Mayor Balilaj, Director Mete, Director Diko, distinguished guests and students. I would first like to thank you for the opportunity to take part in this ceremony commemorating the renovations made to this beautiful facility.
Of all the important work that the United States Embassy takes part in, the humanitarian assistance projects are the most rewarding to me and ceremonies like this are some of my favorite events.
This school and health care center are gifts from the American people to the citizens of Sheqishte and for the families and children of the surrounding villages and communities. It represents the commitment of the United States government and is an investment in the future leaders of Albania.
Projects like this are key to continued trust and friendship between our two countries. For the United States and Albania, this school and health care center stand here today not only as a symbol of our friendship but also as a tangible example of our continuing efforts to deepen our bonds.
The renovations made to this school will provide a better environment for the education of local children. Better-educated students will lead to better economic opportunities, leading to growth in this region and a contribution to Albania’s prosperity. These are precisely the sort of outcomes and successes that we look forward to as partners.
In addition to the school, the improvements to the health clinic will provide an upgrade to the existing health care infrastructure, something that is desperately needed during the COVID-19 epidemic. The clinic will offer brand new exam rooms and facilities to support your health care providers.
Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not thank the United States Army Corps of Engineers for its support of this project, working through our Office of Defense Cooperation. I would also like to thank the contractors responsible for the fine craftsmanship you see here today. Thank You.
In closing, let me express my gratitude for the warm welcome we received today. We are excited by the opportunities this facility will create for the children and we look forward to more cooperation in the future.
Thank you, faleminderit!