On December 4th 2013, the USAID Interethnic Integration in Education Project, together with the City of Skopje, celebrated the completion of renovations at the Josip Broz Tito Secondary School in Skopje. The process of refurbishment, financially supported by the U.S. Government through the United States European Command (EUCOM), created a better learning environment for students and demonstrated the power of collaborative work by engaging all members of the community in the process.

“We recognize the importance of inter-ethnic integration in public school education for the Republic of Macedonia, and congratulate you on the steps you have taken toward that goal,” said Chief Master Sergeant Gary Shedenhelm from the Defense Attaché Office at the US Embassy Skopje. “But we are building more than better classrooms.  Through USAID’s Interethnic Integration in Education Project, we are also building the foundation for a more cooperative, integrated, and peaceful future.”

Schools working with USAID’s IIEP are eligible to apply for renovation funds made available from EUCOM.  In the coming year, USAID’s Interethnic Integration in Education Project will assist ten more communities in their efforts to improve school facilities, including making them accessible to students with disabilities.  The project is a four-year, $5.2 milion initiative, and works with educational stakeholders in support of the Government of Macedonia’s efforts for ethnic integration. The project builds awareness and provides diversity training, technical assistance, and incentives to school boards, principals, teachers, and administration officials. For more information please visit: www.pmio.mk

NOTE TO EDITORS:

The American people, through USAID, have invested more than $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID is working with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce. These initiatives improve the quality of life and support Macedonia’s transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit http://www.usaid.gov/where-we-work/europe-and-eurasia/macedonia  and USAID FB page http://www.facebook.com/USAIDMacedonia