On occasion of November 5 – World Day of Romani Language, President Stevo Pendarovski took part Thursday a virtual meeting on the topic, congratulating the Roma community with a message to nurture their mother tongue.
President Pendarovski said fostering of the mother language is an obligation and a vault of the existence, culture and tradition of every nation. He highlighted the importance of institutional support in learning, using and nurturing the Romani language, which at the same time contributes to the strengthening of the country’s multiethnic society.
“Your efforts as teachers and professionals contributing to the affirmation of the Romani language in education are crucial in ensuring access to the education of all pupils without exceptions. We the politicians have the obligation to listen and put forward policies together with you,” said Pendarovski.
He expressed support to the efforts of the teachers and all other Roma stakeholders to make Romani language mandatory from the first grade, Romani culture to be an optional subject for non-Roma children, as well as restoring the Romani Language Department.
The President added that every member of the Roma community should enjoy equal opportunities and rights while respecting the principles of non-discrimination, equality and rule of law.
