A state department delegation from North Macedonia recently visited Valencia College and engaged in a conversation with Valencia College political science faculty, deans and students from Model UN and Student Government Association leadership. The event was part of the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) initiative that brought three delegations of political leaders to the U.S. to participate in programming around the 2022 midterm elections.

The delegations were together in Washington for four days to hear from party committees, campaign experts and political operatives before traveling to one of three key states — Nevada, Georgia and Florida — to meet with representatives of campaigns and ballot initiatives and to experience firsthand the pace, excitement and work that takes place leading up to election day. Students from different campuses had the opportunity to ask questions about the Macedonian government, school system and constitution. In return, they asked about the U.S. and election-related topics.

The group was formed by delegates Omer Ajdini, Goran Gerasimovski, Enes Ibrahim, Adem Jashari, Fanica Nikolovska, Eli Panova, Marija Petrushevska and Ljupcho Prendzov. “The group from Macedonia could not have been kinder and more open about their passion for democracy and freedom,” said Jay Galbraith, vice president, public affairs and advancement, who facilitated the conversation.