Skopje, 15 October 2025 (MIA) - Education is the foundation of every advanced city, the basis for prosperity, innovation and the future. If we want Skopje to be a true European city, we must invest in the coming generations. The vision for education that I offer in my programme is one of an open, modern and humane Skopje, a city that gives a chance to all young people, with no divisions on any ground. We will change the image of education in Skopje in the coming period, said VMRO-DPMNE Skopje mayor candidate Orce Gjorgjievski on Wednesday.

Gjorgjievski said two new secondary schools in Drachevo and Gjorche Petrov would be built in cooperation with the Government - modern, digitized and energy efficient buildings.

"In parallel, we will implement a full energy transformation in all secondary schools. Every school will get photovoltaics, new exterior walls, thermal insulation and smart system for monitoring of energy consumption. We will reduce consumption and improve conditions in schools," said Gjorgjievski.

He added that digitalization of schools would continue, with high-speed internet in every classroom, smart boards, projectors and digital content created by teachers and students.

"We will introduce a personal AI tutor, a digital assistant for every student explaining lessons, helping them learn and replacing expensive private lessons. We will set up AI labs with 3D models and interactive simulation in several schools, enabling a more attractive and dynamic instruction that is close to new generations," said Gjorgjievski.

He added that the Youth and Culture Center (MKC) would become the hub of science, culture and technology, a place in which children will learn about astronomy.

"All schools will get air purifiers, air conditioning and low-consumption heating, along with increased security, violence prevention programmes, school police officers, video surveillance, sessions for students and parents," noted Gjorgjievski.

Programme "Youth Meal" will provide subsidized meal for every high school student, via the Skopje City GO card, modern uniforms created together with the students, free tours across Europe for valedictorians, girls will be provided with personal hygiene products in schools, whereas every student will have access to psychological support by experts.

Schools will have youth clubs for art, music, theatre and technology, as well as career centers helping students choose their education beyond secondary school.

"We will build Skopje as the city of science, home of a contemporary center for natural sciences, tech and digital technologies, in cooperation with universities and various foundations. This will be a place where young people from the city will do experiments and research. This programme is not only a plan for better schools but a strategy for a better society. This programme will turn Skopje into a city that gives every child a chance, where every teacher is supported, and every classroom creates a better future for all," underlined Gjorgjievski.

Photo: MIA