Education Sector Reforms and Achieving Millennium Development Goals in the Republic of Macedonia

High quality education is basic impetus for social and economic development and for public health improvement. The Government of Macedonia anticipates a broad scope of policies and reform measures, with tendency to increase budgetary funds for education to 5% of GDP, following the EU/OECD average. “Every child goes to school” Program was adopted in 2006 with mandatory primary and secondary education. Free-of-charge primary school textbooks are provided for the families with lower income. Information technology and full computerization of the primary and secondary schools was introduced. Early studies of foreign languages, with mandatory English language classes starting from the first grade, were introduced. Renovation of dormitories and free Internet access was provided. In accordance with European practices the “Education all around the world” Program was adopted for informal education and training throughout the working career. Control of the quality of education was regular activity through nationally standardized tests, dual system of education, entailing practice and assessment of practical knowledge. School syllabus at all levels were modernized, especially those for high school and university education. Governmental support was extended for establishment of private high schools and universities, to attract world-renown universities to open their branches in Macedonia, and to open a new state university in 2007 with main campus in Stip. Closer connection between domestic faculties and respective foreign faculties and institutes was facilitated through joint activities. To overcome problems in the educational sphere, the Government developed a Programme for Education Development, which states that “one of the key challenges is to raise the level of education of all adolescents and adults, with a special emphasis on the enhancement of the quality of their expert/working and social competencies”. The realization of the MDGs is an integral part of this program and progress will be measured by certain MDG indicators.