USAID PRIMARY EDUCATION PROJECT (PEP)

Renovation of Primary Schools Across Macedonia

View a video clip on (WMV/size 9.3MB), in English | Macedonian | Albanian.

Happy Faces of the Pupils in Renovated School  (LP)/ - video clip in: English, Macedonian, Albanian.

Since 2001 the American people through USAID have made significant investments to improve the quality and relevance of education in Macedonia. One important component of USAID’s assistance is the renovation of primary schools, many of which have not been renovated for decades and do not provide students and teachers with a good environment for learning and teaching. Many classrooms are too cold during the winter and too hot during the warmer months, plus coal-fired stoves create an unhealthy environment in the schools.  In total, USAID will invest $3,000,000 for school renovations in Macedonia.  To date, USAID’s Primary Education Project has renovated 41 primary schools to improve the learning environment and increase energy efficiency. By 2011 USAID will have renovated up to 120 schools, which is nearly one-third of the primary schools in Macedonia.  The goal is to renovate at least one school per municipality. Schools are selected based on nominations from municipalities and undergo an extensive review process. So far, school renovations have been conducted throughout Macedonia, both in urban and rural regions and in schools with a variety of ethnic backgrounds.  

As you can see in these pictures, USAID’s renovation activities so far have included the replacement of broken and drafty windows, the installation of modern heating systems, roof reconstructions, floor replacement, and new electrical installations.  The strategy of the school renovations component is not just about fixing the broken windows and painting the classroom walls, but it is about creating an environment that will encourage studying. By working with communities, schools and school boards, USAID’s Primary Education Project will go beyond simple renovations in order to create cost-effective and sustainable learning environments that use modern, energy-efficient building materials that will help municipalities conserve scarce resources and sustain quality schools.  USAID contributes approximately $30,000 per school and the average school and municipality provide a cost share of nearly 30% of the total budget.  USAID is pleased that it has had the opportunity to work with the Ministry of Education and Science, municipalities throughout Macedonia, school personnel, and parents to jointly improve the quality and relevance of education for thousands of children throughout Macedonia.