North Macedonia’s President Stevo Pendarovski and 11-year-old Embla Ademi with Down Syndrome who was bullied in school made worldwide headlines after the President walked the girl to school in the city of Gostivar.
He held the girl’s hand as he walked her to the elementary school where she experienced bullying because of being a child with special needs.
The girl has Down Syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes problems with learning, health
issues, and noticeable facial characteristics.
Pendarovski Visited the Girl’s Home & Spoke to Her Parents
Pendarovski visited Embla’s home and discussed the challenges that they face daily and also tackled possible solutions with her parents.
According to the official statement, the attitude of those who endanger kids’ rights is unacceptable, particularly when it’s about kids with atypical development.
The President emphasized the need for these kids to enjoy their rights, but also to be equally welcomed and treated in the school and schoolyard. As a state, this is their obligation, but also as individuals, and the joined mission is empathy.
The President stated that this will be of aid for Embla and other kids like her, but also other people to share, rejoice, and show solidarity.
The video that got global attention showed the president sitting down in the family’s living room with Embla and her parents and presenting them with gifts.
After the visit, he also walked the girl to school and then waved to her as she walked inside. North Macedonia’s President believes equality is pivotal and he came to Gostivar to show his support and to increase the awareness and necessity of inclusion.
He also said that he’s supportive and encouraging of Embla’s family in their fight and protection of the rights of kids like their daughter.
Discrimination Because of Special Needs Has to Stop
Unlike other kids who began their school year together on February 1st in North Macedonia (delayed start because of the pandemic measures), Embla was alone in her classroom.
This is because the parents of some of her classmates from the Bashkimi Elementary School in Gostivar boycotted the classes under the pretext that Embla showed aggression towards their kids.
Pendarovski stated that people’s prejudices are the main obstacle to an equal and just society for all individuals. He also emphasized the legal and moral obligation to ensure inclusive education and offer a focus on skills and abilities in kids with distinct developmental processes.
North Macedonia, once part of Yugoslavia, is a small, landlocked country in the southeast of Europe and has a population of approximately two million.
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