BOOM”