Vesna Janevska: No shortening of lessons unless yellow phase is declared

Education Minister Vesna Janevska said that teaching on very hot days must follow the Ministry of Education and Science's heat-response protocol, which has been published on the ministry's website and distributed to all schools.

Janevska told reporters that while climate change affects children across Europe and the world, it does not mean lessons should be suspended automatically.

"But that does not mean our children should not learn. What must be done is to respect the protocols. Of course school management and teachers themselves, as part of their work, will adapt to the conditions. If it is hot, they will not do physical education, there will be breaks, art, music, something else... I do not want to interfere in their work, but here is one idea. If it is colder, they will also do some physical exercise. The protocols state when to open and close windows, which activities children should have. We must adjust to every challenge," Janevska said.

On the question of air-conditioning in schools at the beginning and end of the school year, the minister replied that air conditioners will be provided "when, as a state, we are able to provide air conditioners in all schools." She added that the government is prioritising investments and that she expects the problem to be resolved within a reasonable period.

Separately, Miteski clarified the operational trigger for shortening lessons: "We follow those recommendations and act exclusively in accordance with the protocols. In case we enter the yellow phase with temperatures, where there are certain threshold values for each month separately, including September, then we will act in accordance with the protocol. If a yellow phase occurs, the protocol will be applied and lessons will be shortened, however if we do not have a yellow phase, we will not proceed to shorten [lessons]."

Photo: press material from the event