A total of 100 participants from 25 pilot schools (13 primary and 12 general and vocational secondary level) acquired knowledge, enriched their teaching practices, and increased their essential understanding of the complexities of identities, school culture, and the Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture in the capacity-building sessions organised between 24 January and 16 February 2024 in four regions in North Macedonia. The sessions were hosted in the premises of SUGS Braka Miladinovci,-Skopje, RCSOO Nikola Karev - Strumica, OOU Braka Miladinovci - Struga and OOU Kuzman Josifovski Pitu - Skopje. Three primary and two secondary schools were recognised for their exemplary practices and exceptional approaches, respectively.
These activities were part of the inaugural training module with schools aimed at enhancing democratic values and inclusive practices within educational institutions. This comprehensive programme, focusing on nurturing critical thinking, empathy, and deepening the understanding of democratic principles, demonstrates the Council of Europe‘s commitment and efforts aiming at fostering a culture of democracy and inclusivity within North Macedonia‘s educational system, empowering students, and educators alike to become active participants in democratic society and to strengthen democratic values within educational institutions. This module is just the first step in a series of five, with subsequent activities aimed at further developing the skills and competencies of the school teams who will be equipped during the 2024 with the necessary skills to play a valuable role in shaping a socially responsible and democratic society. The teams consist of the school director, two teachers, and a professional, such as a psychologist, pedagogue, or social pedagogue or the so-called core team of the school. To ensure a diverse and inclusive representation of the school community, facilitating effective implementation and collaboration in the project, a broader school team was also assembled, comprising ten individuals in total, who besides the core team also includes two students, one parent, two additional teachers, and a member from the Local Government.
The activities were organised within the framework of the “Quality Education for All – North Macedonia” project, implemented by the Council of Europe and funded by Germany.
