Sharp rebuke of Albanian education priorities
The Freedom Party reacted today regarding the state of education in Albania, stating that “every year, the number of students in schools decreases significantly.”
Through a press statement, the Freedom Party's Secretary for Public Relations, Arla Merja, responded to the remarks made by the Minister of Education and Sports, Ogerta Manastirliu, about equipping schools with “smart labs”, CE Report quotes ATA.
“Instead of focusing on a fundamental improvement in the quality of teaching, on promoting meritocracy, or on serious investment in the professional training of young people, the Minister of Education has once again chosen the easy way out — propaganda. And this time, she talks to us about 'smart labs.' As if technology can erase the lack of textbooks, the absence of well-trained teachers, and the dramatic emptying of school benches,” said Merja.
According to her, the most basic problems in the Albanian education system still remain unresolved.
“How can we talk about advanced technology when many schools in Albania don’t even have functioning toilets, heating during the winter, running water, or enough textbooks for students? Isn’t it cynical to speak of virtual labs when teachers themselves often don’t receive proper training and are paid below the minimum level of dignity?” she added.
Merja stated that “our education system doesn’t need cosmetic fixes, but rather serious intervention, deep reforms, and a complete reorientation of priorities.”
“We need investment in teachers, in students, and in the substance of knowledge — not in digital façades with no depth that serve only political propaganda. Therefore, instead of putting on a show with 'smart labs,' we call on the Minister of Education and the entire government to come back down to earth. Go to the schools, not for the cameras, but to see the reality. Talk to the students, listen to the teachers, and introduce policies that stem from real needs — not from ambitions for hollow media headlines,” she concluded.
