Kisela Voda to give free uniforms to 5,500 pupils
First-graders will also receive backpacks with school supplies; the mayor said the move aims to reduce social differences and ease family budgets.
Kisela Voda Municipality announced it will provide free school uniforms to all 5,500 pupils enrolled in its primary schools ahead of the new school year. In addition, every child starting first grade this autumn will receive a free backpack stocked with necessary school supplies.
The measure is presented by municipal authorities as a way to ease pressure on household budgets and ensure equal conditions for learning across communities in the municipality.
Mayor Beti Stamenkoska Trajkoska highlighted the broader goal behind the initiative: "Through these systemic steps we are creating an educational environment free of social disparities, where the sole focus of pupils remains the educational-upbringing process and their personal development. We want parents to be at ease, and every child to feel equally valued, dignified and accepted. Kisela Voda Municipality remains a steady partner to every family, continuously creating measures that improve the quality of life for all our residents," she said.
The package for first-graders includes a backpack and basic school supplies; municipal officials say distribution will begin before classes start so pupils arrive prepared for the first day. The municipality did not publish a detailed timetable, but called on parents to follow local announcements for collection points and schedules.
Local administrators described the uniform and backpack campaign as part of a wider set of social-support actions aimed at lowering costs associated with schooling and reducing visible economic differences among pupils.
Officials said the municipality will continue to monitor the program and consider expanding similar measures in coming years depending on budgetary possibilities and demand from families.
Photo: press material from the event
