The President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today on the occasion of the start of the academic year paid a visit to the University “Goce Delcev” – Stip, where he attended the first academic class and had a greeting address before the students:

Dear Students,
Distinguished Professors
Dear Friends,

It is my special pleasure to greet you at the beginning of the academic year 2011/2012, in Shtip, at the University that bears the name of the great Macedonian revolutionary and national activist, but also teacher, Goce Delchev. I am glad to see so many young people and to feel the enthusiasm and energy present in this institution.

The University in Shtip is one of the youngest universities in the Republic of Macedonia, which is being intensively developed, not lagging behind other older Macedonian universities. Given that I come from the academic community, every possibility to be among students, professors, other employees is an experience that reminds me of my days as a professor and undoubtedly it is an excellent opportunity to see the progress made in the higher education in the Republic of Macedonia. And this progress is really remarkable and is an important, successful story for Macedonia, which I, as the Head of the State, proudly represent to my international contacts.

Education in Macedonian language is a reality for more than six decades. In an independent and sovereign Macedonia for a period of twenty years, the education, including higher education, started developing. It meant pluralism in education, opening private universities, opening new state universities, implementing reforms in line with the Bologna principles. Among others, the main goal was quality education available to all. More opportunities for all, thus everyone can be part of the higher education. We can be satisfied that finally, this idea, the idea of higher education available to all, becomes reality.

Not so long ago, many of our fellow citizens, unable to enroll at the Macedonian faculties, went to study abroad, mostly in the neighboring countries. It was a forced choice due to the limited number of posts for new students at the existing universities at that time. Now, the travels abroad are an added value, choice for further advancement and gaining new experiences, and not necessity.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Last week, we celebrated proudly the 20th anniversary of our independence and we paid tribute to all generations of Macedonians who strived to free and independent state.

Often when I speak to students, I stress that you are a generation with an opportunity to be part of a wider educational context, part of the open European education space. Students from previous generations already use the benefits of the established European standards of higher education in our country. One can meet our students at universities across Europe, continuing and upgrading their higher education.

Dear students,

On the first day of the new academic year I would like to reaffirm that I, as President, within my capacity, will continue to support the most successful Macedonian students. Namely, through the project for selection of the Youngest Scientist. This year also, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, we are making efforts to award scholarships to the best students enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate, MA, MS and MBA studies. This joint effort reflects our faith in you, in your ability and your future. As President, I am the patron of the School for Young Leaders, which provides additional experience for successful young people presented by top professors from the country and the world.

Dear students,

The aim of these initiatives, legislative amendments and reforms is to create conditions for you, to establish student-oriented educational system. If you are persistent in your efforts, if you are improving your academic and professional career, if you behave responsibly, then, believe me, your future and the future of Macedonia will be ensured. If you are successful, then Macedonia will be successful, too.

I want to assure you that the road that leads to individual and collective success is neither short nor easy. Nowadays we are witnessing the successes of the Macedonian basketball heroes whose dedication to the goal and the sense of responsibility towards themselves and the team makes them equal with all basketball superpowers. We are witnessing the world’s leading industrial giants operating in Macedonia, among others, attracted by the quality and educated workers who can be found here. Such successes actually raise confidence in us. However, self-confidence without knowledge is not worth enough.

Therefore, today, when you make one big step in your life, you start investing in your education. To be part of the academic life is more than gaining skills and knowledge. It is a process of intensive socialization, making friendships and gaining new experiences. Your involvement in higher education institutions opens the door to knowledge and information, the doors to the world and it definitely changes your lives.

I wish health, happiness and successful completion of the academic venture to you and to all students at all universities in the Republic of Macedonia. Be diligent, dedicated, open, honest and sincere. I wish you success in your academic years and in everything you do in your life.

Thank you.