Skopje, 3 December 2025 (MIA) - We need legal changes, institutional changes, and changes in the way people think, President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova told journalists during a visit on Wednesday to the State School Center for Education and Rehabilitation “Partenija Zografski” in Skopje on occasion of December 3 - International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The President noted that persons with disabilities make up around 15 percent of the global population, with a similar percentage in the country as well. This, she stressed, is a very relevant figure to ensure special care. 

“The principle of fair and adequate representation, guaranteed by the constitutional amendments of 2001, must be applied without violating the principle when it concerns ethnic affiliation, but we must also take it into account when it comes to the category of persons for whom I am here today,” Siljanovska-Davkova said.

President Siljanovska-Davkova noted she attended Tuesday’s Ability Awards 2025 where she said she was able to see various abilities, creations, successes.

“Why then shouldn’t we open the doors of all institutions precisely for this category of persons, because this isn’t only for personal development, but also for the development of this society. That is the most important part,” the President said, adding that everything must be done to enable equal opportunities and to make it possible for persons with disabilities to adapt and be successful with their knowledge and skills. 

The head of the school, Slobodanka Dzepovska, said all employees unreservedly give love, dedication, support, attention, and faith to every student. She expressed gratitude to the parents and students. 

“In the field of education, a major step forward has been made because indeed the students in our center receive training in various professions and vocations, and they also gain vertical mobility, meaning they can enroll in universities — and they do so. A good number of them have completed higher education, and some of them are now our colleagues. Deaf individuals have also opened their own businesses, which they run successfully, and they were awarded at yesterday’s ceremony. In terms of education, they are fully included,” Dzepovska said. 

Dzepovska noted that lessons at the school are conducted in sign language. On average, the school is attended by 50 students annually, coming from all over the country. 

Photo: MIA