Speeches, Remarks & Statements in 2009

Working Together for a Better Future
Op-Ed Piece for Education by U.S. Ambassador Philip T. Reeker

September 1, 2009

With the new school year about to begin, I have been thinking about how current developments in the world are affecting the field of education.  The era of globalization, linked as it is with the rapid expansion of information technologies, has forced us to shift the ways we approach every facet of our lives.  And the current global financial crisis demonstrates just how truly interconnected these facets are.  It is clear that dynamic education systems are urgently required throughout the world in order to meet the challenges of the 21^st century.

Basic education systems focusing on academic skills such as literacy and mathematics are not enough.  In this day and age, quality education must prepare societies to meet the rapidly changing demands of new labor market realities.  Schools must equip youth with the knowledge and skills that will help foster economic growth.  Teaching methods must stimulate the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  In addition, schools are vital to socialization and the development of a sense of community and connection to our nations and the world.

Yet, while education systems certainly must focus primarily on children, their scope should broaden if they are to remain relevant in modern times. Countries throughout the world must focus on life-long learning to meet changing labor market demands. The responsibility to learn belongs to everyone, not just to children and youth, but also to parents, teachers themselves, businesspeople, and all members of society.

The basic structure of the Macedonian educational system has not changed significantly since the Yugoslav era, and significant changes are needed to meet modern demands.  As I’ve noted, such changes are needed throughout much of the world, but this is especially true for Macedonia as this country confronts the difficulties found in a transition economy.  There is an urgent need to address issues of quality education, as well as social cohesion and continued access and participation for all.

The United States has been working with the people of Macedonia for over 15 years to support improvements in education.  Through USAID, we are partnering with the Government of Macedonia to renovate over 120 schools to create quality and energy-efficient learning environments.  We are training thousands of teachers from the pre-school through university level in new student-centered methodologies and use of computers in the classroom.  We are assisting in workforce development to help employers find and develop the talent they need.  We helped create the South Eastern European University, as well as hundreds of career centers in schools, and have helped establish virtual and real firms in Vocational Schools.  We support five Roma Education Centers that assist preschool students in preparation for regular school, deliver after-school tutoring for primary school students, and provide scholarships and mentoring to secondary and higher education students.   Through the Fulbright and similar programs, our Public Affairs Office provides scholarships for students and faculty from Macedonia to visit and study in the United States, and for American professors and students to visit here.  Last year, the Macedonian Government committed 100,000 dollars annually to broaden this program.  This exemplary partnership enables us to expand our flagship exchange program in Macedonia.  We will also enhance the partnership between the United States and Macedonia by sharing the academic and cultural aspects of our societies through the successful American Corners in Skopje, Bitola, and Tetovo. By working together, we can solve problems that we all face.

While these efforts are already making an impact in this country, much still remains to be done.  The challenges Macedonia faces require a long-term approach.  There is relatively good access to education, but more emphasis must be placed on access for the least-advantaged groups who face barriers to learning.  Of deep concern for Macedonia’s future is the growing segregation in schools, with separate school shifts, sports, and extra-curricular activities for children of different ethnicities.  Instead, students in Macedonia should take advantage of living in a multi-ethnic society by meeting, studying and socializing with members of other ethnic groups, breaking down barriers and building a more stable society.  I commend the Government of Macedonia for agreeing to establish an inter-ministerial Working Group to make recommendations on how to improve integration in the schools.

In the field of education today, there is a need to focus on long-term quality and inter-ethnic cohesion rather than applying quick solutions.  Since education is everyone’s responsibility, people across society must personally commit to life-long education and, in the process, seek solutions to long-standing and new challenges.  The United States will continue to work with the people of Macedonia to address these issues, aiming to assist in developing a comprehensive approach to education that includes all citizens in this quest to build a stronger nation with a better future for all.