School event

Today I participated in an event that involved a contest, organized by Microsoft Albania for a selected number students, chosen from the public schools in Tirana that are using game technology. More than 75 students were present with their teachers and good number parents. 

It was a joyous occasion for the participants notwithstanding the nation’s mourning due to the loss of 12 students, caused by the crash, yesterday, of the bus they were traveling in, during an excursion in the southern part of Albania. 

The event's participants covered two groups of students - ages 9 thru 13, and 14 thru 17 - everyone having the chance to present their own little projects using technology, in a variety of subjects.   98% of the competitors were boys, but the small representation of girls displayed just as much creativity, capability, and spunk. They were even more at ease than the boys in their presentations.

The three judges’ panel had a difficult time choosing the 6 top winners in three categories of prizes consisting of a small gift at the third level, and a notebook from Microsoft at the second level, while the number one prizes were two Kinect Xbox 360 offered by the organization that I work with, which cosponsored this event. 

More details will become available in the appropriate online sites of the participating organizations that also involved a particular department of Albania’s Ministry of Education. No need for interpreters during the opening statements and conversations with the students and teachers on a one to one basis. They are all tri-lingual, but, for me it was exhilarating to watch this youth of Albania display their enthusiasm, energy, eagerness and creativity!

 Congratulations to all!