How the Kind President of a Country Intervened To Stop the Bullying of a Girl With Down Syndrome
He escorted the girl to school to send out a message of equality and inclusion
Bullying of school kids, especially of disabled children, remains a perpetual problem that we have failed to tackle decisively. Parents seem to accept bullying with a sense of resignation, and school authorities normalise the obnoxious practice as part of school life.
No wonder bullying has defied all efforts to eradicate it from school campuses. People don't realise bullying can leave permanent scars on the victims. The bullies, neither reprimanded nor reformed, make a mess of their lives later when they become social misfits.
Some societies and political leaders stand out as they view bullying as a serious threat to social inclusion and equality.
Please read this story of a country's topmost leader stepping in to protect a girl with Down Syndrome from bullying.
A compassionate political leader took the bull of bullying by its horns
The scene of our story is North Macedonia, a country in southeastern Europe that used to be part of Yugoslavia.
Eleven-year-old Embla Ademi lives with her family in the North Macedonian city of Gostivar. She has Down syndrome, and bullies harassed her in the elementary school where she studied.
It seems when the Universe decides to help somebody, incredible things happen.
Embla's plight reached the ears of North Macedonian President Stevo Pendarovski, who was very disturbed after hearing the news. He did not treat it as a minor matter unworthy of political intervention.
He wanted to help Embla and sensitise the entire nation about treating disabled people with dignity.
The government released an official statement :
“The President said that the behaviour of those who endanger children’s rights is unacceptable, especially when it comes to children with atypical development. They should not only enjoy the rights they deserve but also feel equal and welcome in the school desks and schoolyard. It is our obligation, as a state, but also as individuals, and the key element in this common mission is empathy.”
The President swings into action to end Embla's bullying
President Pendarovski immediately paid a visit to Embla's home. He discussed with her family about measures and policies that the country should adopt to make life easier for people with Down Syndrome. To the family's surprise, the President showered Embla with gifts.
President Pendarovski then did the most daring thing that no political leader imagined. He went where no leader had gone before.
The President walked with Embla and her family to the school. He proudly escorted the girl to the building and waved as she went inside. His daring and compassionate action took onlookers by surprise and stirred the country's collective conscience.
President Pendarovski created a public spectacle to awaken his country from its stupor. He sent out the messages that bullying was unacceptable and that society needs to behave more inclusively. In his words:
“We are all equal in this society. I came here to give my support and to raise awareness that inclusion is a basic principle. Prejudices in that context are the main obstacle to building an equal and just society for all.”
The President also emphasised the country's moral and legal obligation to provide inclusive education.
Final thoughts
We have heard of compassionate leadership but seldom see such leaders in contemporary society. President Pendarovski has restored our hope that empathetic and socially conscious political leadership can help communities confront social evils like bullying head-on.
President Pendarovski has set an example to other world leaders about acting decisively to end harmful practices like bullying.
May President Pendarovski live long to serve his country!
Thanks for reading this story.
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