Tirana has experienced notable urban and architectural expansion in recent years. Its focus now is on prioritizing the environment through eco-friendly initiatives. One such innovative concept is the “Green Terrace,” which combines traditional terrace elements with plants to establish an appealing, sustainable, and welcoming outdoor space.

The project “Little Gardeners” has been allocated a budget of 49,742.92 euros, with a significant contribution of 41,452.43 euros from the European Union. The green terrace is designed to benefit both students and residents, while the educational greenhouse will play a key role in school activities, teacher support, and research initiatives within the school.

Thanks to the implementation of the “Little Gardeners” project, 649 school and community children are today more informed about environmental protection and healthy living in harmony with nature. The children participated in awareness-raising and practical activities on planting plants and maintaining the greenhouse.

The director of the “Kosova” school, Shkëndie Arapi, is convinced that the “Little Gardeners” project is something new and beautiful for students and teachers.

“Cultivating vegetation within the greenhouse, nurturing their development, and closely monitoring their progress from inception to fruition will provide students with an authentic laboratory experience. The terrace will serve as a multifunctional space for school-related activities, catering to teachers during their free periods and facilitaing students’ research endeavors to enhance the educational curriculum.” Director Shkëndie Arapi expresses gratitude to all contributors involved in this remarkable and unique project. The primary objective of this initiative was to provide children with a comprehensive understanding of plants and nature while also instilling in them a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation. Additionally, the aim was to enhance the overall quality of life by incorporating more green areas into the community. Environmental preservation holds a significant position in the European Union’s policies, underscoring the ongoing commitment to funding local government projects in Albania that promote sustainable development. Marie Augouy, the Regional and Local Government Program Manager of the Delegation of the European Union to Albania, announced during the inaugural ceremony of the “Little Gardeners” project at the “Kosova” school in Tirana that the European Union is committed to providing 10 million euros to support Albanian municipalities through the second phase of the ‘EU for Municipalities’ project.

The implementation of a green rooftop garden in a public school signifies an innovative endeavor, as local government officials have stated their desire to duplicate this initiative in additional public schools.

“Architecture involves more than just constructing buildings; it also involves shaping a new way of life. This is why I am delighted that the “EU for Municipalities” has made it possible for the “Little Gardeners” project to become a reality! The objective of steering children away from the virtual world is now within reach. With the help of the educational greenhouse and the green terrace, children will gain knowledge from nature as they plant and nurture, understanding that only care and time can make the fruits blossom,” stated Kristina Kozari, an architect at the Municipality of Tirana. The “Little Gardens” project strives to enhance the overall well-being of the community by introducing green areas and fostering a connection between youth and residents with nature through the eco-friendly refurbishment of structures overseen by the Municipality of Tirana. This endeavor instills hope that the youth are increasingly prioritizing health and gaining knowledge on social and environmental matters.