The president of North Macedonia has earned praises for walking a girl with Down Syndrome to school after she was bullied by her classmates.
In photos shared on Twitter, President Stevo Pendarovski can be seen holding the hand of 11-year-old Embla Adem as they walked to the girl’s school Edinstvo in the western city of Gostivar.
“Prejudice should not be an obstacle to building an equal and just society for all. Empathy is our moral obligation,” a statement from the office of President Pendarovski read.
Pendarovski said that the behavior of ‘those who endanger children’s rights is unacceptable, especially when it comes to children with atypical development.’.
“They should not only enjoy the rights they deserve, but also feel equal and welcome in the school desks and schoolyard,” he added.
Apparently, the parents of Emba’s classmates boycotted the class she attended after the school decided she would be integrated into the mainstream classes.
The girl had since been sitting alone in her class since February 1 following the protest. Parents reportedly disagreed with the school’s decision after their children complained that Embla had been ‘aggressive’ towards them.
However, a local center for children with special needs refuted this, saying Embla did not show any aggressive tendencies.
Also, President Pendarovski said it is the obligation of the state, and as indviduals, to make sure that children like Embla receive equal treatment, and that the key element in this ‘common mission’ is empathy.
“We are all equal in this society. I came to give my support and to raise awareness that inclusion is a basic principle,” he added.