Skopje, 6 July 2024 (MIA) - The state has its own symbols – an anthem, a flag, and I would also say a common language which should be a means of communication and better understanding. Unfortunately, we are witnessing children who cannot understand each other. And if they don't understand each other, they cannot share a common life, common joys, successes, and even common sorrows. It should not be like that, Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska said.

“Macedonia is a country of the Macedonian people and all other ethnicities living here. The government’s intention is for everyone to be equal and to feel this as their own country. I appeal to everyone, instead of individuals engaging in activities that might irritate or hurt someone, to reach a consensus and work together for better education, healthcare, economy, tourism, and so on," Janevska said in a television interview in response to the question about whether the decision of the Veles municipal council for school lessons to begin with the Macedonian anthem from September 1is appropriate.

Education Minister Janevska underlined that quality education cannot be achieved through improvisations, and for this reason, we need a stable system that does not change every few years with each change of government or minister.

“Unfortunately, I am also in a situation where I must make urgent changes to ensure a smooth educational process. This somehow sounds alarming to the citizens, who are quite understandably afraid when reforms are mentioned. But I promise that in the future, nothing will be done by force and without consulting the stakeholders in the educational system,” Janevska told Vistel TV.

Janevska also noted that these days she is to sign the disbursement of financial aid for students from socially vulnerable categories for January, February, and March, which had not been paid by the previous government.

She highlighted that one of the key priorities is ensuring quality textbooks and curricula, and she also discussed the importance of caring for teachers and increasing the level of inclusion in education.

Photo: MIA archive