Kindergarten Rehabilitation

In 2020 Help in Albania undertook a seven-month project to improve the early children development experiences of toddlers & young children in the town of Ballsh in the Municipality of Mallakastra.  

In much of Albania, especially in poor rural municipalities, many public institutions such as preschool facilities are in poor state of repair and most need substantial investment and considerable rehabilitation.  Consequently, many preschool institutions are not being used to their full capacity as many parents choose not to enrol their children in local preschool institutions.

The creche & kindergarten in the 29 Nentori neighbourhood of Ballsh, which had been built the early 1960s, was a dire situation due to considerable water damage, poor flooring & outdated plumbing & electrics as well as inadequate heating.  Many parents of children of preschool age were staying home to look after their children instead of sending them to the creche or kindergarten.  The creche & kindergarten was only using a third of its capacity.  

In the summer of 2021 a tender was launched to select a local construction company to undertaken the rehabilitation works.  The selected construction company, under the supervision of Help in Albania and the Municipal Engineer, undertook the substantial works.  In parallel to the rehabilitation works, the Municipality of Mallakaster arranged for a playground to be installed in the outdoor space at the creche & kindergarten for the toddlers & young children to use.

On 14 December 2021 the creche & kindergarten was officially reopened.  In addition, to children and staff, Mr Qerim Ismailaj, the Mayor of Mallakaster, and Mr Ilir Lico, Help’s Country Director in Albania, attended the opening ceremony.  Ilir Lico said “Help in Albania is very proud to have organised the rehabilitation of the 28 Nentori creche & kindergarten, which is and will improve the educational experiences of children in the town of Ballsh”