North Macedonia pilots new early learning program in 11 kindergartens

The Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth is launching a pilot of a new Early Learning and Development Program in North Macedonia. Developed in collaboration with the Bureau for Educational Development, UNICEF, and expert teams, the initiative aims to improve the quality of preschool education and upbringing across the country.

The program will be tested in 11 kindergartens selected to represent diverse regional, linguistic, and socio-cultural contexts. This approach is intended to verify the clarity, applicability, and suitability of the program in various environments. The curriculum focuses on child-centered learning through play, exploration, and active participation to enhance communication and individual development.

Minister Gjoko Velkovski emphasized the importance of feedback from directors, educators, and professionals involved in the pilot. He noted that identifying challenges and successes through professional dialogue is essential to creating sustainable solutions for daily kindergarten operations.