Our values shape who we are.
At Yahya Kemal College, education goes beyond academic achievement. Our Character Education Program helps students grow into caring, responsible and confident individuals who make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Through shared values and everyday experiences, we create a school community where students can learn, grow and belong.
Our six core values were chosen through a community-wide vote involving students, parents, teachers and staff. Together, we identified the qualities we want to see in ourselves and in our school.
These values give us a shared language for how we learn, how we treat one another and how we contribute to the world around us.
Six shared values guide how we think, act and care for one another. Each becomes meaningful when we put it into practice.
We build trust through truthfulness and integrity. We speak honestly, acknowledge mistakes and take pride in work that reflects our own efforts.
Tell the truth, give credit for others’ ideas and admit a mistake so you can help put it right.
We take ownership of our choices, words and learning. We keep our commitments and care for our school, our environment and one another.
Come prepared, complete your part of a task and leave shared spaces ready for the next person.
We stand together. By supporting our peers, sharing successes and helping people in need, we strengthen our school and the wider community.
Include someone in a group activity, support a classmate and contribute to a shared community project.
We believe in our potential. We encourage students to try, express their ideas and learn from mistakes as they discover what they can achieve.
Share an idea, try something unfamiliar and ask for help when you need it. Progress begins with taking a step.
We seek to understand how others feel. By listening carefully and considering different perspectives, we create space for kindness and care.
Notice when someone needs support, listen without interrupting and ask how you can help.
We value every person’s dignity, individuality and culture. We show respect through our words, our listening and the way we respond to differences.
Listen to another point of view, use considerate language and treat people and their belongings with care.
Character education is part of everyday life at Yahya Kemal College. Across subjects and school activities, our educators bring monthly character themes to life through discussion, reflection and action.
From mathematics and science to languages and the arts, lessons connect learning with thoughtful choices and shared responsibility.
Short activities, real-life examples and open conversations help students understand values and reflect on their actions.
Sports, school fairs, science exhibitions and field trips create opportunities to practise teamwork, fairness and confidence.
Charity drives and shared initiatives encourage students to notice others’ needs and turn care into meaningful action.
Our approach is inspired by Character.org’s 11 Principles Framework, supporting a school culture where shared values are woven into learning and daily life.
Explore the frameworkMeet HEROES, our Character Education mascot. The name brings together our six shared values: Honesty, Empathy, Responsibility, Respect, Self-Confidence and Solidarity.
Through everyday situations and encouraging messages, HEROES brings these values to life, reminding students that small acts of kindness, courage and care can make a meaningful difference.
Meet the team supporting Character Education across Yahya Kemal College, working with educators and our school community to bring shared values into everyday life.
Head of Character Education
Department LeadershipYahya Kemal College – Skopje
SkopjeYahya Kemal College – Tetovo
TetovoYahya Kemal College – Struga
StrugaCharacter grows through the example we set and the choices we make together. Students, families and educators all have a part to play.
To learn more about our Character Education Program, get in touch with Yahya Kemal College.
Yahya Kemal College is a school located in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia, established in November 1996.
It was established according to protocols signed between Yahya Kemal secondary schools and the Ministry of Education of the Republic of North Macedonia.
The school is named after Yahya Kemal Beyatlı, a notable Turkish writer and poet who was born in Skopje.
The best Education, Science & Culture website award for 2020.
