Analysis of Religious Education at Public Schools in North Macedonia

Abstract

Society in the Republic of North Macedonia is characterized by religious, cultural, linguistic, and ethnic divergences and differences. Although this aspect of North Macedonian society country is considered to offer rich potentials that need to be cultivated and advanced, at the same time this diversity can be the source of conflicts between various groups. In this multi-religious and multi-ethnic environment, mutual recognition of individuals and recognition across various societal constituencies presents an urgent need for the advancement of interethnic and interreligious relations, as well as the prevention of potential conflicts. In this context, although the initiative to offer religious education in public schools has provoked discussions of various natures about the need for it and the manner of its implementation, the majority of citizens believe that religious education should be provided, in general as a continuation of religious heritage, and also for strengthening reciprocal tolerance and respect for humans rights and freedoms. Learning religious subjects in the educational system of the Republic of North Macedonia results in strengthening and affirming democratic values in the society. By introducing these subjects into the curriculum of public elementary schools in the Republic of North Macedonia, an important effort was made towards raising citizens’ awareness among new generations; generations that are expected, in the medium term, to become citizens of the European Union. In this work we will try to explain the endorsement of these subjects by the relevant governmental institutions, the contents of these lessons, as well as the manner of their implementation in the North Macedonian educational system.