October has been an exciting month for our New Heroes Season 2 contestants!
On October 21st, contestants Jana and Reshat met with the President of North Macedonia, Mr. Stevo Pendarovski. They talked about the lack of literature for children in Roma language, and how education overall and particularly in their mother tongue is very important for the students and their future professional orientation.
The New Heroes tried to find a solution to this challenge by producing children’s books in Roma language that will contribute to the existing library in one of the primary schools in Shuto Orizari. For Roma children whose mother tongue is not Macedonian, it can be difficult to follow classes and feel included during school, particularly in the first years of school when they are still learning Macedonian. Although the Law on Primary Education guarantees that Romani can be taught as an optional subject, in practice this option is not available for the vast majority of Roma pupils, in part due to the lack of textbooks and other teaching materials.
When the New Heroes were asked what left the biggest impression on them from their meeting with the President, they said:
I didn’t expect to have such an informal and open conversation about these important issues with the President. It was less stressful than the meeting with my professor this morning at school! – Reshad, New Heroes Season 2 contestant
I couldn’t believe that I met the President. From attending the Watch Sessions for Season 1 in our school, to applying as a participant for Season 2 – just like that, I am, all of a sudden, meeting with the President of my country! Such an unbelievable experience that I will hold with me all of my life. – Jana, New Heroes Season 2 contestant
The initiative that they came up with will be revealed in 2021, when Season 2 is launched.
New Heroes is a television show developed by Search for Common Ground, in partnership with USAID, in which young Macedonians take on challenges to address the issues that they care about in their communities. Shooting of the second season is in full swing, and will be available online from February 2021.
Haven’t seen Season 1 yet? Don’t worry! All Season 1 episodes are available on the New Heroes Youtube Channel, in Macedonian, Albanian and English.
So – stay tuned, stay healthy, and we will see you on television shortly!
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