High school students have the chance to be part of a competition for best media product "Express Yourself Though Media" with a story, photo or one-minute video on topic "Together for Schools without Violence".

Ten scholarships will be awarded to the best high school students for journalism or public relations studies and a laptop, photo or movie camera will be also presented. The competition is opened till April 22, while results are expected to be announced in early May.

The project is realised by the School of Journalism and Public Relations in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science, Public Transportation Enterprise - Skopje (JSP), and UNICEF with support provided by media, companies and organisations.

The project aims at encouraging high school students to express their points of view on how to prevent violence in schools by preparing media products.

"With this project, students will be actively involved in the process of changing their behaviour toward increasing tolerance, avoiding violence while solving conflicts and creating positive and safe school environment," Minister of Education and Science Pance Kralev said.

According to the minister, a wide platform is being established for the support of talented high school students and for boosting social responsibility and raising awareness in education to eradicate violence everywhere.

The director of the School of Journalism and Public Relations, Zaneta Trajkoska stated that the competition "Express Yourself Through Media" focused on promoting media literacy in high schools and connecting students with the media industry and PR agencies.

UNICEF Representative Sheldon Yett said that violence was a reflection of what was happening at home.

"In Macedonia, seven out of ten children aged 2 to 14 at home are raised according to certain habits that include some kind of violence, it can be physical punishment or some kind of psychological pressure," Yett noted.

Children, he added, have the right to be educated in a safe environment where they will feel protected.