North Macedonia is preparing to close around 20 regional schools this year as the number of students continues to decline, a move defended by Education Minister Vesna Janevska despite opposition from some parents.
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| An empty primary school classroom in North Macedonia. The government plans to close approximately 20 regional schools due to a sharp decline in student enrollment caused by falling birth rates, which is expected to result in 4,900 fewer first-grade students entering school [cite: Falling Birth Rates Behind Declining Student Numbers, Janevska attributed the decline in the number of students primarily to the falling birth rate, rather than migration., According to final figures cited by the minister, around 4,900 fewer first-grade students are expected to begin school in September compared with the previous year. |
Education Minister Defends School Closures
Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska has defended the planned closure of several regional schools, arguing that extremely small classes do not provide children with adequate educational and social opportunities.
Speaking to TV Sitel, Janevska said some schools have only a handful of students, with cases involving just one child in a class or even in an entire school.
She argued that bringing children together in larger groups would provide better opportunities for learning, socialization and the development of positive skills.
Around 20 Regional Schools Expected to Close
According to Janevska, around 20 regional schools are expected to be closed this year as part of what the government describes as an optimization process.
Most of the affected schools have fewer than five students, although some reportedly have seven or eight.
The minister also pointed out that around 20 schools were closed spontaneously during 2021 and 2022, before the current government was in power.
Minister Says Shorter Travel Distances Should Not Prevent Consolidation
Janevska also addressed concerns from parents who oppose the closures because their children would have to attend schools in other settlements.
She argued that distances of around two kilometers should not be considered an insurmountable obstacle for families, particularly if the change provides children with access to a larger educational environment.
The minister said the objective is not simply to close schools, but to improve the quality of education and prevent children from becoming isolated in extremely small communities.
Falling Birth Rates Behind Declining Student Numbers
Janevska attributed the decline in the number of students primarily to the falling birth rate, rather than migration.
According to final figures cited by the minister, around 4,900 fewer first-grade students are expected to begin school in September compared with the previous year.
The figures highlight the demographic pressure facing North Macedonia's education system, particularly in smaller and more rural communities.
A Wider Demographic Challenge
The planned school closures reflect a broader demographic problem affecting North Macedonia and other Balkan countries, where declining birth rates and population changes are reducing the number of children entering the education system.
While the government presents school consolidation as a way to improve educational and social conditions, the policy remains controversial among parents who fear that closing local schools could further weaken rural communities and make education less accessible.
Oculus News will continue to follow developments surrounding education reform and demographic changes in North Macedonia.