In 1991, Macedonia entered a new phase of development when it became an independent nation born out of the chaotic breakup of the former Yugoslavia. In that same year, Bozana Markovska established the Izovorche Montessori School in Skopje, the capital city of this new country. The original intent for her school was to care for her own children and a few others in the local neighborhood. However, her daughter, Elena de Duran (Markovska), soon became involved to considerably expand its role and vision. Now, the school employs 12 staff members serving a total enrollment of 70 children, aged 18 months to 6 years of age.

Elena sees the school as a means to contribute to wider knowledge and use of Montessori education in the region. In 2003, she founded the Southeastern European Montessori Association (SEMA) to support this effort throughout Macedonia, as well as the surrounding countries of Albania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Hungary. Elena is also seeking to develop the “Character Teaching” (CT) project as a member of its consultation board. IMS is sponsoring this project to help overcome long-term cultural poverty by providing suitable Montessori learning experiences for low-income families.