Kavadarci, 24 November 2023 (MIA) — Since 2017, the state has opened a total of 83 child care centers for nearly 8,000 children, according to Minister of Labor and Social Policy Jovanka Trenchevska during a visit to a Kavadarci preschool during which she also announced new support measures for citizens.

"Memories are made in preschools, promising a safe and carefree childhood and a future of success," Minister Trenchevska said, adding that in Kavadarci alone the state had opened five new child care centers for a total of 363 preschoolers.

She said the government had invested a total of EUR 1,049,863 in Kavadarci's preschool construction and equipment through the Social Services Improvement Project financed by the World Bank.

"To quote Maria Montessori, 'Children learn from what surrounds them.' This is precisely what motivates us as a government," Trenchevska said, adding that the state's goal was to have modern preschool buildings, trained and motivated staff, and happy and curious children.

In response to reporters' questions, she spoke about other ongoing projects, as well. One of them was a new package of anti-crisis measures to be reviewed at the government's session on Tuesday.

The relief package would cover a large number of citizens as well as the private sector, she said.

According to earlier reports, the anti-crisis measures should help the most vulnerable categories of citizens and pensioners receiving a minimum pension.

Through the end of 2023, EUR 75 million have been earmarked from the national budget for relief, and an additional EUR 55 million for 2024, mainly for continuing the electricity subsidies, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski said in a recent TV appearance. mr/