Kumbaro tells school leaders in Tirana: The new year begins with better communication, security and clear rules

Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro held a meeting with the heads of more than 200 schools that are part of the Tirana Regional Directorate of Pre-University Education, as preparations continue for the start of the new school year.

She presented the main priorities of the guidelines for the 2026–2027 school year, highlighting the ban on using mobile phones during classes, the implementation of the Code of Ethics for teachers and educational staff, and the creation of a welcoming atmosphere for students from the very first day.

Kumbaro said that educational institutions must operate according to the same principles and rules, maintaining the results achieved over the past year while also addressing the problems identified.

According to her, particular attention will be paid this year to communication, which should be the starting point for work in schools.

The minister also reiterated the rule banning mobile phones, emphasizing that its implementation must begin with teachers.

She also recalled that, one year ago, the Code of Ethics for teachers, security officers and psychosocial service employees was approved. Kumbaro clarified that the code is not only related to appearance, but especially to the way people communicate.

Under the new guidelines, the first day of school will have an introductory and orientation-focused character. Students will become familiar with the school, their teacher, books and classmates, so that the start of the year is as calm and welcoming as possible.

School security was also discussed during the meeting. Kumbaro informed parents and the public that data from the smart cameras installed in schools included in the “Smart City” project will be monitored by the Monitoring Center at the State Police.

The project was initially implemented as a pilot in 20 schools in Tirana and Kamza. The cameras are designed to identify various risks, including cigarette smoke, objects classified as dangerous in the catalogue, and the faces of people reported as posing a risk.

The minister underlined that this technology serves only as support and cannot replace attention or communication within the education system’s chain of command.

Another new development this year is the launch of the “After School” program, which will be implemented in 408 educational institutions across the country.

The program aims to provide lower and upper secondary students with creative and social activities, as well as steer them away from harmful technology use.

Meanwhile, the distribution of school textbooks has begun at educational institutions. They will be provided free of charge to lower secondary students, while textbooks for Grades 1–5 will be new every year.