PEP opens 21st century technology laboratories in
Macedonian Primary Schools
In October 2009 USAID PEP began renovating and equipping the technology labs in nine primary schools throughout the country.
On 6th of October, the Mayor of Bitola, representatives from USAID PEP, director, teachers, parents and students from primary school St. Kliment Ohridski in Bitola, celebrated the renovation and modernization of its technology laboratory, which is the first of nine 21st Century labs that USAID PEP will pilot this school year.
"One of the main problems facing young people is the mismatch of 
skills and knowledge they gain in school with the requirements of the labor market. Many of the skills and knowledge that employers emphasize as most important in modern business need to be developed at an early age. We hope that these “21st Century Technology Labs”, will attract students to technical subjects and provide them with the skills and knowledge needed for Macedonia’s future." said Keith Prenton, director of USAID's Primary Education Project.
On 15th and 20th October, further technology labs were officially opened in two primary schools in Skopje. Students from the primary schools “Vasil Glavinov” from municipality of Chair, and “Lazo Angelovski” from the municipality of Aerodrom, demonstrated their skills in using the robotics, computer animation and computer control equipment provided.
On 29th October the new technology lab was opened in primary school “Vasil Glavinov”, Veles. The US Ambassador’s wife, Mrs. S. Reeker, attended this event and commented,” This renovated lab has created a great environment for both teaching and learning. I hope this will be a great incentive for the students to study and learn more”.
The total value of the equipment, tools and materials provided to the nine schools is about $50.000. In 2010, PEP plans to invite more schools to apply for new technology equipment following the evaluation of the pilot program.
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