Macedonia, a child with Down syndrome bullied, the President of the Republic accompanies her to school

He walked her to school, hand in hand. Stevo Pendarovski, president of North Macedonia, arrived at the gate of the primary school in the city of Gostivar with Embla Ademi, an 11-year-old girl with Down syndrome.

The little girl’s family had publicly denounced him bullying that Embla had suffered: the president came to the girl’s home, talked to her parents about the challenges they face every day, gave her some gifts and accompanied her to her school.

“We are all the same in this society. I came here to give my support and to raise awareness that inclusion is a fundamental principleThe president said in a statement. “The behavior of those who endanger children’s rights is unacceptable, especially when it comes to children with atypical development.” It’s still: “Children with disabilities deserve inclusion and access to education. We all need to show understanding, empathy and support for people with disabilities. Helping children like Embla will also help us learn from them how to sincerely rejoice, share and be supportive.

Pendarovski, who posted a video of his visit to Embla’s family on his Facebook profile, stresses that children “should not only enjoy the rights they deserve, but also feel the same and welcome at the desks and in the school yard. It is our obligation, as a state, but also as individuals, and the key element of this common mission is empathy ».

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