As part of the Municipal Infrastructure Programme Phase V (WPIP / MIP V), in cooperation with the Water Supply and Sewerage Association of Albania (SHUKALB), the first phase of the educational initiative “Friends of Water – Edition 2025” has been successfully completed.
Over thirty primary school teachers were trained in the six regions where the WPIP / MIP V Programme is implemented: Shkodër, Lezhë, Elbasan, Berat, Fier, and Vlorë.
During the month of November 2025, the teachers will train about 750 third-grade students across the six WPIP / MIP V regions through creative lessons, games and visits to water supply facilities about the importance of water, its conservation, and and how to use it responsibly.
In December 2025, the initiative will culminate with the national exhibition “Water Through Children’s Eyes”, where the best student artworks will be presented and the 2026 WPIP / MIP V calendar will be launched — a creative reflection of the children’s vision for a world that values and protects water.
Education for Water Starts in the Classroom
The “Friends of Water” educational initiative was developed by SHUKALB, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Sports, aiming to raise awareness among children at an early age about the value of water as a vital resource and has reached thousands of students during the past decade. The 2025 edition is supported by the WPIP / MIP V Programme as a part of broader efforts to link infrastructure improvement with education and public awareness.
The WPIP / MIP V Programme is a major investment initiative of EUR 125.6 million, financially supported by an international partnership that includes German Financial Cooperation (KfW): EUR 80 million (loan), European Union (EU IPA): EUR 23.3 million (grant), German Government: EUR 9 million (grant) and SECO (Switzerland): EUR 13.3 million (grant).
