When given opportunities, every child can flourish and develop

Today, in a science class, she takes part in experiments to demonstrate that a chemical reaction occurs when there is a color change, effervescence, precipitation, or a temperature change.  

This hands-on and fun experience helps Astina and her peers grasp what each indicator means—without even realizing they're learning. She explains what draws her to science: 'What really makes you love a school subject is the way the teacher engages with us.'" 

Indeed, Astina’s science teacher Gabriela inspires students to experiment, think freely and strive for greater achievements, encouraging them to set higher expectations for their future. For instance, just a couple of months ago, one of her students, 14-year-old Elif, won first place in chemistry at a national science contest, competing against 237 elementary school students from across the country.  

Elif, with a determined sparkle in his eye, shares that he will continue his education at the secondary vocational school, "Marie Curie Sklodowska," and graduate as a laboratory technician. 

Seeing many children in his community leave school early, Elif believes that encouragement from family and committed teachers is what helps children stay motivated and believe in themselves. 

"My father is a musician and plays in a band, while my mom stays at home. Even though they didn't complete their education, they always encourage me to learn and succeed. They were over the moon when I decided to enter the contest!” 

Astina and Elif show that when children are given opportunities to learn in an engaging school environment, and grow up in a nurturing family, they can achieve great academic results. Having supportive relationships with caring adults—family members, siblings, and committed teachers—greatly increases the chances of children staying in school and continuing their education. 

Unfortunately, too many Roma children in North Macedonia face significant educational hurdles, with only 56% completing primary education compared to the national average of 94%. Poverty and limited access to early childhood education - 79% of Roma children live below the national poverty line and only 8% attend kindergarten - set them at a disadvantage from the start.  

UNICEF is supporting the country to address these equity gaps and inequalities in access to services and is advocating for policies and programmes to ensure every child has a fair chance to thrive and develop their full potential. 

Currently UNICEF is working with the ministries of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, of Education and Science and of Health to secure systemic access for vulnerable children to basic social services by developing holistic packages of specific support measures. These interventions are guided by the European Child Guarantee approach - an EU mechanism to prevent and address social exclusion of children by guaranteeing access to a range of key social services in a non-stigmatizing and non-discriminatory manner. 

The implementation of the Child Guarantee in North Macedonia will put in place both universal and targeted interventions to provide social protection, education and healthcare to the most vulnerable children, including Roma children. This will ensure that, gradually, every child will have access to quality services and will get a fair chance and equal opportunities to succeed, particularly through enrollment and completion of quality and inclusive education. Because when given the opportunity, every child can flourish.