Meeting the President

Our YES Abroad students were invited to meet President  Stevo Pendarovski within the #OpenCabinet framework.

Students were given a tour of the working premises, learned about protocol when foreign statespersons visit the President, the meaning of symbols used in the mosaics, which are intertwining cultural, spiritual and historical elements. They were also introduced to the symbol of the endemic Macedonian oak tree and the importance of number 8, signifying the infinity and timelessness of the country. They were then met by the President who, as a real host, answered a number of questions the students had over coffee and juice and made them feel welcome beyond words. As a surprise, students got to meet the youngest member of the Cabinet - a 6.5 months old Sharplaninec, a shepherd dog, which is trained to be part of the Macedonian Army. We bade farewell and students agree this was a wonderful way to encircle the year. Hopefully, they return and, in the future, visit the Presidential Villa in a different capacity.