On September 11th, 2013, the new Readers Are Leaders Project was launched in the National and University Library “St.Klement of Ohrid” in Skopje. Representatives from the Bureau for Development of Education, State Examinations Center, other education stakeholders, international organizations, local NGOs, as well as local authorities, teachers, parents and community members attended the launch.

The new USAID Mission Director Mr. James Stein addressed the audience, saying, “Investments to improve literacy are crucial for the well-being of all citizens in the modern world. Changes in the nature of work, the economy, and society underscore the importance of developing a literate public.”

The Director of the Macedonian Bureau for Development of Education, Vesna Horvatovic, as well as the Deputy Director of the National Examinations Center, Blagica Lasovska, also addressed the audience and stressed how important math and literacy skills are for young children’s future success. A children’s corner with books, magazines, educational games and other resources was available during the event, and children enjoyed the public reading sessions along with their parents and teachers.

The Readers Are Leaders Project is a 30-month initiative, with a budget of $ 1,722,142 funded by USAID and implemented by the Foundation for Education and Cultural Initiatives “Step by Step” Macedonia. Through innovative and creative approaches and activities, the project will work with selected schools throughout the country to improve reading and numeracy skills and assessment for early primary school students, strengthen teachers’ pedagogical skills, and increase community recognition and appreciation for the importance of reading and numeracy skills.  Through this program, for the first time in Macedonia reading and math assessment tools developed specifically for early primary grade levels will be conducted in Macedonian and Albanian languages.

NOTE TO EDITORS:   
The American people, through USAID, have invested over $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID is implementing projects that create jobs, reduce corruption, and prepare Macedonian 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://macedonia.usaid.gov or our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/USAIDMacedonia