Macedonian Human Rights Movement International
The Macedonians of Gora Region

Appeal by Chris Petkovski

Dear Friends,

The very existence of our Macedonian culture has again been threatened, this time in the Gora regions of Kosovo.

As you may have heard, through the media, the British Government, via its embassy in Tirana, has committed itself to providing education (in the Albanian language only) for the less fortunate children of Kosovo. Included among them are the Macedonian children of the Gora region. This grand gesture on Britain's part is welcome news. Unfortunately British plans do not take into consideration the needs of the non-Albanian minorities such as the Macedonian Gorans, who for hundreds of years have maintained their own unique Macedonian language and culture.

It is my understanding that this proposed British project is targeting children 3 to 6 years old with aims at educating them in the Albanian language only.

Given that the Gorans have survived for so long without outside assistance, I consider this plan to be a significant step backwards in the cultural and linguistic development of these remarkable people who, against all the odds, have managed to preserve their unique identity and ethnic character. By providing Albanian only education with no means of preserving their Macedonian heritage, the Gora children, with time, are bound to lose their Macedonian identity.

Today, the Macedonians of the Gora regions number between 25,000 and 35,000. It would be a real shame to see them lose their unique language and culture and be assimilated into the greater Albanian fold.

What can we do to help?

It is imperative that we all act now and urge the Macedonian and British Governments to recognize the Gorans as a Macedonian minority with full rights and privileges, including the right to education in their native language through government sponsored institutions.

In the meantime there is another way we can help. As a global community we can raise funds and assist the Gorans in starting their own schools.

As some of you may already know, some time ago I initiated a fundraising project aimed at providing the Gora communities with an education centre for teaching the Gora children in their native language. The project has been several years in the making but may take as many as 10 more years before I can accumulate enough funds to realize it.

It has been my life long dream to help the Gorans build their own schools but unfortunately with the British plan in place, it has become a matter of urgency.

As a concerned Macedonian I feel that our language and culture in Gora is being threatened. Therefore I appeal to you in all consciousness to help me, in any way possible to save the Gora community from losing its identity.

Warmest regards,
Chris Petkovski