Siljanovska‑Davkova at first lesson in Ohrid: "Invest in yourself"

President Gordana Siljanovska‑Davkova visited the first‑grade class at Primary School “St. Clement of Ohrid” today and used the start of the school year to tell pupils that the best possible investment is in their own education.

Siljanovska‑Davkova attended the first lesson together with Ohrid mayor Kiril Pecakov, marking the formal opening of the new academic year at the school where she was born.

Messages to children, parents and teachers

Addressing the youngest pupils she encouraged curiosity, questions and study, stressing that knowledge will make them more independent and understanding of the world.

She told the children: "The more you know, the more you will understand, the more tolerant and self‑reliant you will be. Therefore invest in yourself. Study. There is no better friend than the book."

Siljanovska‑Davkova also urged pupils to compete for knowledge rather than grades, to avoid violence and to build friendships with classmates and teachers. "Run away from violence. Be friends with the teachers and develop friendship with the pupils," she said, and added praise for the teaching profession: "There is no better job than teaching."

Mayor Kiril Pecakov told pupils that the first day of school is an important moment and that, besides reading and writing, school teaches the value of friendship, respect and mutual help. "Be curious, hardworking and smiling and enjoy every school day," Pecakov told the children, while calling on parents to support their children and on teachers to continue to devote themselves to education.

Pecakov confirmed that the Municipality of Ohrid will continue investing in schools to improve conditions for all pupils.

Photo: press material from the event