NGO MAGAZINE - Nr. 4 (September 2012)

NGO MAGAZINE – September 2012

NGO MAGAZINE

F O U ND ER S: E URO P EA N C E NT ER S N7 & CE NT E R F O R E DU CAT IO N A ND DE V ELO PM E NT - C ED

A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO THE NGO SECTOR – NR. 4 / SEPTEMBER 2012

Björn and Inne E VS v ol un te e r s ' i m pr e s s i o ns of M ac e do ni a

Marija MATOVSKA

Council of Europe Youth Peace C a m p a sy m b o l o f 4 0 y e a r s w o r k with and for young people

H.E.R.A., youth group and the successful story “Sexy Hood”

Ivana NIKOLOVSKA The meaning of volunteering for me

© NGO MAGAZINE - PUBLISHER: EUROPEAN CENTER SN7 & CENTER FOR EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT - CED Editor-in-chief: Daut MEMETI; Editors: Metin MUAREMI, Kaltrina AZIZI, Fatos VELIU, Mensure ILJAZI, Astrit REXHEPI, Gentiana HASANI Phone: 00 389 70 523 764; E-mail: info@sn7.org.mk; info@ced.org.mk; Web: www.sn7.org.mk/ngomagazine.pdf A digital edition is an online magazine or online newspaper delivered in electronic form which is formatted identically to the print version.

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WORKSHOP: “Europe, you & me”

On the occasion of the 9th May - Europe Day, the European Center SN7 organized a workshop on the topic “Europe, you & me”.

The workshop was held in Tetovo, on May 9, 2012. The workshop was attended by representatives of the nongovernmental sector, youth activists and students of European Union Studies and International Relations. The workshop “Europe, you & me” consisted of three main parts; the lecture: “The founders of the EU”; the interactive session: “My Europe” and the educational quiz: “Test your knowledge EU Quiz”. Daut Memeti, the president of the European Center SN7, said that our organization is committed to spreading the European spirit and ideas to us.

“Celebrating the Europe Day, 9 May, is quite new tradition in Macedonia, but by organizing such events, we extend the tradition of celebrating the Europe Day”, said Mr. Memeti. Fatos Veliu, the secretary general of the European Center SN7, noted that the aim of the workshop was to contributing to better understanding the European values. “Shaping the future of Europe, should be the priority of the youth”, said Mr. Veliu.

EUROPEAN CENTER SN7 PARTICIPATED IN THE “CROSS-BORDER CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM”

European Center SN7 participated in the “Cross-border Civil Society Forum” held in Debar (23 and 24 March 2012) between cross-border regions of Macedonia and Albania. The secretary general of the European Center SN7, Fatos Veliu, said that participating in those forums is an excellent opportunity for regional cooperation.

“During this important event we made partnership contacts with organizations from Macedonia and Albania, we exchanged our experiences with others organizations, and we were part of the forum debates and social-cultural events”, noted Mr. Veliu.

EUROPEAN YOUTH FOUNDATION (EYF) The European Youth Foundation (EYF) is a fund established in 1972 by the Council of Europe to provide financial support for European youth activities. It has an annual budget of approximately 3 million Euros. Since 1972, more than 300 000 young people, aged between 15 and 30 and mostly from member states, have benefited directly from EYFsupported activities. In 2007 the EYF supported some 300 projects involving more than 15 000 young people. Its purpose is to encourage co-operation among young people in Europe by providing financial support to such European youth activities which serve the promotion of peace, understanding and cooperation in a spirit of respect for the Council of Europe's fundamental values such as human rights, democracy, tolerance and solidarity. The EYF thus provides financial

support to the following types of activity undertaken by non-governmental youth organisations or networks or by other nongovernmental structures involved in areas of youth work relevant to the Council of Europe's youth policies and work: Educational, social, cultural and humanitarian activities of a European character; Activities aiming at strengthening peace and co-operation in Europe; Activities designed to promote closer co-operation and better understanding among young people in Europe, particularly by developing the exchange of information; Activities intended to stimulate mutual aid in Europe and in the developing countries for cultural, educational and social purposes; Studies, research and documentation on youth matters. (www.eyf.coe.int/fej)

"WE LOVE NATURE", A PROJECT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

European Center SN7 realized the project for environmental education “We love nature”. The main goals of this project were to increase awareness of the new generations for importance of protection and preservation of the environment, environmental education and knowing more about flora and fauna. "We love nature" is realized within the project "Promotion of natural values of Sharr Mountain through environmental education and involvement of affected entities" which is implemented by the EuroNatur Foundation and Macedonian Ecological Society - MED. The project was financially supported by the German Federal Foundation for Environment - DBU. The project was implemented in the regions of Municipality of Tearce and Municipality of Jegunovce.

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CED is promoted in Gorazde, BH

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Members of the organization CED, within its annual activities that aiming cultural development in rural areas, from 2 to 4 May 2012, realized the exchange in Gorazde, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Within the exchange, where were 8 members, there was a presentation of the organization, experiences and the projects and also some topics such as: SocialBosna-f1 dance, Abstract Art etc. The first day, there was a visit in the city of Gorazde.

Next days there was a presentation

for activities of organization, all the projects and something more about topics that organization has worked ongoing: Social dance and Abstract Art. Youth from Gorazde were satisfied from the presentation because this was a good experience and help for them knowing that after the war, nongovernment sector is less active.

This activity was realized from RCC (Rural Communities Culture) - Swiss organization on the project called cross border cooperation.

THE CAMPAIGN ABOUT EMPLOYMENT: DARE! On July 31, 2012 in Tetovo, after one year of training within the project ALTIO, a press conference it was held through which officially the campaign titled: Dare!

Give us the right knowledge was promoted. In this event except the project coordinators, youth from Center for Education and Development - CED, present were representatives from the Employment Service Agency of Republic of Macedonia, local authorities and other representatives of the partner organizations. During the conference were promoted measures that should receive representatives of rural municipalities as well as the Employment Service Agency of Republic of Macedonia.

RIGHT TO THE VILLAGE With the initiative of Contemporary Art Centre (Skopje) since June 2012 function the Alliance for social and cultural development of communities known as "Right to the Village". The idea for creating "Right to the Village" - Alliance for Rural and Small Communities Cultural Development network (RTV) origins from the needs of local communities and organizations, which deal with issues of different forms of rural development, striving to extend their views, to see beyond and to jump out from sterility of sleepy Western Balkans development processes. The network initiators are connected around the shared cause of initiating changes and working together, starting and/or continuing processes of cultural development of rural and small communities in Western Balkans. "Right to the Village" connects organizations, individuals and local communities from at least seven countries, around ideas of local cultural and overall development. We use the best practice models, knowledge, sharing of ideas and positive examples from network members in the region in order to build capacities of network members and to speed up local cultural and overall development. We aim to act unified in response to isolation, marginalization and dying of rural and small communities and to create local and regional impacts and positive changes in the fields of culture, rural and community development.

"Right to the Village" network is initiated by 14 organizations from different countries.

Our network is open for cooperation, further enlargement and networking with all interested organizations, institutions and creative individuals. Our intention is to enable all interested stakeholders to use the structure and potentials of the network for creating new partnerships and cooperation in different fields that will lead to reaching faster and sustainable development at the community level. Additionally, the network will serve as a bridge for common cooperation, and exchange of experiences and information. Center for Education and Development (CED) is member of this network platform which will work on the region of Lower Polog.

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Warm place of friendship

ac a

c ca c

The American Corner Tetovo officially opened on January 17, 2008. It is a collaboration and partnership between the Public Affairs Office of the U.S. Embassy in Skopje, the Municipality of Tetovo, the House of Culture, as the host institution, and the NGO Aurora. The American Corner Tetovo, like the other Corners in Macedonia, provides free membership and information to the general public about the United States through extensive book collections, magazines, CD-ROMs/DVDs, special publications and Internet access for research. It also organizes many programs: lectures, film/DVD showings, workshops, discussions and conversation hours and children storytelling hours.

American Corner Tetovo every year has from 25 000 to 30 000 visitors. Who participate on different programs activities or clubs. Right now in American Corner Tetovo has 11 clubs for learning and advance English language,

learning life skills, creative writing and workshops about leadership and volunteerism. American corner Tetovo continue to be warm place of friendship between Citizens of Tetovo and US people. In the field of education, it provides student advising for study in U.S. and serves as an alumni center where Macedonian citizens who have been to the United States on exchange programs can gather and keep in touch with each other and with their American contacts. American Corners have information for journalists, academics, businessmen and women, civic organizations, teachers, students, government officials, clergy and traditional rulers. Also In American Corners you will find the collected literature of America’s best writers.

Information about American society, culture, policies, politics, history and business.

Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) was established in 1972 in order to unite ecologists and environmental experts in Macedonia. MES is nongovernmental organization with about 100 active members. Sections of MES: Forest Ecology, Urban Ecology, Agroecology, Hydrobiology, Biodiversity, Protection of the Environment, Ecological Education, Young Ecologists. Most important activities in last 10 years: Organization of Congress of Ecologists of Macedonia with International Participation, publication of the scientific journal "Ecology and Protection of the Environment" and nature conservation projects.

ADDRESS: Institute of Biology; Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; P.O. Box 162, 1000 Skopje, Rep.of Macedonia CONTACTS: Tel: + 389 2 2402 773 Fax: + 389 2 2402 774 Web: www.mes.org.mk Email: mes@iunona.pmf.ukim.edu.mk; contact@mes.org.mk

CONTACT INFORMATION ADDRESS: American Corner Tetovo House of Culture; Bul. Iliria n.n.

1200 Tetovo, Rep. of Macedonia Tel: 044 332 183 E-Mail: actetovo@yahoo.com

COFFEE WITH SCOTT WINTON

Public Working Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 – 20:00 Saturday 11:00 – 16:00

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EuroNatur - A strong voice for the European nature 25 YEARS EURONATUR

TRAVELING CAMP “VOLUNTEER MESSENGERS!” The European Nature Heritage Fund – EuroNatur is a non-profit foundation which stands up for the conservation of the European nature heritage on many different levels, e.g. via special species protection projects, renaturation measures, and site protection as well as political lobbying activities or environmental education.

EuroNatur projects are long-term and often cross-border projects aiming not only at the protection of nature, but also at an ecological development of the respective rural areas.

Without considering the needs of the people, long-term protection of natural resources is not possible.

Therefore, EuroNatur always cooperates closely with regional partner organisations and local residents. Regional development and nature protection accompany each other. Like this, new jobs are created and the quality of life is improved.

MAIN OBJECTIVES - WHAT DO WE STAND UP FOR? ENDANGERED WILDLIFE AND ITS HABITATS: EuroNatur protects the most important wildlife habitats and corridors; Ashore: protection projects for bears, wolves, and lynx; Aquatically: protection projects e.g. for Mediterranean monk seals or Eurasian otters; In the air: protection projects for migratory birds and bats.

HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH EURONATUR!?

Web: www.euronatur.org E-mail: info@euronatur.org

onevoicenh.org

NATURE – PEOPLE – ECONOMY: In Brussels, EuroNatur is one of the most important advocates for the European nature. With concrete projects, EuroNatur shows how sustainable rural development protects nature, creates new jobs, and improves the quality of life .

ECOLOGICAL NETWORKING: EuroNatur interconnects and supports local nature protection organizations. EuroNatur creates an international network of scientists, environmentalists, farmers, politicians and businessmen for the benefit of the environment and the humans. EuroNatur supports young environmentalists and the spreading of knowledge about nature. EuroNatur supports and provides environmental education.

HOW WE ARE ORGANISED: EuroNatur is a nonprofit foundation which is led by a voluntary presiding committee and an executive director.

Furthermore, EuroNatur has 19 salaried employees. As several work part-time, this equates 15 full-time positions. The organisation EuroNatur-Service-GmbH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the European Nature Heritage Fund. It provides dispatch and other services, publishes the magazine euronatur and has a mail-order calendar and book store. The headquarters of the European Nature Heritage Fund – as well as the EuroNatur-Service-GmbH – are situated in Radolfzell at Lake Constance. The office for nature conservation policies is located in Rheinbach near Bonn. (euronatur.org)

From 30th of June till 14th of July 2012 there was organized a traveling work camp by CVS Bulgaria. This traveling work camp was part of the promotional ‘volunteer messengers’ campaign for volunteering around Bulgaria.

The aim of the project was to “make noise” and attract the attention of the local communities in Bulgaria.

The project started with the 5-day training course where the participants discussed the different aspects of volunteering and were provided tools on how to set up workshops / street actions / flashmobs and other actions in order to promote volunteering among different target groups. This 5-day training was facilitated by two trainers: one from The Center for Intercultural Dialogue (CID) from Macedonia – Matej Manevski, and one from CVS – Bulgaria, Katerina Stojanova. After the training, the participants were divided in 3 groups (two foreign and one local volunteer) based on interest and ability to work together. Each group travelled to three different partner organizations in different places in Bulgaria, in order to put what they had learnt during the training into practice.

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H.E.R.A., youth group and the successful story “Sexy Hood” Marija MATOVSKA

marija.matovska@hera.org.mk

NGO H.E.R.A. (Health Educational Research Association) is organization that works in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights. H.E.R.A. was established in January 2000 and since then we are working on continuous promotion on people’s sexuality.

THE VISION: The HERA will work towards the establishment of a world in which sexual and reproductive rights are guaranteed and a world in which all men, women and young people are healthy and free, celebrating their sexuality and diversity as a basic principle of their way of living.

THE MISSION: The HERA is inclined towards achieving enjoyment of basic human rights of women, men and the young who must be correctly informed and have appropriate access to high quality confidential services in order to make their informed choice regarding issues such as their sexuality, as well as the prevention, care and treatment of sexually transmittable infections and HIV, including achievement of full protection of the rights of people who live with HIV/AIDS and their close families, contraception, access to safe and legal abortion and exercise of sexual and reproductive rights.

STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION: Our organization is structured around the fire IPPF’s (International Planned Parenthood Federation) 5 A’s that stands for: HIV/AIDS; Abortion; Advocacy; Access; Adolescent. Here I will write more about the last “A” - the adolescent i.e. youth department. Our youth department I coordinated by young personDaniel Kalajdzieski and every member is youngster between the age of 15 and 25. We are doing different kind of activities aimed to raise the awareness of the general publics, the young population, decision makers and all other important stakeholders in the society.

Our job is focused on conducting peer educations about HIV/AIDS, STI’s, abortion, contraception, sexual, reproductive and

human rights and many other issues. Beside the education we are conducting different workshops, seminars, trainings which main purpose is to improve the well-being of the young people. Our group of educators also organizes events, such as 1st of DecemberWorld AIDS’s Day, World Contraception Day etc. One of the most interesting and newest activities of our youth group is conducting radio show on radio MOF, which is on line radio. The show is called “Sexy hood”. Four of our volunteers are doing this activity: Velimir Saveski, Marija Karadzovska, Aneta Arsovska and Marija Matovska. The idea behind the name of this show is placed in the past, when our organization used to publish one magazine (about youngsters and their sexuality) that had the same name. By giving this name to the show we are just continuing our tradition. The slogan for this show is “Sexy hood - show that deeply penetrates into our taboos.” As the slogan suggests, with this activity we are trying to overcome some stereotypes and stigmas that are common in our society. Also, we are putting our best efforts to fight against discrimination and to provide help to anyone that needs it. Whit this show we are also educate our young population (and not only the youngsters, but anyone who listens to our show). Another motive for conducting “Sexy Hood” is to raise the awareness of the population and to show them that talking about their sexuality is one normal and common thing. Beside all this, conducting show on one relatively new on-line radio is a great challenge. We are improving and evolving our concept with the same pace as the radio evolution and development. During

H.E.R.A. ACTIVITIES

the radio evolution and development.

During the summer holidays we are making short brake, but we are continuing to work in September. You can listen to our show h every second Wednesday at 12:00 and h 15:00 on radio MOF. In a meanwhile you can check out some older podcasts.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Facebook.com/hera.macedonia Twitter.com/HERA_mkd Youtube.com/user/HERAMacedonia Blog: sr4all.wordpress.com Web: www.hera.org.mk E-mail: hera@hera.org.mk Telephone: 02 3290 395

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NATIONAL TRAINING COURSE: ‘HUMAN RIGHTS IN EDUCATION’

The Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt DBU is one of Europe's largest foundations and promotes innovative and exemplary exemplary environmental projects.

Since 1991, almost 7800 projects have received financial backing totaling about € 1,4 billion. The promotional activities concentrate on environmental technology and research, nature conservation, environmental communication and cultural assets.

THE BOARD OF ADVISORS:

Is the executive committee of the foundation, voting for the most important decisions. It consists of 14 members appointed by the Federal Government.

LAW:

The DBU was established in 1990, subject to a law passed by the German Parliament on initiative of the than Finance Minister Dr. Theo Waigel: to use the amount of € 1.3 billion from privatizing the former steel group Salzgitter AG for an environmental foundation. The income from its assets is used for the promotional activities.

PRINCIPLES OF THE FOUNDATION'S WORK: WORK:

On 24 October 1989 the Federal Parliament took up the suggestion of the then Finance Minister Dr. Theo Waigel the principle decision to use the proceeds from privatizing the former steel group Salzgitter AG for an environmental foundation. The amount of € 1,288.007,300 should serve as foundation capital, the annual profit being spend for promotional objectives.

The law about setting up an environmental foundation "Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt" was announced on 18 July 1990. Established as a foundation according to Civil Law, name, tasks and objectives of the foundation are defined there. The statute for the DBU was agreed on 9 August 1990 determining Osnabrueck as location for the office. In addition, the statute regulates the foundation's structure, its tasks, the promotional procedures and the investment administration. Organs of the foundation are the Board of Advisors and the Secretary General. With the constitution meeting of the Board on 17 December 1990 the DBU started its work. Its legal order is to promote environmental projects with priority going to small and medium-sized enterprises. (dbu.de)

From 1st to 6th of July the Center for Intercultural Dialogue in partnership with Center for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, hosted National Training Course “Human Rights in Education: Training for educators to work on human rights education with young people in non formal and formal educational contexts, with focus on using Compass”. The training course aimed to develop the competence of educators to integrate and develop practices of human rights education with young people in non-formal and formal educational contexts. It is organized in cooperation with the Council of Europe, Directorate of Youth and Sport, as part of their Youth Programme on Human Rights Education, and in partnership with the Good Governance Department/Education Reform Unit Of the OSCE Mission to Skopje. The programme involved one of the biggest experts on Human Rights and Non Formal Education, additionally supported by speakers from OSCE and Council of Europe. It gathered 22 educators (teachers and youth workers) to discuss and explore topics like Human Rights, Advocacy, Children Rights, Multiculturalism and Ethnic Minority Rights. The discussion enabled space for participants to learn and prepare to further promote Human Rights

Education. As one of the participants shared: “This training made me realize that Human Rights tackle every workshop and training we do as educators, and therefore I am motivated to further apply the Human Rights based approach in each activity I will do in my organization.”

One of the main outcomes of the training was the non formal network of educators in Human Rights Education, which will be composed in a form of a platform to further support the educational and youth work systems in enhancing Human Rights Education at local and national level. A network of human rights educators is to be created in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for the first time, following a course supported by the Council of Europe on human rights education in ethnically-divided communities. 22 young people from youth organisations across Macedonia, alongside teachers and trainers working in the human rights education field, came up with the idea for the network. The course was organised by the Centre for Intercultural Dialogue with the support of the Council of Europe’s Youth Department and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Mission to Skopje. It took place in Probistip from 1-6 July.

FUNDRAISING IDEAS FOR GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS Fundraising for schools, youth groups, minor sports teams and non-profit organizations keep many of them alive and flourishing in our communities.

Successful fundraisers can help thousands of groups raise a remarkable amount of money in order to help fund their various causes. Fundraising in your community goes to: • Make extra-curricular activities and sports available to underprivileged youth • To subsidize team uniforms and equipment that would normally come out of parent's pockets • Make available certain health care services and medications that aren't covered by health insurance • Provide comfort and hospice care to those with cancer, AIDS, and lung and heart disease (fundraisinghq.com)

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PARTICIPATING ON THE CAMPAIGN "INFORMATION RIGHT NOW!" The aim of the campaign is young people to understand their right to information, right to access to information of the institutions of the system, information of the Youth Information Centers (YIC), and as well the right to encourage decision making in order to guarantee their right to information. The campaign will involve three key topics: social inclusion of young people; Democracy, including e-Democracy; Living together in diverse societies. Through the campaign “Young people are asking – Information right NOW!”, which will be launched on the 17th of April 2012 – in occasion of the European Youth Information Day, ERYICA and the Council of Europe strives to raise the awareness for the role of youth information with special accent of the right to access to information. Within this campaign the organization CED which is member of the SEGA coalition was implementing several activities to raise awareness amongst young people that they have right to be informed and that they should be counseled when institution are making decisions related to them. On 17 of April on the occasion of European campaign “Young people are asking – Information right NOW!” CED organized a meeting with

the Municipality councilors, where young people had chance for the first time to ask questions related to youth issues. On 16th May 2012, one month after the official launching of the campaign "Information right now" the Pan-European Campaign Action Day themed "Young People Are Asking" to design question marks with young people was organized by the Youth. The Center for Education and Development in Tearce also supported this Pan-European activity within the campaign "Information Right Now!" The event was held in the secondary school in Municipality of Tearce, where young people creatively prepared a question mark and had an opportunity to write questions concerning youth in three different languages (Macedonian, Albanian and English). 25 young students and volunteers who exhibited Center for Education and Development - CED question mark in the centre of Tearce participated in this event.

The European Campaign is implemented by ERYICA (European Youth Information and Counseling Agency) in partnership with the Council of Europe, and the Coalition of youth organizations SEGA, as member organization of ERYICA, is leader of the campaign in Macedonia.

“YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ASKING – INFORMATION RIGHT NOW!”

YOUNG PEOPLE CREATIVELY PREPARED A QUESTION MARK

The Balkan Civil Society Development Network was established following the initiative for the Capacity Building Hub Programme, which was part of a larger initiative called the WCC SouthEast Europe Ecumenical Partnership. By bringing together churches, ecumenical and civil society organizations, this initiative aimed at promoting their co-ordination and co-operation. The Capacity-Building Hub Programme, implemented by the Macedonian Center for International Cooperation (MCIC), focused on strengthening individuals / staff and organizational capacities and skills of involved agencies. The initial pilot programme ran from 2001 to 2003, within which were organised 5 country visits and accompanying reports, 3 partnership meetings, 5 trainings, 7 exchange and consultancy visits and a web training-directory and address book were published. In December 2003, the Balkan Civil Society Development Network was launched as an informal network. On 6 July 2009 in Skopje, Macedonia, the network held its Founding assembly and since 30 September 2009 is a legally registered.

OUR VISION: Sustainable peace, harmony and prosperity of societies in the Balkan region.

OUR MISSION: To empower the civil society and influence European and national policies towards more enabling environment for civil society development in order to ensure sustainable and functioning democracies in the Balkans.

OUR GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: Increase the role of civil society by strengthening its voice in policyand decision-making at national, regional and EU level; Promote the civil dialogue between the civil society actors, state institutions and the European Union in order to influence the public policies; Develope advocacy knowledge and skills among civil society actors as a base for greater impact; Strengthen communication, coordination and cooperation between the civil society actors in the Balkan region.

OUR VALUES: Respect of the universal human rights and of the rights of all citizens-men and women of all nationalities, religions and cultures; Development of a pluralistic and participative democracy; Socio-economic development and cultural prosperity; Social cohesion, integration and harmony; Care for the environment and for the sustainable development; Social justice and equality; Respect for diversity and non-violence. (balkancsd.net)

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EVS volunteers' impressions of Macedonia running around the house while eating to celebrate a child that takes his first steps; putting up notifications of deceased people in the streets; the 40days of waiting after a death or birth before the friends can visit.

RELIGION: There are two main religions in Macedonia; (Orthodox) Christians and (Sunni) Muslims. Yesterday we saw a mosque and an orthodox church, they looked really nice and well taken care of. Inside of the church are beautiful drawings on the walls and there is a mass everyday in the morning.

BJÖRN AND INNE IN SKOPJE

Björn is 20 years old, lives in Leuven and works as a volunteer with young people. Inne is 26 years old, lives in Antwerp, works as a socialcultural worker and this is the first time she's working as a volunteer abroad. We are here in Kumanovo for 2 weeks now. We learned a lot of different things about the culture and the traditions, by asking our colleagues and by talking to other people we met.

This is what we discovered: TRADITIONS & CULTURE: The people here are very friendly, sociable and open to all of our questions. It's different in Belgium, there people are often more to themselves. We like this better. The youngsters speak really well English and they love to practice with foreigners. There are several minorities in Macedonia: Albanians, Turks, Roma and Vlachs. The biggest ones are Albanians and Roma. Often the different cultures live next to each other in stead of with each other. The CID wants to work on that by getting the children and youngsters to work on projects together, to include everyone from all different nationalities. We learned, from talking to our colleagues, that it is very normal for young people in Macedonia to live their entire life in the same house with their parents and grandparents. As a local put it; “We are born, raised, married and we die all in the same house.” So for a young couple it is more normal to stay at home, rather than look for a place of their own. Mainly because it is part of

their culture, but also because it is hard to afford. In Belgium it is actually very normal for a 23 year old to live alone. About going out in the evenings, we learned everything closes at 01.00 (apart from the clubs). Drinking is allowed, but moderate. People also will find it strange that you go to a bar by yourself.

About relationships; it is very accepted to walk hand in hand and kiss in the streets with your boyfriend of girlfriend, nobody will mind.

When it comes to gay or lesbian relationships in Macedonia, not many people talk about it.

And we haven't seen organizations that support them, yet, but we know there are several. We realized that this issue is still considered as a taboo. About food; we went to a traditional restaurant and enjoyed typical food, like meze (appetizers) and really good meso (meat). We would love to get to know more about the different kinds of food/wine and also about the typical Macedonian dances. Important events like weddings, birthdays, funerals and births have a lot of specific traditions. We thought these were the craziest: Stuffing money in a brides shoe;. .

ACTIVITIES: So far we went on a treasure hunt, to find out more about Kumanovo. We met some nice people who helped us, like a Macedonian family that lives in Georgia, U.S.A. We also like the Green Market, because everything is very cheap and fresh. Then we researched the culture, traditions and religion, which you can find above. We also had our first Macedonian language class, which was really hard but nice. Björn already speaks Croatian so for him it is sometimes easier.

Marija is a really good teacher! We think it is extremely hot here (in Belgium 25 degrees is hot), and we think the city of Kumanovo is, sorry to say, very ugly. But the extremely nice people here make up for that! Our flat is nice, we have a lot of space. Björn likes to cook, so if you want to come by for dinner, don't hesitate! :) Two other volunteers have arrived in the mean while; Shana (18) from Belgium on short-term and Martina (22) from Slovakia on long-term. Inne went to Ohrid already and she thinks it is one of the most beautiful places she has ever seen! She loved the lake, beaches and scenery. Björn started to work in Multi Kulti youth center with the kids and Inne in CID on the youth radio. We both like it very much and look forward to the rest of our stay and all the experiences!

Ciao!

Björn and Inne

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NGO MAGAZINE – September 2012

Y YA ATTA A LLEEA AD DEER RS SH HIIPP A AN ND DM MA AN NA AG GEEM MEEN NTT S SEEM MIIN NA AR R The Youth Atlantic Treaty Association (YATA) on June 17th - 20th held its first YATA Leadership and Management Seminar taking place in Brussels. The first two days of the seminar involved interactive sessions dealing with issues of organizational advancement and policy development, bringing together representatives from 9 national chapters. The YATA participants gathered to discuss mostly about the future of YATA, as well as the implementation of new initiatives to further YATAs goals. A large part of the program was dedicated to workshops on developing strategies and action plans led by Vanessa Ferrone, Senior Projects Analyst at the City of Toronto. A lot of work was done with formulating value statements including the mission and vision of YATA on the international level, and the representatives began a similar process for their national chapters. In addition to workshops and discussions, the program included a lecture on multinational project management by Col. Dr.

Holger Bahle of NATO's Defence Policy and Planning Division. At the previous seminar in Budva, Montenegro, many of the YATA representatives were from South Eastern Europe (SEE) but had not met each other before. That is why, the President of YATA Macedonia, Ilija Djugumanov, in cooperation with other representatives from the region and YATA, formulated a project proposal for the establishment of a YATA SEE Working Group. The working group was officially announced at the ATA Spring Council Meeting, which took place at Brussels from 19th to 20th June, where YATA delegates took part. This is where 37 Presidents and Directors in representation of all ATA Member associations, Associate and Observer Member associations met to discuss developments within the ATA. It was also an occasion for YATA and ATA delegations to meet with high ranking NATO and EU officials, and to discuss current NATO affairs, thus getting new input and inspiration for activities.

NGO MAGAZINE

OVERVIEW: The European Youth Parliament represents a non-partisan and independent educational project which is tailored specifically to the needs of the young European citizen. The EYP encourages independent thinking and socio-political initiative in young people and facilitates the learning of crucial social and professional skills. Since its inauguration, many tens of thousands of young people have taken part in regional, national and international sessions, formed friendships and made international contacts across and beyond borders. The EYP has thus made a vital contribution towards uniting Europe. Today the EYP is one of the largest European platforms for political debate, intercultural encounters, political educational work and the exchange of ideas among young people in Europe. The EYP consists of a network of 35 European associations and organisations in which thousands of young people are active in a voluntary capacity. The EYP is a programme of the Schwarzkopf Foundation.

AIMS & IMPACT: Raise awareness of European issues, encourage active European citizenship and motivate students to get engaged in European politics; Promote international understanding, intercultural dialogue and diversity of ideas and practices; Contribute to the personal skills development of European youth; Provide a forum in which young people of Europe can express their own opinions, without reverting to role play. Our regular feedback round with our participants shows that we are successfully achieving our aims.

WHAT WE DO: The EYP involves well over 20,000 young people at more than 100 regional, national and international events through 35 national organisations every year. The flagship events of the EYP are its three annual International Sessions. Each of these sessions brings together about 270 young people from 35 countries for 10 days in different European countries. The accompanying teachers go through a special teachers´ programme that aims to develop new skills as well as the establishment of pan-European networks.

Those networks often serve to establish new exchange and learning projects. . . (eypej.org)

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The meaning of volunteering for me Ivana NIKOLOVSKA

ivanavolleygirl@gmail.com

Human indecision along with fear of the unknown as well as hesitation, inconsistency and lack of determination affects so discouraging for a young person who wants to be involved, to be active, who wants to learn, to acknowledge simply to do something. My volunteering journey started at one seminar where I met many intellectual figures who were there to transmit us experience from what they work and how to get to their place where they are now. It was so interesting to listen them talk about their experience, but at the same time withhold my thoughts on what I would actually like to work. I do not know whether the peoples who once studied and who are studying will ever stop to question themselves whether they have made the right choice about their education and profession. As I listened, I thought what could be the thing, which it might to some degree fulfilled me as a person and make me happy. The people who stood in front of me were happy, satisfied and proud of what they have created, learned and experienced. I asked myself what I want to do: I wanted to meet new and different

people, I wanted to see the world from all its perspectives and angles, I wanted to learn new things about life, people, culture, art. All I wanted to do was something that will make me a better person from what I was. I knew that I can, I only needed to try. I started by sharing, my thoughts with one of my colleagues who believe it or not she has similar desires and aspirations like me. What gathered together all the things that I wanted to do was volunteering. I sought and found the solution. I became a volunteer and my trip began. First station that introduced me to the world of volunteering was a non-governmental organization CID-Kumanovo which helped me to realize what a volunteer means and taught me all about volunteering. It is amazing how many things offers you volunteering, how much you get and how much you learn about yourself.

Volunteering makes you appreciate the values that perhaps intentionally, perhaps unconsciously we forget, makes you realize the differences that make people special and unique, it makes you respect the nature, environment and the places that are all around you. I enjoy being a volunteer because in that way I can explore the world at so many different ways that makes me feel free, fulfilled and happy.

Macedonian Model United Nations Conference (MMUN) - Kumanovo 2012 From February to May 2012 Mary Hulse and Max Arcand, both Peace Corps Volunteers in Kumanovo, trained 4 high school students from Kumanovo to participate in the 2nd annual Macedonian Model United Nations Conference in Stip. For four months these students learned the flow of debate a Model UN committee meeting, its rules and procedures, and also researched the current political and social climate in Mexico. On May 5th Stefan Petrovski, Damjan Trickovik, and Marija Mishevska represented Mexico and Kumanovo at the Macedonian Model United Nations Conference. These three scholars represented Mexico's interests on the United Nations Development Programme, the Security Council, and the Economic and Social Council and debated with students from 17 other communities, representing over 30 countries, to bring Mexico's national interests to this mock United Nations. “As the co-team leader, I am very proud of the energy, dedication, and skill brought to the table by all of our delegates and would like to see each of the 8 committees represented next year at the Model United Nations Conference," shared Max.

The politically impartial Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe was founded by Pauline Schwarzkopf in 1971 in Hamburg . The foundation´s mission is to support the development of young people into politicallyaware and responsible citizens by focussing on the strengthening of the European Idea and pan-European understanding. Our aim is to develop a dialogue between young people of 16 and 28 years of age and leading figures from the world of politics, the economy and culture.

We provide young people with information about the decision-making process in Europe and make this process visible and tangible and thus benefitial to the education of young people. We discuss European political topics that are important and relevant to young people and in doing so aim to offer the chance to engage in European political thinking and understanding. To meet these goals we offer lectures, seminars, debates, visits to embassies, exhibition visits, "Background Talks on Europe" as well as EU Crash-Courses.

In direct exchange with ambassadors, federal Ministers, journalists, European members of parliament, EU Commissioners, Prime Ministers, scientists and artists, young people are able to experience politics up-close and to take part in the political process.

Furthermore, the Schwarzkopf Foundation awards travel grants, the "Young European of the Year" prize as well as the annual "Schwarzkopf Europe" award.

The Schwarzkopf Foundation has run the European Youth Parliament since 2004. (schwarzkopf-stiftung.de)

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Council of Europe Youth Peace Camp a symbol of 40 years work with and for young people people to drive forward new strategies to break down .Young conflict in their countries Cross-border youth environmental campaigns, languages courses for mixed ethnic groups in Kosovo and awareness raising through art exhibitions and social networking sites – these are just some of the strategies devised by the 51 young people involved in the Council of Europe’s 2012 Youth Peace Camp. Participants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Israel, various communities in Kosovo, the Palestinian National Authority and the Russian Federation took part in the peace camp at the Strasbourg European Youth Centre, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. For eight years now the peace camps have enabled young people and youth organisations from conflict-stricken regions to engage in dialogue and conflict transformation activities through human rights education and intercultural learning and to gain positive experiences of living and learning with others. Many participants have had a chance to talk face to face with young people from “the other side” for the first time in their lives. On their return home, participants are expected to pass on what they have learnt – particularly the importance

of dialogue, peace-building, human rights as a framework for conflict-resolution and nonviolence – to other young people in their groups, communities and organisations.

Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe Maud de Boer-Buquicchio closed the peace camp with words of support for the participants: “Too often young people are involved in violent conflicts against their will.

They are among the first casualties. It is therefore your right – everyone’s right – to participate in the resolution of these conflicts, through dialogue, trust-building, cooperation and the search for common ground. “I would like to thank each and every one of you for your commitment to promoting peace and dialogue. It may seem more difficult to engage in dialogue than to replicate hatred, prejudice and rejection. And I am sure that some of you will have difficulties in being understood by your friends and neighbours back home who did not take part in the peace camp. But don’t be deterred. Dialogue is more rewarding and infinitely more sustainable than conflict and hatred. Dialogue is about understanding each other, in spite of differences of opinion. It is

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This year’s participants have devised a wide range of strategies and ideas to promote peace in their communities, including the following: Starting a crossborder awareness-raising campaign on the environment, an issue which concerns and unites young people; Setting up language courses for mixed ethnic groups in Kosovo; Creating social networking sites for participants from different regions; Organising photographic exhibitions of people’s eyes; the idea being that we realize our similarities by looking into each other’s eyes; Establishing joint summer camps or weekly discussion groups in ethnically mixed cities in Kosovo; Training trainers in conflict transformation in Georgia with Armenian and Azerbaijani youth; Giving presentations in universities. about making friends, not enemies. Dialogue is the path to peace.” Hranush Shahnazaryan, a member of the Council of Europe’s Advisory Council on Youth, also encouraged the participants urging them to “team up” with the Organisation’s Youth Peace Ambassadors, who have a peace-building mission in communities divided by violence and conflict.

Ms Shahnazaryan is one of the youth leaders who decide, alongside government officials, on the Council of Europe’s work with young people. The idea for the Youth Peace Ambassadors came from the youth leaders of the Advisory Council on Youth. (www.coe.int/t/dg4/youth)