Skopje, March 31, 2026 – Today, at the campus of Mother Teresa University in Skopje, the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Psychology study program organized a panel discussion with a strong humanitarian and social message: “Unity in Diversity – Raising Awareness and Inclusion for Autism and Down Syndrome.”
The event, held on the eve of World Autism Awareness Day and World Down Syndrome Day, brought together students, academic and administrative staff, as well as experts from the country and the region, in a joint effort to promote empathy, understanding, and social integration.
Under the coordination of Assoc. Prof. Nita Beluli Luma, Ph.D., the panel discussions revealed real-life stories and professional and parental experiences, highlighting everyday challenges, the importance of early diagnosis, and the necessity of professional interventions to improve the quality of life of individuals with autism and Down syndrome.
On behalf of the MTU management, Vice-Rector Assoc. Prof. Fati Iseni, Ph.D., welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of raising institutional awareness for marginalized groups. The Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Assoc. Prof. Bejtulla Emini, Ph.D., also welcomed the event, underlining the university’s role as a center for education and social sensitization.
The panel discussion featured contributions from experts including Ms. Brixhida Muça, Director of Lumturo Dhimbjen center in Tirana; Ms. Griselda Geci, Director of Fluturo për Jetën center; Ms. Ermira Et’hemi, President of the Parents’ Club of Children with Special Needs; Mr. Afrim Bajrami, a parent (accompanied by his child); Assoc. Prof. Nita Beluli Luma, Ph.D., clinical psychologist; and Assoc. Prof. Mirlinda Bilali, Ph.D., lecturer at MTU, together with students from the Psychology study program. They coordinated the discussions with the students, offering new perspectives on the treatment of these conditions.
The main message of the meeting was clear: human development is neither linear nor uniform. Each individual has their own unique pace and potential, while society has a moral and legal obligation to create spaces that respect and support this diversity.
A special aspect of the event was the creative engagement of psychology students, who transformed the event into a vivid experience through the creation of symbolic mosaics, distribution of informational materials, professional moderation, and the presentation of an awareness-raising video that evoked strong emotions among attendees.
The event went beyond the framework of an ordinary gathering, becoming an institutional call for greater awareness, inclusivity, and humanity in our society.