North Macedonia withdraws sexual education program for review

The Ministry of Education and Science in North Macedonia has withdrawn the elective 'Comprehensive Sexual Education' subject from high schools to conduct a full review of the curriculum. The decision follows public reaction regarding the inclusion of the course for students from the first to the fourth year of secondary education.

Minister Vesna Janevska stated that the program will undergo a deep revision, involving the Bureau for Educational Development, to examine the content word-for-word. She noted that the curriculum covers topics such as family, protection against sexually transmitted diseases, prevention of unintended pregnancies, gender equality, and non-discrimination.

While Janevska emphasized that scientific evidence supports the benefits of sexual education for adolescents, she clarified that the subject was intended to be elective, meaning students would only participate if they expressed interest. The ministry will determine if and how the subject will be reintroduced following the review.