Improved conditions for teaching and sports in North Macedonia
A transformative initiative is reshaping educational infrastructure across North Macedonia, as 30 schools and sports halls receive modernised facilities through a collaborative effort. The project, titled "Rehabilitation of Physical Education Facilities in Primary and Secondary Schools and Procurement of Sports Equipment in the Republic of North Macedonia," is co-financed by the Ministry of Education and Science, the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) bilateral donors, and the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB).
The "Panajot Ginovski" primary school in the municipality of Butel, in Skopje is one of 30 beneficiaries of this project, which aims to enhance physical education facilities and provide modern sports equipment. These improvements are designed to create safer, inclusive and more motivating environments for students to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.
At the "LEARN, PLAY, GROW" event on 16 September 2026, where the project's results were presented, Minister of Education and Science, Prof. Dr. Vesna Janevska, highlighted the importance of educational infrastructure as a cornerstone of societal development. "A school should be a place where students feel safe, accepted, and motivated to learn," she stated.
The Minister also noted that the Government has implemented—or is currently implementing—another 90 educational infrastructure projects across municipalities with the support of European partner organisations.
International support and shared commitment
The event featured addresses from the EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas, as well as the ambassadors of Italy, Spain, and France—Paolo Palminteri, Rafael Soriano Ortiz, and Christophe Le Rigoleur—representing the bilateral donors to the project. Each emphasised the importance of sustained investment in education, particularly in infrastructure, and expressed satisfaction with the project's achievements which has delivered results for more than 122,000 pupils. Vice-Governor of the Council of Europe Development Bank, Tomáš Boček also reiterated the need for continued support to ensure every child has access to quality educational conditions.
Mayor of Butel Municipality, Darko Kostovski, and the school principal, Blagorodna Sotirov, shared their gratitude for the inclusion of "Panajot Ginovski" Primary School in the renovation activities. "For the first time in 70 years, the school gym is being renovated," said Sotirov. "This is such a significant investment not only in buildings but in creating spaces where children can thrive." The school choir further celebrated the occasion, welcoming attendees with a rousing performance of the school anthem and Beehoven's Ode to Joy – the anthem of the European Union.
Long-lasting impact
Launched in 2024, the total estimated value of the "Rehabilitation of physical education facilities in primary and secondary schools and procurement of sports equipment in the Republic of North Macedonia" project is €66 million, including €6 million contribution from WBIF bilateral donors as well as loans from the CEB. It stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between national and international partners, ensuring that North Macedonia's students benefit from improved conditions for teaching and sports.
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About WBIF and Global Gateway
The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) contributes directly to Global Gateway, the EU's strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport, while strengthening health, education and research systems worldwide. Global Gateway aims to mobilise up to €300 billion worldwide in investments through a Team Europe approach, bringing together the EU, its Member States and financial institutions to leverage investments for a transformational impact.