Source: AED

-- New Effort to Improve Public Education Engages Macedonians Worldwide --

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 29, 2007 – Tose Proeski, one of Macedonia’s most popular singers, and a regional UNICEF Ambassador, has a new mission: to improve the quality of education in his country.

The rock star will perform at a concert in Macedonia’s capital, Skopje, in late September to support the country’s five-year Primary Education Project. More than 25,000 people are expected to attend the event, which will be Web cast to reach fans in Serbia, Montenegro, and Bulgaria.

The goals of the Primary Education Project include renovating schools, increasing the use of computer and Internet technologies to enhance learning and help students succeed in the job market, and improving math and science curricula and teaching methods. The project is a partnership of the Government of Macedonia and USAID and is being implemented by AED.

All the proceeds from the concert, including the sale of tickets, CDs and related special events will augment USAID’s funding to help modernize education in all the primary schools in Macedonia.

Macedonia wants to refurbish its schools and update curricula so students have the skills needed to move the country forward,” said Mary Joy Pigozzi, senior vice president and director of the AED Global Learning Group “Tose Proeski is a dynamic spokesperson who will raise awareness of the need to improve public education.

Prior to the concert, Tose, a recipient of the Mother Theresa Humanitarian Award, will talk about the importance of public education on a nationally televised talk show and a TV
documentary. He will also visit schools and encourage other fundraising activities around the country.

AED is partnering with the United Macedonian Diaspora (umdiaspora.org) to promote this fundraising initiative on behalf of public education in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Founded in 2004, United Macedonian Diaspora is an international organization addressing the interests and needs of Macedonians and Macedonian communities throughout the world.
In addition to the efforts by Tose and United Macedonian Diaspora, Macedonian businesses have donated more than $150,000 to support the concert and the education reform initiative.

AED (www.aed.org) is a nonprofit organization working in all the major areas of human development with a focus on improving education, health, and economic opportunities for the least advantaged in the United States and developing countries throughout the world.

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Tose Proeski speaking at a Primary Education Project (PEP) event about the importance of improving primary education.

Tose Proeski talking to a group of students at a school outside of Skopje about PEP and the upcoming concert.

Tose Proeski and staff from the PEP program meeting with students and teachers to discuss better education.

Tose Proeski at one of his recent concerts.

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