The British Council in Macedonia marks its 20th anniversary in 2016. We celebrate two decades of building cultural and education relations between Macedonia and the United Kingdom.
It is the time when we reflect back and see the fruits of our work in creating links and understanding between British and Macedonian institutions, professionals and communities in Arts, English, Education and Society. It is also the time to say thank you to all our partners: ministries, agencies, schools, businesses, media and civil society for joining us in the journey to achieve a positive change.
Some facts and figures of our work in Macedonia:
We satisfied the demand for UK expertise across English language learning and assessment, skills for employability, raised the level of English teaching, supported reform of the education system and helped reform Macedonian cultural policy. As a result of our work:
- Over 19,000 people in Macedonia have sat UK exams
- Over 60 % of English language teachers have upgraded their teaching skills with us
- We reformed English language curricula in schools and universities and helped introduce English language in Grade 1 as well as the matura exam in schools
- 220,000 primary schools students use our online English resources
- We contributed to the reform of vocational education for increased employability
- Supported capacity of public administration and civil service in the area of antidiscrimination and language learning and assessment
- Supported the development of youth and civil society organisations in their work of promoting equality, diversity, antidiscrimination, entrepreneurship and active citizenship.
- We helped develop cultural industries and creative economy in Macedonia through forums and exchanges of professionals, institutions and ideas and showcasing concrete examples of how creativity and economic benefit go hand in hand.
- We promote and support cultural leaders and professional networks through our cultural and educational programmes. Over 300 cultural professionals went through our skills development programmes delivered by consultants, trainers and organisations from the UK
- We reached over 100,000 audience through our performing and visual arts work over the years of which more than 20,000 through our work in visual arts.
On the occasion of our 20th anniversary we brought to Macedonia the works of one the most prominent contemporary artists today – Damien Hirst. The exhibition explores the complex relationships between medicine and faith, and art and religion; themes central to Damien Hirst’s long-standing career as a thought-provoking and at times controversial artist.
The power of visual arts has a unique contribution in the cultural relations work of the British Council. Since 1938 the British Council has been collecting works of art, craft and design to promote the achievements of the very best British artists, craft practitioners and designers abroad. The Collection has no permanent gallery and has been referred to as a ‘Museum Without Walls’.
The efforts for art promotion and the impetus for the creative potential remain an integral part of our programme activities in the field of culture in Macedonia and the British Council will remain to be a valuable partner for change in education and culture thus contributing towards building trust and understanding between the Macedonia and the United Kingdom.
