During World War II, amidst the revolutionary fervor in the Kopacka region, a significant event unfolded in the village of Podvis. On September 23, 1943, against the backdrop of conflict and upheaval, the first school where students were taught in Macedonian opened its doors. This milestone marked a pivotal moment in the pursuit of cultural autonomy and educational emancipation within the Macedonian community.
Podvis, a small village about ten kilometers southwest of Kichevo, became a symbol of hope during the war. Surrounded by the fight for freedom, the opening of the Macedonian-language school showed people’s resilience and determination. It became a safe place for learning for the first time in Macedonian.
Source: Wikipedia
Housed within a simple structure characteristic of rural villages, it stood as a beacon of hope amidst the tumult of World War II. The building, constructed from locally sourced materials, bore the marks of its surroundings, blending harmoniously with the rustic landscape.
Inside, the school had only one classroom adorned with basic furnishings, including wooden desks and chairs arranged in orderly rows. Blackboards adorned the walls, serving as canvases for the dissemination of knowledge and the cultivation of young minds. The first pupils remembered they didn’t have notebooks; they used to write on wooden tablets with white chalk, one side for language and the other for math.
Despite its humble appearance, the school was a hub of intellectual activity and cultural vibrancy. It served as a gathering place for students from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared thirst for knowledge and a deep-seated pride in their Macedonian heritage. Here, amidst the echoes of wartime upheaval, the Macedonian language flourished, echoing through the corridors and resonating with the hopes and dreams of a resilient community.
Source: Wikipedia
Establishing the school in Podvis wasn't just a coincidence. It was a deliberate decision to make a place where the Macedonian culture and education could thrive. In the middle of the war, the village became a hub where partisans, activists, and villagers came together to fight for freedom and the reviving of culture.
Podvis was chosen as the perfect spot for the first Macedonian-language school. Its location in the heart of the resistance movement in Western Macedonia and the spirit of its people made it ideal for educating amidst the war.
As the fight for freedom grew stronger, teaching in Macedonian became important. The school in Podvis became a symbol of the desire to embrace the language identity. It wasn't just a place to learn - it was a symbol of who we are and what we wanted for our future.
Even in the darkest times of war, education helped people find hope and resilience.
The opening of the first Macedonian-language school in Podvis was a victory for the human spirit during a time of war. It showed us how education can change lives and bring people together. As we look back on this moment, let's be inspired by the courage of those who dreamed of a better future despite the challenges they faced. May the legacy of the school in Podvis guide us towards a fairer, more inclusive society for generations to come.
Denica, OLS Community Manager - Macedonian