"Besnik Sykja" high school is inaugurated, Veliaj: It is time to reconstruct the "Petro Nini" and "Edit Durham" schools
2023-10-27 15:38:56
TiranaPost
"Besnik Sykja" gymnasium is the newest reconstructed school in Tirana. With doubled facilities, 27 new classrooms and laboratories, a new gym and library, the new building of the capital's iconic gymnasium was inaugurated by the mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, the Minister of Education and Sports, Ogerta Manastirliu, the Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, Delina Ibrahimaj, as well as the Minister of Culture, Elva Margariti.
In his speech, Mayor Veliaj said that the reconstructed school will open another stage in the history of the success of this gymnasium in Tirana. "All the new schools have come out bigger than they were, even many times more beautiful, but the question is what do we do? Now we have 'computers' [school], but without 'software' we cannot work. Now we need more dedication from teachers. Someone who will become like Besnik Sykja, a famous basketball player, or the future Dua Lipa, has all the possibilities and open wings to fly. But it depends on us, how much we will encourage them," said Veliaj.
He said that in Tirana every child has the opportunity to go to a school of European standards, but also to follow their passions and dreams in institutions totally dedicated to them, one of which is the most important one. "Cynics and skeptics say every day that 'this country can't be done.' Agree, this place is not done, but for years we were the European Youth Capital. This place does not happen, but this year we are the European City of Sports. They say this place can't be done, but that Pyramid brought together half of Europe and is the biggest school in Tirana. My ambition and that of the Prime Minister is that from January 1st we will make the Pyramid free, so that every chick and every chick in Tirana, regardless of what their parents call them, regardless of their party affiliation, regardless of whether they come from Hasi or Këlcyra, have the same chance. Then the point, the basket, the goal, everyone makes it themselves", Veliaj said further.
The mayor added that 'Petro Nini' and 'Edit Durham' are the other two iconic schools of Tirana, which will be rebuilt in the next package. "It is time to make a public commitment for two schools in the center of Tirana, which are two exceptional schools. The time has come for both 'Petro Nini' and 'Edit Durham' to have a competition because we want them to be iconic schools in terms of infrastructure as well. Now that we are freed up a bit, this package of schools will also end (the two new lots in Astir, in Sauk and in the Dry Lake area), meanwhile I really want Unit 5 to continue with the two iconic schools, which actually they were the best built in the 60s and 70s, but today, with the new schools, they have lagged a little behind", declared Veliaj.
The Minister of Education and Sports, Ogerta Manastirliu, said that with this new school, another jewel is added to Tirana. "I am very pleased to see how another school is not only rehabilitated with the best conditions, but is a school 100% with European standards. I am really proud and I want to thank Lali Er and the Municipality of Tirana for a super investment, which is really worth the whole area. "Unit 5 and Tirana adds a jewel to the list of all newly reconstructed schools and this is one of the most beautiful schools, but above all the most usable from the point of view of the school's organization", said Manastirliu, adding that in 2024, the salary increase for teachers will continue.
The Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, Delina Ibrahimaj, said that the "Besnik Sykja" gymnasium is a model school, just like "Sami Frashëri", either in terms of quality, infrastructure, or the quality of education. The Minister of Culture, Elva Margariti singled out the new high school library. "As you approach, the first thing you see, beyond the name, is the library, which radiated more than anything else. I saw many enthusiastic young people, browsing Hygona or Dino Buxati, discussing the literature competition or attending the theaters. I'm glad that this space, which is a new heart, where, in addition to knowledge, many other activities should pulse, which make us all feel like a community", said Margariti.
"Besnik Sykja" school has 27 new classrooms, library, modern gym and other multifunctional spaces, which will create facilities for students, teachers and the community of the area.
