On May 16, 2014, the USAID Interethnic Integration in Education Project, together with the municipality of Vinica, celebrated the completion of renovations at the Vanco Prke Secondary School in Vinica. The process of refurbishment, financially supported by the U.S. Government through the United States European Command , created a better educational environment for students and teachers in Vinica, and supports the process of interethnic integration in education.

“We are building more than better classrooms and a more comfortable learning environment,” said Lieutenant Colonel Mark V. Watkins, Office of Defense Cooperation Chief at the U.S. Embassy. “Through USAID’s Interethnic Integration in Education Project, we are also building the foundation in Macedonia for a more cooperative, integrated, and peaceful future.”

To date, USAID’s Interethnic Integration in Education Project has assisted 11 communities in their efforts to improve school facilities, including making them accessible to students with disabilities, and is committed to helping 13 more this year. The project is a four-year, $5.2 milion initiative co-financed by USAID and the U.S European Command 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