Skopje, 16 October 2025 (MIA) – White Cane Day is a reminder that differences do not divide us, but bring us closer and make us richer. Let us build and live in a society where every step, voice and touch is meaningful. There are no disabled people, only a society that disables. It is high time we make this country a decent place for everyone’s life, President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova said at the opening of the event marking October 15 – International White Cane Day, organized by the state secondary school with resource center “Dimitar Vlahov” Skopje.

Siljanovska-Davkova underscored that the white cane represents freedom and independence, but also a duty to take concrete steps for the 4,000 citizens who rely on it.

“Today is not merely a day of observance, it reminds us that true blindness is not in the eyes, but in the insensitivity of the heart. It calls on everyone to open their eyes and see the world with empathy. The white cane represents a dignified life path, as well as the responsibility to build accessible and humane cities,” Siljanovska-Davkova said.

“I wish that we all extend a helping hand when needed, be a voice for those who are not heard enough, be a light, and pay respect to all those with visual impairments who show us every day that life is measured not by what we see, but by what we feel,” she added.

The school director, Aleksandra Jakovchevska, stated that the school and resource center “Dimitar Vlahov” have been the heart of education for people with visual impairments for more than seven decades, and a symbol of independence and equality.
“The white cane is not just an aid, but a tool that teaches every child independence. We need a society that believes inclusion is not a process, but an attitude. Our shared goal is simple yet essential: to live in a country where the white cane is not a symbol of helplessness, but a symbol of strength,” Jakovchevska said.

Jakovchevska highlighted that education and early rehabilitation for people with visual impairments are crucial and, research shows, can increase their daily independence by up to 50 percent.

The celebration of October 15 as International White Cane Day officially began in 1964. The day is also observed in our country. The white cane, as a symbol for visually impaired people, was introduced in 1981 to help them navigate safely in traffic.

The National Union of the Blind of the Republic of Macedonia, formed in 1946, has for almost 70 years been a national, non-partisan, non-profit humanitarian organisation of special social significance.

Photo: MIA