Summer School 2025: A Transformative Experience for Albanian Children

This was the first summer where ten public schools in Tirana, Kamëz, and Durrës were buzzing with the voices of children. For 1,000 primary school children, the end of the academic year did not mark the end of attending school, but rather the beginning of a different kind of adventure, one filled with memories and new experiences.

Albania's Ministry of Education and Sports, in partnership with World Vision Albania, piloted Summer School 2025, a project filled with joy and social inclusion. It was a new, unforgettable, and transformative experience for the children.

This initiative focused on creating a safe, inclusive, and educational environment. Over ten days, children not only learned through play, but also had fun, made new friends, and built lasting memories. Away from screens and close to one another, they felt free, heard, and included.

"I liked it because it felt like a camp, and we had freedom in the activities. I’m really grateful to have been a part of it," shared a pupil from Qazim Turdiu school.

Eight out of the ten schools in the pilot were located in Tirana Municipality, one in Kamëz, and one in Durrës, engaging over 1,000 children and 130 teaching staff. Activities included games, sports, creative workshops, technology, cooking, and initiatives to promote social and emotional well-being.

"I liked it when we made pancakes and did cooking," said a child from Kiço Blushi School, reflecting the warm and creative atmosphere that was fostered.

Young volunteers played a key role, supporting teachers with activities and accompanying the children, adding youthful energy and enthusiasm to each day of the programme.

Encouraging Results

The outcomes of the programme were very positive. According to World Vision Albania's survey, over 75% of the children reported having a great time, while 88% of the parents said their children thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Children appreciated the games, sports, arts, and technology, as well as the opportunity to make new friends and build closer relationships with their teachers.

"I really liked the technology club, because we learned how to code," said a pupil from Avni Rustemi School.

Teachers also reported improvements in their organisational and creative skills, while parents were actively engaged, viewing the summer school as valuable support for their children.

"When you shed the role of teacher and blend in with them, you earn more respect and affection from your pupils," said one of the participating teachers.

“This experience helped me discover new areas of my professional skills,” added another teacher.

A Model for the Future

Summer School 2025 was not just a pilot project; it was a testament to the power of collaboration and commitment to children's well-being.

Interest in continuing the summer school is high. Teachers, parents, and the children themselves expressed a strong desire for the programme to be repeated and expanded.

Thanks to strong participation, engaging content, nutritious meals, and active parental support, the programme shows real potential to be scaled nationally and become a permanent part of the school calendar.

This partnership between World Vision Albania and the Ministry of Education and Sports shows that when institutions and organisations collaborate, children benefit.

And when children benefit, the future becomes brighter: not just for them, but for society as a whole.

Story and images by Alfons Çupaj, PR and Communications – World Vision Albania