Partnering with U.S. EUCOM and Local Communities to Renovate Schools in North Macedonia

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Over 900 students and employees at the Aco Shopov Primary School in the municipality of Butel started the second semester in a renovated building. The municipality and the school partnered with USAID, the United States European Command (EUCOM), and Macedonian Civic Education Center to renovate the school. This renovation was completed under the USAID Youth Ethnic Integration Project.

Video Transcript 
Until recently, the Aco Shopov Primary School in the municipality of Butel was in a poor condition. This past semester the school got a new look. More than 900 students and employees at the Aco Shopov Primary School in the municipality of Butel started the second semester in a renovated building. The municipality and the school, in cooperation with USAID, the United States European Command, and Macedonian Civic Education Center, partnered to give the school building a new appearance. Roof leaks are now history. There are new floors in the classrooms, as well as new doors, windows and heating appliances. These upgrades will enable students to have a more pleasant experience in their classrooms. The students understood the importance of the project. They participated in the process of defining what needed to be renovated and they actively helped make it happen. The teachers also participated in some of the initiatives. We, as teaching staff, contributed to the work together with the others that worked in the school. While we were clearing the area, the students were helping because they wanted to contribute to the beautification of the school. The employees also helped. And for that, we are very grateful. The teachers also really helped, especially with clearing the area and the clean up. Aco Shopov Primary School was built in 1984 and it had not been thoroughly renovated in decades. 40 percent of the project’s funds were provided by the municipality of Butel. Furthermore, we also participated in some voluntary activities such as cleaning the premises and other smaller tasks that preceded the project. The renovation of the school was completed as part of the USAID Youth Ethnic Integration Project.

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