UNDP Albania/CERS: Minister Grlić-Radman visits "Iliria" 9-year school & kindergarten in Fushë-Kruja

The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia Visits "Iliria" School and Kindergarten in Fushë-Kruja, Fully Reconstructed with Funding from Croatia.
Kruja, Albania - April 18th, 2023 - The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia, Gordan Grlić-Radman, visited the "Iliria" 9-year School and kindergarten in Fushë-Kruja, Kruja Municipality, which was fully reconstructed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with a funding of Euro 1 million, from the government of Croatia. The school and kindergarten were heavily damaged by the earthquake that struck Albania in 2019.
The school and kindergarten host 156 pupils and 14 members of the academic staff. The reconstruction was based on two fundamental principles: "Build Back Better" and "Build Back Together."
"Build Back Better" implies more robust structures that can withstand earthquakes and natural disasters while meeting international quality and safety standards. Through the "Build Back Together" principle, pupils, parents, and the community were engaged in consultations and continuous communication to "tailor" the design to their needs.
The newly reconstructed school and kindergarten are powered by renewable energy sources and have been designed to be accessible for pupils and children with disabilities, providing dedicated spaces for medical care and psychological support. They include modern facilities such as laboratories, an indoor gym, a sports court, and will also serve as a community center.
During his visit, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia interacted with children and teachers about the new learning and teaching opportunities that the new school and kindergarten provide.
Minister Gordan Grlić-Radman said:
“This school is not just a building, it is a symbol of hope and resilience. We all remember the devastating earthquake that hit Albania in November 2019, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Today we are heartened to have been able to play a part in the rebuilding efforts through our largest bilateral development cooperation project to date”.
UNDP Resident Representative in Albania, Monica Merino, emphasized:
"The Iliria school and kindergarten represent hope, resilience, and progress for the community. We are grateful for this strategic support of the Croatian government, which has allowed us to build a sustainable and accessible educational facility for the children and the community of Fushë-Kruja."
The support of the Croatian government in reconstructing the "Iliria" 9-year school and kindergarten demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in helping countries cope with natural disasters.