Skopje, 9 September 2026 (MIA) -- High school students will not have the option to learn about human development, relationships, principles of consent and safety, gender equality and reproductive health by choosing Comprehensive Sexuality Education as an elective course this year, education authorities said Wednesday.

In response to public outrage over the subject, Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska said CSE will not be available during the 2026-27 academic year so the course can go through a revision.

"We have withdrawn the course curriculum and the subject at this point and will conduct a deep revision at the request of the public, to see if there is really anything in the program that could be criticized," Janevska told the press.

"The program covers the topics of family, protection from sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies, gender equality and non-discrimination between the sexes," she said. 

Janevska reiterated that she had requested the elective be withdrawn by the Education Development Bureau so experts can "go through the program word by word, to see what the problem is."

Citing scientific evidence, the education minister said CSE in high schools would benefit adolescents encountering the issues covered in the course materials.

She also pointed out that CSE was offered to first- to fourth-year high school students only as an elective and not as part of the compulsory curriculum.

"However, it is the education minister's duty to listen to everyone who has any comments about the education system," Janevska said.

According to the World Health Organization, CSE is a scientifically accurate approach that teaches young people about the cognitive, emotional, physical and social aspects of sexuality in an age-appropriate way, helping them understand their bodies, develop healthy relationships, build life skills, make informed and responsible decisions and protect their health. mr/