Albania’s education sector has faced increased strain following the COVID-19 pandemic and a major earthquake in 2019. Issues of underfunding, limited infrastructure and unequal access to resources have disproportionately affected vulnerable student populations. However, with support from local organizations and international partners, efforts are underway to strengthen the system and ensure quality education for all children in Albania.

Education Investment and Teacher Conditions

Albania has not yet met the global recommendation of allocating 6% of its gross domestic product (GDP) to education. As a result, public schools face challenges including under-resourced classrooms, limited infrastructure and a lack of inclusive tools to support diverse learners. Teachers are especially affected by these gaps, receiving low wages while working in overcrowded environments with limited professional support. According to Education International, these conditions have long-term implications for teacher retention and system performance. In response, local education unions have begun mobilizing to advocate for increased public funding and fair treatment for educators.

Barriers for Roma Children and Students With Disabilities

While Albania maintains a high enrollment rate overall, the quality and accessibility of education remain unequal. Roma children, Europe’s largest ethnic minority, face additional obstacles including poverty, discrimination and language barriers. These factors increase the risk of dropout and limit long-term academic success. Children with disabilities also encounter barriers, particularly due to limited teacher training and a lack of specialized educational strategies. According to Broken Chalk, very few teachers are equipped to support inclusive learning and those who are trained are not widely distributed across schools. As a result, many children with disabilities are unable to receive consistent, high-quality education.

UNICEF and Local Efforts to Expand Access

In partnership with the Ministry of Education and civil society, UNICEF has launched programs to identify out-of-school children and bring them back into the education system. These efforts aim to address the specific needs of marginalized groups and provide technical guidance to local and national governments. UNICEF’s involvement includes improving data systems, promoting inclusive learning environments and enhancing coordination between central and local authorities. These collaborations are designed to ensure long-term reform and more equitable educational access across Albania.

Community-Based Support Through Nehemiah Gateway

GlobalGiving has partnered with Nehemiah Gateway, a nonprofit that supports an educational program helping around 200 individuals each year in southern Albania. The program is inclusive of all students—especially Roma youth—and provides a strong academic foundation for future employment and personal growth. Nehemia Schools offer small class sizes for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, allowing staff to provide individualized attention. Every year, students from kindergarten to ninth grade receive free hot meals and social support, helping create a stable learning environment for those at risk of falling behind.

Advocacy Campaigns Push for Systemic Reform

To address structural challenges in Albania’s education system, Education International launched the Go Public! Fund Education campaign. This global movement has taken root locally, mobilizing teachers, civil society groups and policymakers to push for increased investment in education and improved working conditions. In February 2025, Albania hosted its first Community Forum on Education, which brought together educators, families and government officials. Forum participants called for stronger infrastructure, increased teacher salaries and greater transparency in school funding. A subsequent Policy Analysis Workshop focused on evaluating national education budgets and drafting reform proposals.

Looking Ahead

Ongoing advocacy from international and local stakeholders continues to spotlight education as a critical pillar of Albania’s development. While challenges persist, collaborative initiatives—such as those led by UNICEF, Nehemiah Gateway and Education International—are helping to bridge access gaps and build a more inclusive system. Progress could require sustained investment, teacher support and targeted reforms to reach underserved communities. With continued coordination and policy engagement, Albania could take further steps toward ensuring equitable, high-quality education for all students.

– Sarina Francis

Sarina is based in Tallahassee, FL, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr