U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Inaugurates Renovated Valbona School

TROPOJA, Sept. 19 – The U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Stephen Cristina and the Head of the Embassy’s Office for Defense Cooperation (ODC) Major Larry Harrison, together with the local authorities inaugurated Tuesday the only school in the village of Valbona, Tropoja, which was renovated through ODC Humanitarian Assistance funds. The renovation of the 700 sq. meter two-story school building included installation of the new roof, electrical wiring, heating units, plumbing, tiles, windows and doors. The restoration of restrooms and repair of the septic tank, gutters and drainage system were also completed. The building features several classrooms, a kindergarten, a nursery, a library, restrooms, and a kitchen. The total project cost amounted to over $140,000. The improved educational facilities will make it possible for the school age children of this very isolated area, which includes Valbona and neighboring villages, to have better opportunities to learn.The Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) manages the US Department of Defense’s Humanitarian Assistance program, providing direct humanitarian assistance to the Albanian people. This program has been active in Albania since 1996, providing supplies, rebuilding schools and medical facilities, developing water projects, and other non-military projects.