Statement by Lesley Miller, UNICEF Representative

Skopje, 2 September 2024 (UNICEF/MIA) – “As we welcome children back to the classrooms, let’s ensure that every child feels included, supported, understood, and ready to learn amidst the ongoing challenges of making our schools inclusive, safe, and climate resilient. Education is the foundation for creating a secure, inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable society. It requires continued investment to ensure that every child can develop to their full potential and acquire the needed skills to succeed in life.

Creating an environment where diversity is celebrated, and all students feel valued is essential for unlocking the full potential of every learner. This approach not only fosters a more equitable and compassionate society but also ensures that every student can flourish. Ensuring that schools are inclusive, safe and climate resilient will make an important contribution to learning outcomes.

North Macedonia has established a strong legislative basis for inclusive education. Nevertheless, recent consultations by UNICEF with key stakeholders, highlighted the need for additional support, noting priority should be given to enhancing teachers’ skills and leveraging the capacity of Resource Centres, including by providing didactic materials and assistive technology. Likewise, children and families require better access to complementary services that support learning and building life skills.

Creating a safe and supportive environment – free of violence and nurturing positive mental health – is essential. Many children and adolescents struggle in silence, because of stigma or lack of initiatives that promote mental health and prevent violence. The cost of this silence can be calculated in lost human capital, which affects the harmony and prosperity of families, communities, and nations. Schools should be safe and secure environments, where children and adolescents can learn and thrive.

Schools must also address the challenges posed by climate change. Extreme heat can significantly impact children’s development, leading to poor health and nutrition and lower achievement in school. UNICEF commends the Ministry of Education and Science for adopting a protocol for school operations during heatwaves. This protocol guides schools in making necessary adjustments to protect students from the effects of extreme heat so that they can continue to learn in a healthy environment. But in addition to these immediate measures, we must also make long-term investments in climate-proofing schools and ensuring that school buildings, yards and play areas have sufficient greenery, shade and space to help keep them cooler and usable in increasingly hot temperatures.

Together, let’s make sure that every child in every school can reach their full potential, both academically and personally.”