Skopje, 16 May 2025 (MIA) – The ministries of health, social policy, demography and youth and education and science signed Friday a memorandum of cooperation for a pilot and preparation project to implement a family-oriented system for early childhood intervention (ECI).

The pilot project of new services will be implemented by trained professionals from health and rehabilitation centers, day care centers, school resource centers and licensed providers of social services at the City of Skopje in order to strengthen families and support children exposed to risks from development delays and disabilities through a package of parental advice and specialized services, the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth said in a press release.

In an address, Minister of Social Policy, Demography and Youth Fatmir Limani stressed the importance of the signing of the memorandum, calling it “a key step on the path to more just and more inclusive future for every child.”

“Investing in early childhood development is no luxury, it’s a necessity. It is one of the smartest, most efficient and most direct interventions for creating an equal society,” Limani said adding that cooperation of the institutions shouldn’t be an exception, but a model that should be constantly followed.  

By solving development-related issues early, children are more likely to succeed in school and to require special services less as they grow, said Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska.

“What’s more important, early intervention significantly can improve the quality of life of these children in order to be engaged more in family, school and social life,” she stated adding that two schools as well as trained service providers will be engaged by the Ministry of Education and Science for the pilot project of early childhood intervention.  

Deputy Health Minister Jovica Andovski called the signing of the memorandum “a new chapter that affirms and further improves the commitment to better treatment of people with disabilities.” He said the Health Ministry is actively involved in order to provide support in the pilot services for early childhood intervention in Skopje.

It is estimated that in North Macedonia over 17,000 children under six may need early intervention services. In order to overcome system shortcomings, a strategy was prepared with UNICEF support in partnership with the Association of Special Educators and Rehabilitators and with backing from the sectors of health, education and social protection in establishing a systemic solution making sure that all pre-school children at risk of development difficulties and/or disability receive early intervention, said the press release.

“In the first five years, children develop faster than in any other stage in life. UNICEF welcomes this new approach enabling families to receives guidelines and specialized services required to address everyday challenges and encourage optimal development of their children,” said Lesley Miller, UNICEF Representative to North Macedonia.

According to the press release, the multisectoral agreement tasks the Health Ministry to introduce universal nationwide screening of all children under six aimed at early detection and intervention. After the pilot project completes, the family-oriented services will gradually expand across the country.

Photo: Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth