On 15 October 2024, the fourth Steering Committee meeting of the “Quality Education for All” project in North Macedonia, implemented by the Council of Europe and funded by the Federal Republic of Germany, was held at the Council of Europe office in Skopje. Representatives from the Council of Europe, the Ministry of Education and Science of North Macedonia, and international partners gathered to review progress and outline future activities.
H.E. Ms. Petra Drexler, Ambassador of Germany, opened the meeting by reiterating Germany's support for promoting inclusive and democratic education in North Macedonia. In her statement, she emphasised the importance of education in fostering multiculturalism, saying, “Developing the skills of young people to live in a multicultural environment is crucial for the prosperity of societies. Most recently, at the Ministerial Meeting on Roma Integration in Berlin, our Western Balkan partners emphasised the key role of education and underlined their commitment to ensuring effective and equal access to inclusive education. By applying anti-discriminatory approaches based on Council of Europe standards and practices, the ‘Quality Education for All’ project helps to lay the foundations for a better future for all communities.” Oleg Soldatov, Head of the Council of Europe Programme Office in Skopje, and Vesna Atanasova from the Education Department of the Council of Europe, echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for collaboration and equal opportunities in education. Gjonul Bajraktar, State Advisor at the Ministry of Education and Science, reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to inclusive education reforms.
Key achievements from April to October 2024 were discussed, including mentorship visits to 25 pilot schools, which guided schools in implementing democratic and inclusive practices. The project’s consultants team played a vital role in helping schools embrace diversity and participation. Two capacity-building training modules were delivered in 2024, an online module from April to May and on-site workshops in June. The training focused on fostering democratic culture, intercultural learning, and addressing controversial topics in classrooms. These efforts have significantly helped schools integrate democratic competencies into their development plans and daily practices.
A study visit to Croatia in June 2024 was also highlighted, where North Macedonian officials gained valuable insights into inclusive education strategies, particularly on the inclusion of Roma students. These lessons are expected to initiate similar initiatives in North Macedonia.
Looking ahead, the Steering Committee discussed future priorities and activities, reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing inclusive education at local and national levels. The Council of Europe remains dedicated to supporting North Macedonia in creating equitable, democratic, and inclusive educational environments for all. The meeting concluded with optimism about the continued success of the project and its positive impact on the country’s education system.
