OSCE Mission to Skopje helps strengthen inter-ethnic dialogue between students

SKOPJE, 26 June 2008 - Strengthening inter-ethnic dialogue and building confidence between students of different ethnic backgrounds from Kumanovo's four segregated secondary schools was the aim of an OSCE-supported project that successfully concluded today.

The 10-month project, which included discussion sessions and group field trips to Krushevo and Skopje, gave 70 students the chance to get to know each other and discuss youth issues, as well as learn about conflict resolution, tolerance and multiculturalism. The project aimed to help break down stereotypes and contribute to an integrated and peaceful society.

"The project has brought together students from different ethnic backgrounds who would normally never have the opportunity to interact," said Bernard Segarra, Head of the Confidence Building Department.

"We hope that it helped young people learn tolerance and communications skills as well as more about each others' cultures and traditions, thus gaining a better knowledge of the multi-ethnic character of the region they live in," he added.

Tulaha Tahir, Programme Manager at the Macedonian Civic Education Centre added: "We are glad we had the opportunity to lead the process of students' friendships through learning about each other and building 'bridges' of friendship towards a peaceful society."

This project was financed by the Spanish Education Ministry, implemented by the Macedonian Civic Education Centre, and initiated by the OSCE Mission to Skopje. It followed a study conducted by the OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities that identified the need to increase inter-ethnic interaction in the educational system.