New academic year starts

TIRANA, Sept. 15 – More than half a million young Albanians filled the country’s elementary and secondary schools Monday, marking the start of a new academic year.
They include the 32,000 pupils between the ages of six and seven starting school for the first time.
Authorities say they are trying hard to create better conditions in the country’s state-run education system. However, problems persist, local media reports, with many schools around the country failing to meet international standards.
In addition, overpopulation remains a big concern.
A conference held last week also showed that Albania spends the least percentage of its budget for the education system compared to all other European countries.
Ironically, spending during the former communist regime was higher than at anytime in the two post-communist decades.
Prime Minister Edi Rama said this week a full reform would take place to provide proper teachers for each subject.