The president of North Macedonia has been praised for his actions after accompanying a bullied 11-year-old to school.
President Stevo Pendarovski has hit the international headlines after showing the world it is time to stand up to bullies by personally taking 11-year-old Embla Ademi, who has Down’s syndrome, to school.
It has since come to light that Pendarovski decided to accompany the child to her school in Gostivar after discovering that she was getting picked on by her classmates and even some of the parents who complained about the girl sharing classes with their children.
In touching pictures from Monday, the president can be seen holding Embla’s hand while walking towards the school.
The president’s show of support for the 11-year-old comes after Embla was segregated from her classmates and forced to study in the hall due to allegations claiming she is “aggressive” towards other students.
After local health experts ruled that there was nothing aggressive about the young girl, however, her parents demanded she is allowed back in class with other students.
While the school initially agreed, some parents of the girl’s classmates began protesting and boycotting the classes, prompting the president to stand up for the child.
“Upon hearing of Embla’s treatment, President Pendarovski made a point by visiting her family and walking her to school,” a statement made by his office reads.
“The President 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. It is our obligation, as a state, but also as individuals, and the key element in this common mission is empathy.
“It will help children like Embla, but it will also help us learn from them how to sincerely rejoice, share and be in solidarity, the president added.”
Pendarovski added: “We are all equal in this society. I came here to give my support and to raise awareness that inclusion is a basic principle.”
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