Last week, President Stevo Pendarovski of North Macedonia walked an 11-year-old girl with Down syndrome to school. Embla, the young girl, had been bullied.
He personally held her hand and, with her parents, walked her to school. He noted, “inclusion is a basic principle.”
Before heading to the school, he visited the family to learn about their daily challenges. He also gave Embla some gifts.
I find it encouraging to see a nation’s leader elevate human rights equity for persons with disabilities.
As President Pendarovski stated, “Prejudice must not be stronger than the rights of children.”
As we advocate for budget needs and legislation, let’s not forget the daily need to advance inclusion for our friends and family members.
