In the mid-19th century, the Balkans were experiencing significant social and political changes, with the emergence of national movements and a drive towards modernization and education. Within this context, Dimitri Atanasescu, an influential figure among the Aromanian community, established the first Romanian school aimed specifically at Aromanians in Trnovo, part of the Ottoman Empire, now known as North Macedonia. Aromanians, a Romance-speaking ethnic group, faced challenges in maintaining their cultural identity due to pressures from both neighbors and the dominant Ottoman regime. During this period, the education system was essential for cultural preservation and fostering a sense of community identity.

Atanasescu's school provided a curriculum that emphasized the Aromanian language and literature, while also incorporating elements of Romanian culture and national identity. By establishing this institution, Atanasescu aimed to empower the Aromanian populace through education, which would enable them to better advocate for their rights and preserve their distinct cultural heritage. Moreover, the establishment of an educational institution sparked interest in further educational reforms and encouraged the growth of additional schools for Aromanians and other ethnic groups in similar situations across the Balkans. The school became a pivotal center for cultural awakening and rejuvenated the Aromanian community's aspirations for self-determination.

Additionally, this event symbolized the broader movements in the Balkans towards education and national solidarity, where various ethnic groups sought to establish their languages and historical narratives. This period also laid the groundwork for subsequent educational projects that aimed at uplifting minority communities within the Ottoman Empire, contributing to the erosion of feudal remnants and the development of modern national consciousness in the region.