The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov and the Minister of Education, Panche Kralev, at an official ceremony, awarded the “Boris Trajkovski” scholarships for post-graduate studies within the Business Administration Programme – MBA for the academic 2011/2012. This scholarship program, initiated by late President Boris Trajkovski, will enable 20 talented students from Macedonia to continue their high education at the City College, University of Sheffield, and obtain a certificate from this prestigious institution.

Distinguished Minister Kralev,
Representatives of the City College,
Dear Students,

The good cooperation that we in Macedonia have established with the City College of the Sheffield University in Thessaloniki continues to deliver results. I am glad that today we can send a new group of young people, who, after their studies in Greece will return with new knowledge and skills applicable for their own good and for the good of Macedonia, will upgrade the cooperation between our two countries. Macedonia is aware that a lot of hard work is needed to make up for what is missing in building knowledge-based economy. Quality young people who have acquired a good education in reputable educational institutions are necessary for the economic development and progress of a country. We believe that the most precious resource we have as a country are our quality people, ready to face the challenges of establishing and running businesses, considering the market needs, proper and cost-efficient distribution of labor and resources. These are skills you can gain thanks to the scholarships for post-graduate studies at the City College. Take this opportunity of today that is offered to you as a great responsibility and obligation. You should utilize the given opportunity in full in order to be successful citizens, for your own good and for the good of the society as a whole.

Dear students,

Do not forget that for you additional responsibility is that these scholarships are awarded in honor of President Boris Trajkovski. As President, Trajkovski worked and recognized the need for building a quality education system that will enable us to rise above the need of a bare survival, and will steer our country to prosperity, welfare and progress. President Trajkovski, at the same time, fully

understood that through the exchange of students in educational institutions between Macedonia and the neighboring countries, we can permanently dissolve stereotypes and prejudices which unfortunately still tend to dominate in mutual relations. Generations of politicians, businessmen, employed professionals who know well their counterparts from neighboring countries, who freely cooperate with the neighborhood, are the foundation for building the new Balkans. The Thessaloniki program includes participants from all countries from the region. This is an excellent opportunity to build the future elite of our region, to build bridges of cooperation based on knowledge, labor and experience, and in particular, based on friendship and cooperation with neighbors. We desire this; our region to be released from the artificial restraints and imposed problems. To open a space where successful people will be able to prosper and progress, moving their societies forward.

Therefore, dear students, once again, I congratulate you and wish you much success in your studies, and, even further, in the application of what you have learned.

Thank you.