On November 27, 2025, over 20 enthusiastic science teachers from primary schools across Macedonia gathered in Skopje for a full-day professional development training under the program “Science and Me”, supported by Johnson Matthey’s Community Impact Program.

Held at the welcoming premises of Primary School “11 Oktomvri” – Skopje (Centar), the workshop focused on strengthening teachers’ practical skills and confidence through inquiry-based learning, innovative classroom techniques, and hands-on science experiments in physics, biology, chemistry, and environmental science.

The event opened with a warm welcome from Nena Manchev, representative of Macedonia2025, who emphasized the importance of empowering educators and investing in early science education as a foundation for long-term social and economic development.

Participants engaged in interactive sessions designed to boost both teaching quality and student engagement, exploring new ways to ignite curiosity and critical thinking in the classroom.

The training featured inspiring sessions delivered by distinguished experts:

• Prof. Ana Tomovska Misoska – Motivation and classroom management techniques
• Mare Bojchovska Saveska – Physics experiments and principles of fair testing
• Vjolca Mehmeti-Nuredini – Experiential learning, climate education, and environmental awareness
• Ivanka Mijić, MSc – Creative chemistry experimentation and planning for effective science instruction

This capacity-building event is part of our shared mission to support science educators with practical tools, peer learning, and long-term mentoring. The initiative is implemented in close cooperation with the Bureau for Development of Education, under the Ministry of Education and Science of N. Macedonia.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to Primary School “11 Oktomvri” Skopjefor their generous hospitality and excellent cooperation in making the event a success.

As we continue our journey, “Science and Me” will soon expand into the next phase of activities, including:

• A new round of teacher training
• Regional science fairs in spring 2026, where students will present their projects and experiments in front of peers, teachers, and guests
• An exclusive study visit to the Johnson Matthey factory in Skopje, where selected teachers and students will have the opportunity to explore real-world scientific and technological processes in industry
• The donation of 20 science education sets to selected primary schools across the country, prioritizing active participants and schools with limited resources

Stay tuned as we continue to build a stronger community of educators, learners, and partners united by a shared passion for science and innovation!