Japan Paid 80,314 Euros for Part of the Roof of a Bitola School: How Many Schools Are Still Waiting for a Foreign Donor?

At the "St. Kliment Ohridski" primary school in Bitola, the reconstruction of part of the roof structure has been completed. The bill of 80,314 euros was paid by the Embassy of Japan.

The school says the donation brings safer conditions for pupils and staff and a better teaching environment. The statements also say that Japan's support, "together with the investments of Bitola Municipality," contributes to better school infrastructure. Exactly how much the municipality put into this roof - that figure isn't given. Deputy Mayor Marina Krstić attended the ceremony marking the completion.

The gratitude toward Japan is deserved. But it leaves a bitter taste when the roof over children's heads in a city like Bitola depends on the goodwill of an embassy from the other side of the world. A school roof isn't a luxury, it's a basic obligation.

How many other schools across Macedonia are waiting for their own donor before the ceiling stops dripping? And when will the day come when a project like this is announced with a budget from our own coffers, rather than with someone else's signature on a donation?