Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska has responded following discussions sparked by her statement that first-grade students should want to have a brother or sister, rather than only seek knowledge.

Janevska explained that the decision on whether or not to have children, as well as whether or not to have more children, belongs to the parents and must be respected as the personal choice of each couple.

“Through this statement, I only wanted to point out that the situation is alarming. Those who have the opportunity and desire can give their children the chance to have a brother or sister. I had absolutely no intention of offending anyone or influencing personal decisions,” Janevska told “Sitel.”

She stressed that the demographic situation remains concerning, particularly since 148 school facilities have been closed and around 400 classes have been reduced. According to the minister, the number of affected classes could have been twice as high, but other indicators were also taken into account during the decision-making process.

“Our population must understand what is happening in the country. If it loves its country, it must work together with all of us to improve living conditions, so that emigration does not continue and the demographic decline is stabilized. We are doing everything we can, as are the other ministries, through highways and trains, with the aim of improving citizens’ lives so that they stay here and build a good, modern life,” the Minister of Education added.

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