Not only is the proposed new concept for elementary education adopted in a vague and non-transparent way, but also many of its aspects are insufficient or completely ill-thought out, the Institute of Art History and Archaeology at the Faculty of Philosophy in Skopje said in a press release on Monday.

The history class in elementary education is very important for both students and us. This class is the students’ first contact with the past, based on which they will decide whether to study history or archeology. The classes in the field of arts are their first contact with aesthetics and art in general, after which some decide to study its development. That is why it is very important that they get a clear picture of the past, and not, as proposed, “interpret it through the prism of civil society,” says the Institute.

The Institute of Art History and Archaeology said that no member of the Institute has been informed or consulted about any activity related to the concept, ans so it fully supports the request of the colleagues from the Institute of History.

We ask the competent Ministry and the Government to stop all activities related to this controversial Concept, and the Institute of Art History and Archaeology to be consulted in making any future reforms, reads the press release.