UMT successfully concludes its intensive coding program for high school students
University Metropolitan Tirana proudly hosted the closing ceremony of MetroCode, a 5-week educational program in programming designed for high school students in Tirana eager to take their first steps into the world of technology.
A total of 31 high school students participated in this training, going beyond theory to build concrete projects that reflected their creativity, logical thinking, and technical skills developed during this intensive journey.
MetroCode was conceived as a space for personal and professional growth, where young people, through interactive methods, gained technical knowledge, worked in teams, and created solutions with real-world impact on their communities.
During the closing event, key figures from the university and program organizers delivered inspiring messages:
Krisalda Mihali, initiator of MetroCode, emphasized: MetroCode was born from the belief that high school students need a space where they can dare, explore, and create. This program is not just a course; it’s an educational experiment that combines a passion for technology with real-life skills. What we witnessed over these five weeks was truly inspiring, young minds embracing challenges and transforming them into solutions.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ligor Nikolla, Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science and IT, stated: “At UMT, we strongly believe that technical education shouldn’t be solely theoretical. MetroCode reflects our hands-on, modern approach to learning. These young participants didn’t just learn how to code, they learned how to think systematically, collaborate effectively, and see technology as a tool for positive change.”
Dr. Sonila Daiu, Dean of Students, added: In each of these students, I saw a future leader, a changemaker. The dedication and energy they demonstrated throughout MetroCode were inspiring. The program has delivered more than technical knowledge, it has instilled confidence, responsibility, and a hunger to keep learning.
Real Projects, Tangible Recognition
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the participants’ final projects, apps, platforms, and innovative tech ideas created entirely by the students. These showcased not only their learning but also their unique creativity and problem-solving skills.
All participants received certificates of completion, while the top three projects were awarded scholarships to study at University Metropolitan Tirana:
- Kamila Parllaku: 100% Scholarship, for the most creative and technically refined project
- Gabriel Daiu: 75% Scholarship, for the most impactful project with innovative use of technology
- Dean Pogoni: 50% Scholarship, for originality and strong development potential
Ing. Arjan Çukaj, President of Metropolitan University of Tirana, underlined in his speech: MetroCode is more than just a training program. It is a concrete step toward cultivating a new technological culture in pre-university education. We don’t expect the next generation to arrive fully formed, we build the future with them, based on knowledge, trust, and the courage to create. Our young people need tools and support, and it is our duty to provide both. I’m proud of every participant and grateful to the staff and partners who made this journey possible.
MetroCode was not merely a course, it was a story of success and inspiration, proving that when young people are given the chance to shine, they not only seize it but also build the future with their own hands. Over five intensive weeks, they tackled real challenges, developed ideas from scratch, and collaborated like true professionals.
The program evolved into a lab of free thought, technological exploration, and modern learning. It equipped students not only with technical skills but also with self-confidence, a sense of responsibility, and the awareness that they are active participants in a world in constant transformation.
MetroCode demonstrated that potential is everywhere, in the classroom, in spontaneous ideas, in an insatiable curiosity to learn. The future belongs to those who dare to think differently, and thanks to MetroCode, many of these young minds have already taken their first step into that future. University Metropolitan Tirana will continue to be a space that fosters creativity, nurtures talent, and supports new generations to become not just followers of technology, but its creators.
