A new Democracy Lab was inaugurated at primary school “Bashkim Fino” in Tirana, marking a further step in Albania’s efforts to strengthen democratic citizenship through education.
The lab is one of 17 learning spaces established under the project “Strengthening Democratic Citizenship Education in Albania”, implemented by the Council of Europe and funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The initiative supports a shift toward more participatory, skills-based approaches to citizenship education in schools.
Speaking at the event, Giulia Re, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Tirana, described the lab as a practical investment in democratic culture, highlighting its role in enabling students to engage, deliberate and take responsibility in a structured environment.
Swedish Ambassador Niklas Ström emphasised that democratic values are best learned through practice, noting the importance of creating space for critical thinking and open discussion. Deputy Minister of Education Herida Duro underlined that the labs introduce new approaches to learning centred on participation, coexistence and human rights.
The inauguration was attended by Megi Fino, Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Arta Dollani, General Director of the National Agency for Pre-University Education, reflecting institutional support for integrating these models into the national education system in line with European standards.
The Democracy Lab at “Bashkim Fino” combines three core components:
- Flexible learning environment: modular furniture designed to facilitate group work and discussion;
- Digital equipment: smart boards, laptops and video-conferencing tools supporting interactive and connected learning.
- Pedagogical resources: digital tools and guidance materials developed jointly by the Council of Europe and the Agency for Quality Assurance in Pre-University Education.
The opening event included a student-led session titled “European Institutions and My Role as an Active Citizen”, during which eighth-grade students used the lab’s tools to present their work and reflect on their participation in student governance.
Students also demonstrated a structured classroom decision-making process inspired by Swedish practices, based on three steps: propose, vote and implement.
As part of the programme, the school hosted the travelling exhibition “Fake vs. Facts”, aimed at strengthening media literacy and supporting students in identifying misinformation.
The rollout of the 17 Democracy Labs across Albania reflects a broader effort to embed democratic competences in everyday school practice, with a focus on participation, critical thinking and responsible citizenship.
The project “Strengthening Democratic Citizenship Education in Albania” is implemented by the Council of Europe and funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
