WE ARE ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN CREATING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR EDUCATION
As a school principle of “Braka Miladinovci” primary school in Skopje, Biljana Indova bears a major responsibility for the children attending the school, as well as, for the whole staff of the school. This school took part in the educational program for safety and health in the school environment, and she directly supported the initiative for creation of safe working and learning environment. The interview provides more details about how she managed to implement the program in her school and how she copes with the roles of a woman with successful career, a wife and a mother.
What is the earliest phase when children should be educated about the importance of health and safety in the school environment?
Children should be educated about the importance of health and safety in the school environment since first grade, because they have already acquired some knowledge in the kindergartens about it.
Your school took part in the educational program implemented by Pivara Skopje, on the occasion of 28 April, the World Day for Safety and Health at Work. How did the students accept this initiative?
Given the educational character, the program implemented by Pivara Skopje was excellently accepted and there is a serious tendency that it will grow into a future cooperation.
Can you please describe the phases of your cooperation?
The cooperation was realized through an organized educational workshop in several different phases. At the beginning, the students got acquainted to the trainers and then they followed the educational presentation that enabled them to understand the purpose of the lecture and acquire new knowledge about their protection. At the end, the students were given materials for the training.
What is the significance of such initiatives for creation of generations who are aware of the importance of health and safety at work?
In my opinion, such initiatives are of major importance because students develop their perception about the care for their own and other people’s health, and in future about safety at the workplace, that is, bigger caution while performing the ongoing tasks.
How did a young lady like you become successful school principle?
This is a nice question. It happened back in 2009. Well, as people say – for some things in life – things fell into the right place… I simply got the offer and did not miss it. I accepted this position without hesitation, although I knew that a very hard and responsible work is ahead of me. Nonetheless, if you really like something and do things with love, that would result in a future success.
What do you do for your professional development?
I pay a lot of attention to my professional development, especially with regard to the managerial matters because that was not included in my formal education. Being an informatics teacher, I have always been prone to and attracted by managerial positions. Since high school, I was daydreaming to become a manager, although my late father used to say, “You know this is a male profession?“ Nevertheless, to my own satisfaction, I did prove that women can be equally successful as managers.
I have to admit that back in 2007, I was encouraged by a dear person of mine, to apply and take the exam for school principles. In 2014, I completed the second cycle of studies at the Institute of Economy at The Department for International Management.
In the meantime, I attended numerous trainings and seminars on leadership, organizational and communication skills, PR management and many others. I have to point out the two-months training for Young managers in 2015 that was realized by the Educational center of Pivara Skopje. I spent a great time there, and I received a great education that enabled me to acquire new experience.
What is most fulfilling about your work and how do you make balance between your private and professional obligations?
Before the holiest thing for me in this moment came to this world, my daughter Mihaela, I enjoyed spending time with my friends, dinners, riding a bicycle and traveling. Now, I enjoy my time only with her, as she is the center of my world and currently, she is the only person that I spend my free time with.
Do you have time for recreation and sporting activities?
Regretfully, since Mihaela was born, I do not have time for my favorite sport- cycling, but I enjoy walking, either with her or sometimes with my closest friends. I hope that when she grows up, we can enjoy riding bicycles together.
