The Ministry of Digital Transformation and the British Council today signed a Memorandum of Cooperation, establishing a strategic framework for the reactivation of the "21st Century Schools" project. This includes joint activities aimed at advancing digital transformation, developing digital skills and modernizing the Macedonian education system.
The project includes the preparation of learning materials, student work with microprocessors, real-world projects in schools, cybersecurity and the basics of artificial intelligence.
This partnership represents a significant step towards continuing and expanding the successful "21st Century Schools" program, which in the past period has enabled thousands of students and teachers to develop coding, critical thinking and problem-solving skills through the practical application of digital tools, including micro:bit technology.
Within the framework of the new phase of the program, it is envisaged to further strengthen the capacities of teachers in the areas of critical thinking, problem solving, coding, cybersecurity and fundamentals of artificial intelligence, as well as expand support to smaller age groups of students and encourage innovative school projects.
It is particularly significant that this initiative will be implemented in partnership with Makedonski Telekom, a long-standing supporter of digital education and technological innovations. The next phase envisages the conclusion of a tripartite Operational Agreement for the implementation of the "21st Century Schools" project - Phase II, between the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the British Council and Makedonski Telekom.
The Memorandum was signed by the Minister of Digital Transformation, Stefan Andonovski, and Claire Sears, Director for the Western Balkans and co-signatory of the Memorandum. The event was also attended by H.E. Matthew Lawson, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Republic of S. Macedonia, Stella Durutović, Education Projects Manager for the Western Balkans, and Bela Trenevska Šotarovska, Communications Manager at the British Embassy.
