Tevdovski: US$33,4 million in grants for construction of kindergartens

Finance Minister Dragan Tevdovski announced Monday grants for construction of new kindergartens and overhaul of existing ones.

The World Bank project worth US$ 33,4 million would also be used for enhancement of curricula and training of staff in pre-school institutions, as well as for local social services.

“The World Bank mission is currently assessing the project and negotiations should start in July. The project is scheduled for approval by the World Bank Board of Directors by the end of September, while its signing by the year-end,” Minister Tevdovski told reporters at the sidelines of the opening of the first kindergarten in Caska municipality.

He said the current number of kindergartens in the country is insufficient, as is the required staff.

“Children are our future. Investing in their development from an early age is a contribution to the country’s prosperity. We are focusing on enlarging the reach of children in kindergartens and improving the spatial and human capacities,” added Tevdovski.

According to him, this year’s budget incorporates more funds for kindergartens (EUR 26 million), accompanied by 200 employments and increase of salaries by five percent as of September.