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Albania's leading education unions have joined forces to demand increased investment for quality public education and better working and living conditions for teachers, setting a positive example to be shared with colleagues throughout Europe and beyond.

Albania's education sector is undergoing a significant transformation as two major unions, the Independent Trade Union of Education of Albania (SPASh-ITUEA) and the Trade Union Federation of Education and Science of Albania (FSASH), unite to advocate for increased funding and improved conditions for educators. This collaboration is part of the global "Go Public! Fund Education" campaign initiated by Education International (EI), aiming to enhance public education across the globe.

Go Public! A rallying force and organizing tool

Nevrus Kaptelli, President of SPASH, emphasized the importance of the campaign, stating: "Go Public! is necessary in Albania, as the country in comparison to other countries in the region invests the lowest amount of GDP in education: 2,35%." It is much lower than the 6 percent of GDP to education, as set out in the United Nations recommendations on the teaching profession.

He highlighted various activities organized under the campaign, including marches, trainings, and workshops, which have helped guide teachers and advocate for public education.

Shpetim Brahaj, the newly elected president of FSASH, shared his insights on the union's efforts: "By being ourselves teachers, we know what grassroot teachers need. EI is helping us to do our best for members and teachers." Brahaj also noted the improvements seen in the union's operations and the increased willingness of members to take action.

Setting an example for European education union

Jelmer Evers, Director of the European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE), praised the Albanian unions for their exemplary work; "An example for a lot of unions, including my own union, the Dutch AOb. I will give a broader context and how the Go Public! campaign fits into that." Evers discussed the alignment of ETUCE's strategic priorities with EI's strategic priorities – Profession, Public education, People and Planet – and the need for a holistic approach to counter business-driven agendas adopted by the European Union “with a steering effect that can affect even non-EU countries.”

He further mentioned priorities derivating from ETUCE members’ asks: Public education and the profession; Democracy, rights, far right; Equality and inclusion; And organizing, capacity-building, and networks.

“We need a strategy on skills for non-EU countries. And we are planning on setting up subregional meetings to be organized to better cater to your need regionally and locally, for more in-depth decisions, policy focus networks ang programs – like on AI,” he added.

As the ETUCE Committee will meet on April 8th-9th, in Brussels, Belgium, Evers called on the Albanian union leaders to share their experience with European colleagues: “In terms of big choices and efforts to be made in engaging members, you are active experts, your government sees you as a positive force. You are further along than other colleagues. We would like you to share with them your knowledge on what to do, what needs to be done on a broader scale.”

Unions need to back up demands and go out in the street when every other thing fails, he concluded.

Challenges and future actions ahead

Despite the progress made, Kaptelli highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by educators in his country: "In Albania, the main problem is the salary, because the teaching profession is a profession unwanted by students. 50% of teacher colleges have closed because no one wants to be a teacher. Salaries do not motivate students to become teachers. Today, only seven students are enrolled to become physics teachers in Albania.” He stressed the need for increased funding to make the teaching profession more attractive and ensure the future of education in the country.

As the unions prepare for the National Pre-University Education Council's next meeting, they remain committed to pushing for more investment in public education before the budget allocation discussions in November 2025.

The collaboration between SPASH and FSASH serves as a powerful example of how unions can drive change and advocate for better education systems. Supported by EI and ETUCE, they are paving the way for a brighter future for public education in the country. Through persistent advocacy and strategic actions, these unions are working to ensure that educators receive the support and resources they need to provide quality education for all.