Skopje, 7 June 2024 (MIA) – At the moment, we must exert some influence to initiate changes in the quality of education. Primarily, to include all young people as we also take into account that young people from different groups, from different geographical areas have different quality of education. Also, young people with some kind of disability don’t have equal access to education as their peers. And young people in juvenile homes, unfortunately, still have no access to education, Teodora Stolevska, executive director of the Youth Educational Forum (MOF), told MIA’s reporter answering a question. 

One thing that definitely needs a change is equal access to quality education, according to her.

“Also unfortunately, the law on youth participation is still not being implemented as it should, youth national council is yet to be formed as well as local councils and youth centers. At local level, young people have no opportunity to join decision-making processes. When you ask young people why they are leaving the country, they say the main reason is having no better working conditions,” she added. 

Stolevska answered the reporter’s question ahead of the Youth Conference, taking place Friday to mark the Youth Educational Forum’s 25th anniversary. 

The organization, she said, initially was established as debate-focused and other programs opened over the years. Young people have been showing interest the most for the debate clubs, according to Stolevska. The debate program currently has 30 debate clubs. 

“Through the debate program we’re creating opportunities for the young people to learn about disinformation through information,” she said. 

Today’s conference marking the milestone includes two panel discussions on the future of education and the role of young people in the society. It will be followed by a birthday party later in the day. 

MOF nationwide is active in 21 cities and over 100 young people are members of the MOF general assembly. MOF’s youth centers have over 2,000 members annually, who learn about debate, legislation, activism, journalism and investigation. 

Photo: MIA