In response to the recent tragic death of a 14-year-old student, a peaceful protest took place in Albania on Monday, calling for stronger safety measures in schools. Organized by parents and civil society groups, the demonstration gathered outside the Ministry of Education and Sports in Tirana, with participants urging authorities to ensure a safer environment for children.
Carrying banners with messages like “Irresponsible institutions kill” and “Who is responsible for the lost lives?” the protesters expressed their concern over the incident, in which a student was fatally stabbed by a peer earlier this month. While demanding accountability, the protesters also put forward constructive suggestions, including the increase of the education budget to 5% of GDP, a ban on mobile phones during lessons, and the introduction of security officers in schools.
The tragic event, which occurred on November 18 near a school in Tirana, has prompted widespread discussion about the safety of students, both inside and outside school grounds. In response, the Ministry of Education and Sports reaffirmed its commitment to improving school safety and collaborating with other institutions to prevent such incidents in the future.
Prime Minister Edi Rama also announced the launch of a public consultation with parent communities across the country to discuss measures aimed at enhancing student safety. Among the proposed steps is the potential blocking of social media platforms, such as TikTok and Snapchat, in a bid to reduce online conflicts among young people.
While the protest highlighted the concerns of the community, it also reflected a shared desire for change and a safer educational environment for all students. Organizers hope these discussions will lead to meaningful action that ensures children can learn in a secure and supportive setting.
