23/09/2022
Dear attendees, dear parents, fellow citizens, media representatives.
Dear colleagues, staff of the kindergarten "Zybejde Hanëm",
We would like to thank you for your participation here today, and would like to inform you about the latest act approved by the Ministry of Education and Sports in the Republic of Albania for the closure of the activity of the non-public kindergarten "Zübeyde Hanım", Tirana, part of the Turgut Ozal EDUCATION Sh.a.
Educational institutions under "Turgut Ozal Education" Sh.a. were among the first private educational institutions opened in Albania after the fall of the communist regime. Throughout this period, our institutions have offered quality education at all levels in accordance with the best international standards.
Since their establishment, these educational institutions have contributed to raising the younger generation equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and values that will enable them to excel in a rapidly changing world.
The non-public kindergarten "Zübeyde Hanım" is an institution licensed by the Order of the Minister responsible for education No. 67, dated 15.10.1998, with an address on Kavaja Street. This institution, considering the increase in demand from parents as well as to help the education of children of preschool age and beyond, since 2004 has continued its activity with more modern standards and including all technological innovations in support of the learning process, in the non-public pre-university educational complex "Turgut Ozal" located in the former town of students.
Throughout this 24-year period, this institution has exercised and continues to exercise its activity under the supervision of the relevant authorities in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Agency for Quality Assurance in Pre-University Education (ASCAP), General Directorate of Pre-University Education, the Regional Directorate of Pre-university Education Durrës, and the Local Education Office Tirana. All the necessary documentation has been submitted to the authorities.
However, despite the reputation enjoyed by our educational institutions in the country and beyond, we regret to point out that during the last few months, the kindergarten "Zübeyde Hanım" Tirana (hereinafter "the garden"), has suddenly been subject to increased inspections and not according to the normal calendar of inspections carried out by the bodies subordinate to the Ministry of Education and Sports (MAS). This culminated in the approval of the Order of the Minister of Education and Sports no. 540, dated 15.09.2022 "On closing the activity of the private institution of pre-university education "Zübeyde Hanım" Tirana", which you can find attached.
This quality and this standard is easily determined, not only by parents who have trusted us with their children for years, but also by any interested person, ordinary citizens or media representatives, who wish to visit its surroundings up close. The inspection reports, state that the kindergarten fulfills all the criteria of lawfulness. A recommendation was made by the inspector to obtain approval for changing the location of the garden, apparently a procedure to adapt to the law, which has found full support and readiness of Turgut Ozal Society to implement it.
In accordance with the recommendations, the non-public kindergarten "Zubeyde Hanim" has repeatedly applied for approval starting on 16.02.2022.
Regardless of our continuous requests during this period, with its letter no. 4004/5 Prot., dated 13.09.2022, MAS has rejected our request for approving the change of location, which is a routine procedure for anyone operating in the Republic of Albania.
We would like to emphasize that during all these years, the Zybejde Hanëm Preschool has been a constant part of the inspection routine by the directorates and responsible institutions, and in none of these processes such a concern has been brought to our attention. Suddenly, we find ourselves facing this unfair situation.
As mentioned above, we believe that we are facing such decisions that stem from situations outside the scope of law enforcement, and not related to education.
Viktor Hugo once said: the one who opens the door of a school closes the doors of the prison. Therefore, we are asking the Ministry of Education to review the decision, as these institutions and individuals who love education, for more than two decades have shown that, they vigorously respect the laws of the Republic of Albania.
We believe that the future of more than 200 children currently continuing their education in this kindergarten and the thousands of others who will come is worth more than any external pressure, which in fact has nothing to do with the reality of our country.
This decision affects the interest and disturbs the peace of more than 200 families, parents who trusted us with their children today and kills the hope of many others who will want to trust us with their children tomorrow. This decision kills the hope of 35 dedicated teachers that Albania can be a safe place.
We believe in democracy and the rule of law in the Republic of Albania, and we express our determination to follow the necessary legal steps to the very end with the justice bodies in the country and beyond.
In addition, we want to inform you that today we have filed the relevant documentation with the Administrative Court of the First Instance of Tirana for the cancellation of this Order, and we have notified all interested domestic and foreign institutions of the created situation.
Based on the above, we would like to ask you once again for your support during this difficult process, but with full confidence that justice will find its rightful place.
We bring to your attention that the leaders and pedagogical staff in all "Turgut Ozal" institutions are determined in their commitment to pass on the light of knowledge to the new generations, and a future where humanity, peace and love for the family and homeland prevails.
