Meeting with the President of North Macedonia Advancing Roma Education and Economic Inclusion
A high-level meeting with Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova reaffirmed the shared commitment to advancing quality education and sustainable economic participation for Roma communities in North Macedonia. We appreciated the opportunity to meet with the President of North Macedonia and to engage in a substantive exchange alongside our partners from Roma Foundation for Europe.
The discussion focused on what truly matters for long-term inclusion: quality education, skills development, and real pathways to employment for Roma communities. We presented our ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening digital competencies, expanding educational access, and fostering sustainable economic participation.
The President emphasized a point we strongly share: education is the foundation of social mobility. It builds confidence, shapes leadership, and creates role models within communities. Early inclusion in preschool and primary education is not optional. It is decisive. Without quality education, opportunities for stable employment remain limited.
We also discussed concrete next steps. In the coming months, our team plans to open a Complementary Education Center in Shuto Orizari, a municipality of Skopje widely recognized as one of the few in Europe with a Roma majority population and a strong cultural and community identity. “Our team will work with children, parents and teachers on digitalization, innovative learning methodologies, and the development of skills for future employment and leadership,” explained Redjepali Chupi, Director of REF North Macedonia.
The meeting reaffirmed a clear and shared understanding that education is fundamental to building confidence, expanding opportunity and strengthening long-term economic contribution. Strong partnerships between public institutions and international organizations are essential to translate shared commitments into tangible progress.
Source – https://pretsedatel.mk/sredba-fondacija-romi-za-evropa-i-ref/
