Skopje, 28 March 2025 (MIA) - Following the tragedy in Kochani, the Ministry of Education has not received any reports of any unwanted behaviour or reactions such as aggression, but responds immediately to every call for help in cooperation with professional services.

Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska said Friday the tragedy that struck is a problem for the entire society, and the healing process will take time. Everyone, without exception, should step in, including teachers, professional services, and parents, in order to help, first and foremost, the young people.

"Unfortunately, this is a major tragedy. We immediately did what we could as an institution. On the day itself, we sent protocols, instructions and recommendations on how to proceed from a psychological perspective. The instructions were forwarded to teachers, professional services and parents. This is a problem for the entire society and does not only apply to the crisis areas, it affects the entire country. Hence, all of us, with great responsibility, should step in, in dealing with it or healing the nation, especially the young people who are the most affected because they are the least experienced and really need help and support. The appeal is to parents, teachers and professional services to do their part seriously at any time of the day and in every place where the students are, regardless of their age," Janevska said in response to reporters' questions ahead of addressing students at the Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering on Friday.  

The Education Ministry, Janevska added, is in constant communication with the Chamber of Psychologists and the Institute of Psychology, with the Psychiatric Clinic and the Red Cross, and also receives significant assistance from UNICEF.

"They are all doing their job as best they can. This is something that will take time and that is why all of us, every single one of us, need to step in to help young people deal with the problem, while avoiding unwanted behaviour - any type of aggression, complicated grief... We continue to maintain organization, we involve as many school psychologists as possible, but even that number is limited. Training is being conducted, and we respond immediately to every call for help with the support of the competent institutions," Janevska pointed out.    

Photo/video: MIA