Ohrid, North Macedonia – In one of the signature gatherings of the Superschools Program, RYCO’s flagship EU-funded initiative implemented in partnership with GIZ, more than 100 teachers from across the Western Balkans came together in Ohrid for a four-day training designed to strengthen their capacities to lead meaningful youth exchanges under the Superschools label.
As teachers remain at the heart of every Superschools story, the event served as both a learning opportunity and a celebration of the people shaping the future of regional cooperation. The interactive agenda combined workshops, practical exercises, and inspiring discussions, all designed to help teachers enhance their approaches to intercultural learning and exchange, under the lead of the main expert and trainer, Nedim Krajišnik.
The training officially opened with a warm welcome from RYCO Local Program Officers, Anja and Dejan, who introduced the goals and structure of the program.
Firstly, the teachers were officially greeted by the RYCO team, including the Superschools Project Manager and the Head of the Local Branch Office, alongside RYCO’s key partner GIZ, represented by Team Leader, Jasmin Valjevac.
In his remarks, Mr. Valjevac emphasized the importance of having an EU-funded initiative such as Superschools, which ensures that connections among teachers and youth across neighboring economies are not merely theoretical but put into practice—yielding tangible results and building lasting bridges. Meanwhile, Vladimir Gjorgjevski, Head of RYCO’s Local Branch Office in North Macedonia, reaffirmed RYCO’s commitment to supporting schools on this exciting journey ahead.
“Through the annual Teachers Training event, we at RYCO want to contribute as much as possible to the capacity building of teachers, soft-skills development, and agenda design in the most effective way,” shared the Superschools Project Manager, Mimoza Gavrani-Simo.
This year’s call introduced several new elements that make the program even more dynamic. One of them was the introduction of the Superschools Champions, a group of motivated Supereducators who will continue to amplify the program’s reach and impact within their local communities. Their role stands as a true example of how collaboration and dedication can build bridges beyond classrooms.
During the panel discussion on the 1st day, moderated by Bojana Lalatović, RYCO Program Coordinator, the Champions shared their personal journeys and insights with fellow teachers, motivating them for the journey ahead. The panel featured Superschools Champions: Ms. Joana Liko, Ms. Katarina Ristanović Acović and Superschools Teacher, Ms. Biljana Iskovska.
Another new feature of this year’s edition was the Sports for Development (S4D) component, where teachers explored how sports and play can promote trust, dialogue, and cooperation among young people. Through playful yet purposeful activities, participants experienced firsthand how S4D principles can enrich their exchange projects and strengthen social bonds among students.
Reflecting on the experience, one participating teacher shared:
“Superschools is a great opportunity for teachers and the region because it allows us to have more time to tackle topics that are not addressed through formal education hours. Organizing extracurricular activities thanks to Superschools makes kids confident to express themselves and share their thoughts. I’m so proud and humbled to be considered a Superteacher.”
The training concluded with the farewell remarks from Superschools Project Manager, Mimoza Gavrani-Simo and Lead Trainer, Nedim Krajišnik, following an open Q&A session for teachers.
Lead Trainer, Nedim, in his inspirational talk added:
“We trust you, teachers! Behind the closed doors of the classroom, we trust you will do the best for what kids need. We trust you – in your safe space”
This programme is part of a multi-donor project, co-financed by the EU and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) together with RYCO.
