Skopje - Today, the USAID Interethnic Integration in Education Project team signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the ten schools the project has selected for refurbishment.  These schools successfully demonstrated enthusiasm and readiness to create better learning environments for interethnic integration, as well as eagerness to mobilize their communities to participate in renovation efforts.  The project will assist these ten communities to improve their school facilities, including accessibility for students with disabilities. 

“Recognizing Macedonia’s multiethnic and multicultural society, we are working together with the people of this country to build a broad public understanding of how interethnic integration in education will benefit all of Macedonia’s citizens,” said U.S. Ambassador Paul D. Wohlers.  “This is critical in building social and interethnic cohesion throughout the country.  Such an education will create citizens who will be in a much better position to actively take part in the increasingly global society of the 21st century.”
The Interethnic Integration in Education Project is a four-year, $5.2 million initiative that is co-financed by USAID and the U.S. European Command, which will work with all relevant educational stakeholders in support of the Government of Macedonia’s efforts for ethnic integration. The Project will build awareness and provide diversity training, technical assistance, and incentives to school boards, principals, teachers, and administration officials. The Project’s primary components are:  Community Outreach; Capacity Building of School Management and Teachers; Demonstration Schools; and Provision of Incentives to Schools and Communities.   For more information please visit: www.pmio.mk. 

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.