13. Anti-Corruption Education: Teaching Integrity in Macedonia’s Schools and Universities

A Note to Our Readers

The Macedonian Citizens Alliance is an independent, non-partisan platform committed to giving citizens a real voice in ending corruption and shaping a just, transparent, and prosperous future for Macedonia. We are not in favour or against any political party. We will support any government or opposition initiative that challenges corruption and promotes integrity and progress, but we will also hold all parties, leaders, and institutions accountable - regardless of affiliation. Macedonia has had enough of division. If you believe that political leaders and public officials should serve the people with honesty and with citizens’ interests as a priority, then support us. Our role is to keep every party, every official, and every institution honest - so that together, we can rebuild trust and create a better country for all.

Corruption is not just a political issue—it’s a cultural disease. It creeps into daily life, into conversations, into what young people come to expect from their country. If we want to build a Macedonia free from corruption, we can’t wait for change to come from above. We must educate for it—from the earliest school years to university classrooms.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about values. And it starts with teaching integrity like we teach math, history, and science.

The Roots of Corruption Begin Early

In Macedonia, children grow up hearing phrases like:

• “Nothing happens without connections.”

• “You have to know someone to get a job.”

• “The system is broken—just survive.”

These lessons are learned long before students graduate. They see how bribes make paperwork move faster. They watch political appointees rewarded for loyalty, not skill. And eventually, many accept this as normal.

We must break this cycle—not through punishment, but through education.

Integrity as a Core Curriculum

We need to introduce mandatory anti-corruption and civic ethics education in primary and secondary schools. This isn’t just about laws—it’s about developing character and critical thinking.

Key topics should include:

• The value of honesty and public trust

• The role of government and institutions

• How corruption affects society and personal opportunity

• The importance of whistleblowing and civic participation

• Real-life case studies of reform, accountability, and change

This curriculum should be interactive, discussion-based, and integrated across subjects—not limited to one course or textbook.

Empowering Teachers as Role Models

Teachers themselves must be empowered and trained to lead by example. Professional development programs can equip them to discuss ethics, corruption, and good governance confidently and without fear. Schools must also uphold these values in their own operations—because students learn more from what adults do than from what they say.

A teacher who speaks out against wrongdoing is a lesson in courage. A principal who rewards merit is a lesson in fairness. These examples shape future citizens far more powerfully than exams ever will.

Universities: A Training Ground for Accountability

Universities are the pipeline for Macedonia’s next generation of lawyers, economists, engineers, and public servants. They must be leaders in promoting integrity.

This means:

• Incorporating anti-corruption modules into degrees in law, political science, economics, and public administration.

• Encouraging student-led watchdog groups, debates, and integrity campaigns.

• Introducing ethics training in medicine, engineering, journalism, and business.

Academic environments must also be corruption-free zones. No fake diplomas. No grade buying. No bribery in admissions. Universities should be models of meritocracy—proving that excellence, not influence, is the path to success.

Shaping a New Macedonia Through Youth

If we educate one generation with courage, truth, and responsibility—we will change this country forever.

Young people are not just the future. They are the present. Give them the tools, and they will dismantle the excuses. Show them the values, and they will raise the standard. Trust them, and they will build a Macedonia that does not tolerate corruption—but defeats it.

Dr. Elena Spasovska

Co-Founder & President, Macedonian Citizens Alliance

Dr. Elena Spasovska is expert in peacebuilding, equality, and democratic governance. Macedonian-born and raised, she holds a Bachelor's degree from Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, a Master’s degree from the University of Barcelona, and a PhD in International Relations from the University of South Australia. Elena has lectured and contributed to research initiatives at leading Australian universities. Her academic portfolio spans global politics, development, international security, social justice, human trafficking, and post-conflict governance. She brings a rare combination of academic depth and public advocacy, with a clear mission: to confront corruption and restore hope, dignity, and opportunity for all Macedonians.

Macedonian Citizens Alliance

🌐 Website: www.macedonianalliance.com

📘 Facebook Page: facebook.com/MacedonianCitizensAlliance

👩‍⚕️ Dr. Elena Spasovska’s Facebook: facebook.com/DrElenaSpasovska