Gazi Baba mayor’s decision: Macedonian anthem to be sung every Monday in primary schools

Monday classes in the primary schools of the Municipality of Gazi Baba will begin with the performance of the anthem of the Republic of Macedonia. The decision was announced on Facebook by the municipality’s mayor, Boban Stefkovski, meaning that the Macedonian anthem will also be sung by Albanian students in the municipality’s Albanian-language schools, InfoShqip reports.

According to Stefkovski, the decision is intended to remind people of their ethnic identity. However, its implementation also includes Albanian students, who will be required to sing the Macedonian anthem in their classrooms at the start of every school week.

“The anthem is not just a song. It is a symbol of our freedom, statehood, history and the sacrifice of the generations who fought for an independent and sovereign Macedonia,” the mayor of Gazi Baba wrote.

He stressed that education teaches children to respect their homeland through national symbols, while his statement did not mention Albanian national symbols, the anthem, the flag and the language.

“Through education, we build children’s knowledge and future, but at the same time we teach them to respect their homeland, its national symbols and the values that unite us as a people,” Boban Stefkovski said.

Stefkovski added that love for Macedonia should be cultivated from childhood, in the family, at school and in everyday life.

“With this decision, we are building a sense of belonging, unity, dignity and respect for the country. Let every new beginning of the school week be filled with pride, respect and love for our one and only homeland! MACEDONIA IS EVERYTHING WE HAVE,” concluded the statement by Gazi Baba Mayor Boban Stefkovski.