Bozinovski: Dressing children in KLA uniforms is an attempt to change the narrative of Macedonian history

Commenting on the event at the "7th March" Primary School in Celopek near Tetovo, during which students wore plastic guns and dressed in uniforms of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), analyst Vladimir Bozinovski stated that such actions aim to separate the general narrative and flow of Macedonian history from what is prescribed and established by law, the constitution, and the Ministry of Education's curriculum.

Bozinovski highlighted that the key issue is whether schools should stage performances that allude to military conflict and an organization perceived by the international community as a terrorist group.

"It is not about who was offended, the question is whether schools, especially primary schools, should organize performances that allude to military conflict and an organization the international community has regarded as a terrorist organization. Education in Macedonia should be inclusive. Performances like this create a certain exclusivity, trying to separate the general narrative and flow of Macedonian history from what is legally and constitutionally established and outlined in the Ministry of Education's programs," Bozinovski told Kosovo Online.

He believes that by dressing children in KLA uniforms, the children were exploited, and whoever was responsible should be held accountable.

Of course, he emphasized, the greatest responsibility lies with those in leadership positions at the school.

"The children are not at fault. Someone is attempting to impose this, whether it's the school director or a teacher who led the program. The Ministry of Education should investigate and impose appropriate penalties," he added.

Bozinovski explains that the entire situation regarding dressing children in KLA uniforms has been politicized.

Repeating his stance, he says that neither the children nor the curriculum benefit from such actions.

"The problem is that everything has been politicized. Whether anyone benefits from this or whether it is a calculated attempt to send a message, this should be investigated among political parties. The question is whether a particular political party could gain from this. The children certainly gain nothing, and neither does the curriculum," Bozinovski concluded.