New school year launched

TIRANA, Sep 14 – Some 650,000 Albanians students of the elementary level up to the high school level started their academic school year on Monday.
Many entered new classrooms or rehabilitated ones, but many others started in dismal conditions.
There are at least 6,000 children who are not able to attend school due to the poor situation in their families. Many of them work in the streets or other activities to support their families.
On Monday in southern Kucova town US embassy officials were present at a dedication ceremony marking the completion of a U.S.-financed humanitarian assistance project in the town.
The United States European Command (EUCOM) Humanitarian Assistance (HA) office provided approximately $670,000 to help renovate the primary school in Ku谶a. The project included the repair of the roof, renovation of exterior and interior walls, installing new doors and windows, tile flooring, and installing new exterior fire exit stairs. Inside the building, the classrooms and toilet facilities were completely renovated. SKE Group sponsored the basketball court and provided funds for the school’s furniture.
The United States Office of Defense Cooperation, working closely with Albanian authorities, has been delivering humanitarian assistance to the Albanian people since 1999.