In Albania, public education faces major budget shortfalls, with the country spending just 3% of its national economic score (GDP) on schools— below the 5% average seen across developed nations ¹. This lack of funding hits students with disabilities the hardest, leaving thousands without adaptive classroom tools, specialized support, or inclusive spaces to learn ². Youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities face huge barriers to basic education, making friends, and feeling accepted ³.
In underserved rural areas and surrounding towns, where poverty rates climb past 22%, local schools and specialized care centers are stretched way too thin ⁴. Rural classrooms often lack basic upgrades to make them warm and engaging places to learn, while local support centers struggle to run daily art, sports, and learning activities for kids with autism, Down syndrome, and speech or learning disorders. Without extra hands, these facilities simply can't offer the consistent, one-on-one attention and vibrant environments these young students deserve.
To help break down these barriers, HXP Builders will jump straight into action alongside local disability support centers and rural schools. Builders will lead high-energy educational, art, and sports activities for children with learning and developmental disabilities, while also painting, beautifying, and fixing up rural school facilities to create cleaner, more welcoming places to learn. Because Builders will spend their days working directly with youth who have unique communication, behavioral, and physical needs, stepping outside your comfort zone and navigating emotional environments will be a daily, transformative part of this project.
Sources
¹ UNICEF – Education Budget & Public Expenditure Analysis in Albania
² United Nations – Sustainable Development & Social Inclusion in Albania
³ UNDP – Disability Rights, Stigma & Community Support Services
⁴ World Bank – Albania Poverty Assessment & Rural Regional Indicators