A New Beginning for Kastrioti Elementary School
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Loading... - Arturo Ortiz
- 07 Mar 2025
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From Challenges to Opportunity
Nestled in the quiet village of Kastrioti, just 15 minutes from Peshkopia, Kastrioti Elementary School has long been a cornerstone of the community. However, the school has faced significant infrastructure challenges, including cracked floors, leaking roofs, outdated electrical systems, and unusable toilets. These conditions have made the pursuit of education an uphill battle. A recent assessment by UNICEF highlighted the urgent need for repairs, yet the resilience of students, teachers, and parents has shone through. Many have taken it upon themselves to clean classrooms, determined to keep the spirit of learning alive despite the obstacles.
Aulona, a 7th-grade student, expressed the struggles faced daily: "Every day we face the cold classrooms and the leaking roof, and sometimes it’s hard to focus on our lessons. We all love our school, but these conditions make learning harder, and it feels like we’re always just getting by."
A New Dawn Through USAID Support
Hope is on the horizon for Kastrioti Elementary, thanks to the USAID-funded “Equitable School Infrastructure Investment” project, implemented in partnership with UNICEF and local authorities. Kastrioti Elementary is one of four schools in the Dibra municipality selected for this transformative initiative. This project represents a significant opportunity to reshape not only the school but also the community’s vision of educational opportunity.
USAID Representative Mischere Kawas addressed the community, emphasizing the importance of their voices in the process: "Seeing students share courageous suggestions with decision-makers is inspiring. This partnership with UNICEF is about more than just improving walls; it’s about creating a space where every student feels safe, valued, and inspired to learn. Thank you for coming together as a community to make this possible."
The project envisions a modern two-story building designed to meet the needs of Kastrioti’s students and teachers. It will include updated science and IT labs, sports facilities, and a reliable heating system, addressing long-standing challenges. The new infrastructure will also feature accessibility options for children with disabilities and gender-sensitive facilities, ensuring a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Geography teacher Mufit Kaloshi expressed his enthusiasm: "This transformation is exactly what we need. Kastrioti School has great potential, and now we’ll have the infrastructure to support our students’ talents. These improvements will make learning fit for a 21st-century education."
A Community Revitalized
The renovation of Kastrioti Elementary School signifies more than just a new building; it revitalizes the community’s commitment to education, ensuring that future generations have the opportunities they deserve. UNICEF Representative Murat Sahin echoed this sentiment, stating, "As an engineer, I know how essential it is to bring the community together for solutions. Seeing change—like new school facilities—gives the community hope. Thanks to our partnership with USAID, we’re creating a process aimed at improving classrooms across the country. The voices of teachers, students, and parents have been crucial in making this vision a reality, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds."
Kastrioti Elementary School is set to become more than just a school; it will serve as a center for growth, learning, and inspiration for the entire village. This project marks the beginning of a new chapter, showcasing what’s possible when communities and partners unite to create lasting change. For the students of Kastrioti, this journey has just begun, and the future ahead is filled with promise.
