VOICES April issue

voices

Magazine for all young people of Skopje

2012 April Free

EDITORIAL Dear readers, respected volunteers, We are entering the month of April, one of the months where we can really feel the impact of the spring. Behind us we are leaving the first quarter of the year 2012, I hope that you have been productive in the last 3 months April is also the month of the Joke and free spirit (1st of April), so I hope that the month will end in the manner it began. With the smell of spring in the air and the blossom all around, people feel fuller of energy, so let’s focus our self to use that energy in a positive way. In this issue, we will speak more about food and the healthy ways of nutrition. I hope you will enjoy the articles and that you will implement some of the advice for healthy nutrition in your everyday life.

Enjoy reading the new edition of the VOICES magazine, while you are sitting on some bench, catching some sun and smelling the flowers and the green grass…

Драги читатели и почитувани волонтери, Полека навлегуваме во месецот Април, еден од месеците во кој навистина можеме да го почувствуваме влијанието на пролетта. Позади нас ја оставаме првата четвртина од година 2012 и јас се надевам дека бевте продуктивни по последните 3 месеци. Април е исто така и месец на добрата шега и слободниот дух (1ви Април), така да се надевам дека месецот ке заврши на начинот на кој што започна. Со мирисот на пролетта во воздухот и расцутувањето насекаде околу нас, луѓето се чуствуваат полни со енергија, така да ајде да се концентрираме и да ја фокусираме таа енергија во позитивна насока. Во ова издание на магазинот, ние ќе зборуваме за здравиот начин на исхрана. Се надеваме дека ќе уживате додека ги читате статиите и дека ќе имплементирате некои од советите за здрава исхрана, во вашиот секојдневен живот. Уживајте во читањето на новото издание на ВОИСЕС магазинот, додека седите на некоја клупа и се обидувате да фатите сончеви зраци и ги мирисате цветовите и зелената трева...

By Gjoko Vukanovski Reporters & Translation: Sylwia Górska Iva Sokolovska Sara Fantova Awa Badji Jadwiga Miśtak David Bolt Paul Issac Martha Brown Marina Mijakovska

Elena Davidovska Marija Brzovska Pavlina Manavska Dragan Lazeski Kalia Dimitrova Translations and proofreading: Angela Burneska Bledi Cami

Ѓоко Вукановски David Bolt Nora Selimi Design & Photos: Maxime Gallasse Ilona Olehlova Sara Fantova Sanja Paunovska Jadwiga Mistak Paul Issac

Production & Coordination: Nikola Stankoski Gjoko Vukanovski Contact: Volunteers Centre Skopje Emil Zola 3-2/3, 1000 Skopje Tel./Fax. +389 22 772 095

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FEED YOUR BRAIN INSTEAD OF YOUR BODY . . . . . . . . 4 THE FAMOUS ELEXIR OF LIFE – WATER

by Pavlina Manavska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 N U T R I T I O N by Mon i ka Ashta l koska . . . . . . . . . 8 LIFE IN THE FAST FOOD LANE by Paul Isaac . . . . . . . . 9 COMFORTING COTTAGE PIE by David Bolt . . . . . . . 10 TAI CHI - HEALTHY WAY OF LIFE OR JUST LIFE STYLE

by Dragan Lazeski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 A C L E A N STA RT? by Pau l Isaac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 WOM E N I N A RT by Sy l w ia Gorska . . . . . . . . . . 28 DEMOCRATIC TRANSITION IN SENEGAL: Africa and the world applauded. by Awa Badji . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 AND MORE...

FEED YOUR BRAIN, INSTEAD OF YOUR BODY! кампања 2012, Скопје, Македонија

Кога последен пат сте биле на пазар, па сте уживале во боите на јаболките? Кога последен пат сте помислиле, па стимулирале подобра ментална активност? Колку често се воодушевувате на изборот што природата го нуди? Дајте да поразговараме за овие работи! Дајте да споделиме што знаеме, што сме доживеале, што јадеме, а што сакаме да јадеме, цени, можности, навики... Волонтерски Центар Скопје им овозможи на своите волонтери, во рамките на проектот „Премостување на поделените заедници преку младинска работа“, да ги развијат своите идеи и реализираат своите кампањи, меѓу кои е и кампањата „Исхрана и нутриционизам меѓу младите (во Скопје, Македонија)“. Така, во текот на Април имавте можност да погледнете филмови, да откриете што консумираат вашите врсници преку претходно спроведената анкета, дискутиравме без цензура, научивме нови работи поврзани со храната и исхраната преку интересно предавање, дегустиравме здраво и нездраво и оценувавме, запознавме стручни лица и да ги консултиравме, дознавме за нови производи за подобро здравје, и најслаткото - натпреварот во брзо јадење здрава храна! Датуми, термини и локации: *17. 04. 2012 (вторник), филм „Food, inc.“ проследен со отворена дискусија и споделување искуства со (ис)храна во просториите на МКЦ. *20. 04. 2012 (петок), интересно предавање и дегустација на храна со затворени очи и оценување на вкусот во канцелариите на Волонтерски Центар Скопје, ул. Емил Зола 3-2/3 (кај Рампа во Кисела Вода). *28. 04. 2012 (сабота), ГЛАВЕН НАСТАН Натпревар во брзо јадење здрава храна на школка во градски парк Скопје (учесници по случаен избор од ФБ страната), промоција и консултација со сопственикот на макробиотскиот ресторан Хармонија (ФБ страна Restoran Harmonija), промоција на Kyani додатоците во исхрана (ФБ страна Kyani Inc.), интервјуа, мудри мисли за храната и здравиот начин на живот, резултати од анкетата и... Многу сонце и забава!

-почеток 12 ч. во гратски парк Скопје, школка. Посетете ја, информирајте се и пополнете ја македонската верзија на анкетата на FB страната: Feed your Brain, instead of your Body! кампања 2012 Скопје, Македонија

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“When is the last time you have been to the public market and enjoyed the color diversity of apples?”

When is the last time you have been to the public market and enjoyed the color diversity of apples? When is the last time you have thought of and stimulated better mental activity? How often do you admire the choice that nature offers you?

Let us discuss these things! Let us share what we know, what we experienced, what we eat and what we would like to eat, prices, possibilities, habits…

Volunteers Center Skopje gave the opportunity to its volunteers, within the project “Bridging Divided Communities”, to develop their ideas and carry out their campaigns, like the campaign “Diet and Nutrition among young people (in Skopje, Macedonia)”.

Therefore, in April this year you had the possibility to watch films, to find out what your peers consume by the help of a foregoing survey, we discussed without censure, learnt new things connected to food and diet by a lecture, we gave a taste of (un)healthy food and evaluate, met experts and consulted them, understood about new products for healthier life, and the “sweetest“ - the competition in fast eating healthy food! Dates, hours and locations: *17. 04. 2012 (Tuesday) the film Food, Inc., an open discussion and sharing experiences with diets in Youth Cultural Center in Skopje *20. 04. 2012 (Friday) interesting lecture and blindfolded sampling food and evaluating the taste at Volunteers Center Skopje, street Emil Zola 3-2/3 (near Rampa in Kisela Voda) *28. 04. 2012 (Saturday) THE MAIN EVENT Competition in fast eating healthy food on Skolka in the city park of Skopje (participants chosen randomly from the FB page), promotion and consultation with the owner of the macrobiotic restaurant Harmony (FB page Restoran harmonija), promotion of Kyani food supplements (FB page Kyani Inc.), interviews, wise thoughts concerning food and healthy life-style, results from the on-line survey and…

Lots of sunshine and fun!

-start at 12 p.m. in the city park Skopje, Skolka Visit, inform and fill-in the English version of the survey on the FB page.

Feed your Brain, instead of your Body! кампања 2012 Скопје, Македонија

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THE FAMOUS ELEXIR OF LIFE – WATER

by Pavlina Manavska

“The only thing that we need more in life than the water is the air.”

People can survive much longer without food than without water. The only thing that we need more in life than water is air. As babies we are about 80% of water and as we get older this percentage decreases to about 60%.

Thus, every inch of our body needs water to work properly. Insufficient input of water leads to dehydration, and in this case the normal functioning of the body is impossible. Water speeds up the metabolism, increases energy levels, it moisturizes the skin and helps the body get rid of harmful toxins.

An interesting fact about water is whether we know what kind of water we drink? Many of us think that the water we drink from the tap is really polluted so we buy bottled water in plastic bottles. How much of it is really healthy? Be very careful when selecting the water in order to prevent chemicals from the plastic in your water.

Plastic water bottles are quite useful when we are in movement or on the road, but it is worth to pay attention of the type of plastic that the bottle of water is made.

According to the classification, there are seven types of polymers and each type is indicated by the number in sign for recycling which facilitates the classification of the plastic. The type that is in our interest is the first one: 1.PET polietilen tereftalat (PET or PETE), which is used for plastic bottles of mineral water. They are good for disposable and recyclable. In general you should avoid using plastic bottles for water several times since they are difficult to wash, and plastic is porous and can absorb bacteria. Generally known is that the storage of bottled water is not taken any special care about whether it will be stored in a dark and cool place. Do not put bottles in the microwave or freeze water in them. The heat reacts with chemicals in plastic that separate dioxins in the water. Dioxins are carcinogens and many more are found in tests on biopsy material from breast cancer for example. So no just women but all of us should be careful not to drink water from a bottle left in a warm place (usually it can be from our car).

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Познатиот еликсир на животот - вода Павлина Манавска

“Интересен податок во врска со водата е дали ние сме знаеме каква вода пиеме?” Луѓето можат многу подолго да преживеат без храна отколку без вода. Единственото нешто кое ни е попотребно за живот од водата е воздухот. Како бебиња сме околу 80% вода а како што старееме овој процент се намалува на околу 60%. Затоа, секое делче од нашето тело има потреба од неа за правилно да функционира. Недоволното внесување на вода води до дехидратација, а во таков случај нормалното функционирање на телото е невозможно. Водата го забрзува метаболизмот, го зголемува нивото на енергија, ја навлажнува кожата и му помага на телото да се ослободи од штетните токсини. Интересен податок во врска со водата е дали ние сме знаеме каква вода пиеме? Многумина од нас се сигурни дека водата која ја пиеме од чешма е навистина загадена па затоа купуваат флаширана вода во пластични шишиња. Колку од сето тоа е навистина здраво? Бидете многу внимателни при изборот на вода, со цел да ги спречите хемикалиите од пластиката во вашата вода. Пластичните шишиња со вода се навистина многу практични кога сме на пример во движење или на пат, но вреди да се обрне внимание на типот на пластиката со кој е направено шишето вода. Според класификацијата, постојат седум типови на полимери, а секој тип се означува со број во знакот за рециклажа со што се олеснува класирањето на амбалажната пластика. Оној тип кој нас не интересира е првиот 1. PET polietilen tereftalat (PET ili PETE), кој се користи за пластични шишиња за минерална вода. Добри се за еднократна употреба и можат да се рециклираат. Во принцип треба да се избегнува користењето на пластичните шишиња за вода повеќекратно од причина што се потешки за миење, а пластиката е порозна па може да апсорбира бактерии. Општо познато е дека за складирањето на водата во шишиња не се води некоја посебна грижа за тоа дали ќе биде складирана на темно и ладно место. Не ставајте шишиња во микробранова печка ниту пак замрзнувајте вода во нив. Топлината реагира со хемикалии од пластиката кои одделуваат диоксини во водата. Диоксините се канцерогени и многу повеќе се наоѓаат во тестовите за биопсичен материјал од ракот на дојката на пример. Затоа освен жените сите треба да бидеме внимателни и да не пиеме вода од шишиња оставена на топло (најчесто тоа може да 7 биде и нашиот автомобил).

NUTRITION “Our muscles, hair, nails, skin, and eyes are mostly protein.”

by Monika Ashtalkoska

Today, nutritionists have a wide knowledge of the role of nutrients in health and disease. We know that people need many different nutrients if they are to maintain health and reduce the risk of diet-related diseases. The amount of each nutrient needed is called the nutritional requirement. These are different for each nutrient and also vary between individuals and life stages, e.g. women of childbearing age need more iron than men.

Each nutrient has a particular series of functions in the body and some nutrients are needed in larger quantities than others. For example, protein is needed in gram (g) quantities. Vitamin C is needed in milligram (mg) quantities (1/1000 gram) and vitamin B12 is needed in microgram (µg) quantities (1/1000000 gram). Individual requirements of each nutrient are related to a person’s age, gender, level of physical activity and state of health. Also, some people absorb or utilize nutrients less efficiently than others and so will have higher than average nutritional requirements, e.g. among older people, vitamin B12 absorption can be relatively poor. Calories measure the amount of energy that the body gets from food. Normal body functions (breathing, heart beat) and physical activity (running, playing games) use energy. This energy comes from the food we eat and the energy stored in our bodies from fat, protein, and carbohydrates. If we don’t have enough calories, we won’t have enough energy, and we will get tired often. If we have too many calories, we will put on some weight and get fatter. Kids need at least 2,000 calories per day. Carbohydrates are either simple (called sugars) or complex (called starches). Carbohydrates are the most abundant source of calories on earth. The best sources of carbohydrates are cereal, rice, potatoes, breads, spaghetti, fruits, and vegetables. Our bodies need carbohydrates to use fats effectively. Carbohydrates are also needed for proper brain function. Carbohydrates should make up about 50 - 55% of your daily calories. After water, protein is the most plentiful substance in our bodies. Almost 20% of our weight is protein in our bodies! Our muscles, hair, nails, skin, and eyes are mostly protein. Foods high in protein are eggs, milk, soybeans, rice, meat, fish, potatoes, corn, and peanuts.“The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition.”~ Thomas Edison

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LIFE IN THE FAST FOOD LANE

by Paul Isaac

“We’ve done this because our kids are being served up disgusting rubbish by the school.”

I’ll admit writing about young people and fast food was never going to be an easy task for my first ever article, but here goes…

When I was young I remember my parents treating my sister and me to McDonalds or KFC on average once a month but I can’t ever remember being so addicted to fast food as we were led to believe in the tabloid newspapers. You know how it goes… addiction this, chemicals that. Whilst I’m not at all saying that these aren’t problems, I just think that parents have the power and responsibility to choose and alter their children’s eating habits. There was a big story about 6 years ago, about T.V chef Jamie Oliver and his mission to bring healthy eating to schools across Britain. And then he came across the mums of Rawmarsh!

It all started with Rawmarsh Community School starting a healthy menu for meals and barring the children from visiting the local takeaways, which led to three mothers running a fast food service and passing the food through the school fence. From the readers’ point of view, these children might have been starving to death in a prison camp! The truth being there was fault on all sides: the school didn’t consult the parents, and the parents had the wrong attitude. One mother was even quoted as saying, “we’ve done this because our kids are being served up disgusting rubbish by the school.”

Well the menu might not have been perfect, but that’s a little extreme!

It is widely accepted that fast food is harmful and addictive, but can this be beaten back by force of will alone?

Despite the occasional fast food treat my mother was (and still is) an excellent cook, so my family and I would benefit from delicious home-cooked meals. She also had the good fortune to buy fresh ingredients, when possible from the local farm, such as meat, eggs, potatoes, vegetables and fruit. Two facts that I think gave me the power to just say no to fast food addiction, for which I am very grateful. I would say that I eat as much fast food as the average consumer, but that’s not to say I don’t do exercise either. Up to now I’ve run 9 marathons in Sheffield, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Edinburgh, all ranging from 10 kilometers and 13 miles, and I intend to do more. Not bad for someone who weighs 10 st, no?!

Yes, there’s a place for fast food in our lives, but it needs us to regulate and sometimes just to say no.

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Krkonošský hubník Second most traditional Christmas food in Czech Republic

CoCOMFORTING COTTAGE PIE

by David Bolt

by Sara Balabanova

Ingredients 5 cloves of garlic, ground black pepper fet 4 eggs 2 to 3 cups dried mushrooms 1 to 2 pieces of onion 5 pieces of bun salt 1 cup of milk Preparation method Dried mushrooms simmer in salted water and filter. Clean onions and garlic, garlic squeeze through and knife onion on little pieces.

Buns cut into cubes and place in basin (cup/plate). Put Buns to milk and let buns soak thru. Add the cooked and cooled mushrooms. All mixed with garlic and onion.

Mix all together. Add mixted eggs and season with salt and pepper. If is the mixture too thin add little bit of farina. For good taste you can try marjoram.

Wipe the pan with fat or other fat and fill it with mushroom mixture. Hubník will be more smoother, if you put on top a few pieces of butter or fet.Hubník prepared like this put into preheated blockhead.

And bake until it will be golden on the top.

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Ingredients 1 tbsp oil 1 large onion chopped 2 medium carrots, chopped 560g/1¼ lb beef mince 400g/14oz can tomatoes 290ml/10fl oz beef stock 1 bay leaf fresh thyme leaves from 1 sprig 2 tbsp tomato purée salt and freshly ground black pepper For the topping 750g/1½ lb potatoes, peeled and chopped 225g/8oz parsnips, peeled and chopped 2 tsp creamed horseradish 75g/2½oz butter 55ml/2fl oz milk Preparation method Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5.

Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the onion and carrot and cook over a medium heat for 5 minutes until soft.

Add the minced beef and cook for 3 minutes to brown.

Add the tomatoes, purée, beef stock, bay leaf and thyme.

Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Season.

Meanwhile, to make the topping, boil the potatoes and parsnips in water until soft. Drain and mash with the butter and milk. Stir in the horseradish and season with salt and pepper.

Spoon the meat into an ovenproof dish. Top with the mash and bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.

RECIPE FOR HEALTHY LIFE

by Sanja Paunovska

“100% fast food or 100% health?”

In the very beginning let’s clarify something: what is a healthy life for you? What is healthy actually? What is healthy food and what is a healthy way of living? Do you think if you are skinny it means you are healthy enough and you practice a healthy way of living? Do you consume (some of) the following products: fruit yogurts, wholegrain bread, cereals, oat cookies, low fat sandwiches, 100% fruit juice, sports drink, salads from fast food bars, frozen meals, diet sparkling drinks? Would you feel better if you bought all these products in a supermarket, then consumedthem thinking that they will lower your fat and you will become a healthier person?

Did you know that the cereals are rich with sugar and salt, and all the vitamins inside are made in chemical way; if you buy oat cookies in store, that means they are mixed with different kind of syrups which are increasing the sugar in the blood; if you read on the package “low fat” it does not mean that is a healthy food, still they contain sugar, syrup and other artificial sweeteners; bread, white bread, black bread, wholegrain bread – whatever you choose is more less the same; 100% fruit juices still have sugar and fructose that increases your weight, contains bad cholesterol, and you lose control over your appetite. The truth about the sports drinks is that they are water with sugar; also the diet drinks are containing artificial sweeteners. Check how “good” they are and then decide on your own if you really want to consume them.

Instead of all this mentioned above we recommend to you the following tasty healthier (and cheaper) combinations: oats, milk and bananas for breakfast, homemade oat cookies, natural yogurt with pieces of fresh fruit, try to avoid bread as much as you can, prepare your lunch, sandwiches, salads at home, avoid buying them prepared in the fast food bars, drink water, lots of water, water with squeezed lemon, green tea and add some kind of sport in your daily life, dance, yoga, aerobics, or at least 40 minutes walk and then you can say that you practice a healthy way of living.

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Рецепт за здрав живот Сања Пауновска

“100% брза храна или 100% здравје?”

На самиот почеток ајде да појасниме нешто: Што е здрав начин на живот за вас? Што е здраво, всушност? Што е здрава храна, а што е здрав начин на живеење? Дали мислите дека ако сте слаби значи дека сте доволно здрави и дека водите здрав начин на живеење? Дали ги консумирате (некои од) следниве производи: овошни јогурти, интегрален леб, житарици, овесни колачиња, ниско калорични сендвичи, 100% овошен сок, спортски пијалок, салати од барови за брза храна, замрзната храна, диетални газирани пијалаци? Дали би се чувствувале подобро ако ги купите сите овие производи во супермаркет, и мислите ли дека со нивното конзумирање ќе ги намалите вашиот масти и ќе станете поздрава личност? Дали сте знаеле дека житарките се богати со шеќер и сол, и сите витамини во внатрешноста се направени во хемиски начин; ако купите овесни колачиња во продавница, тоа значи дека тие се мешаат со различен вид на сирупи кои го зголемуваат шеќерот во крвта; ако прочитате на пакувањето “ниско калорично” тоа не значи дека веднаш се работи за здрава храна, сепак тие содржат шеќери, сирупи и други вештачки засладувачи; леб, бел леб, црн леб, интегрални леб - што и да одберете е горе-долу истото; 100% овошните сокови сепак содржат шеќер и фруктоза кои ја зголемува вашата тежина, исто содржат лош холестерол, а патем ќе изгубите контрола над вашиот апетит. Вистината за спортските пијалаци е тоа што тие се всушност само вода со шеќер, исто така и диеталните пијалоци содржат вештачки засладувачи. Проверете колку се тие навистина “добри”, а потоа одлучете сами дали навистина сакате да ги консумирате.

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Наместо сето ова што е споменато погоре, ви ги препорачуваме следните повкусни поздрави (и поефтини) комбинации: овес, млеко и банана за појадок, домашни овесни колачиња, природен јогурт со парчиња свежо овошје, обидете се да се избегне леб колку што можете повеќе, подгответе ги вашите сендвичи, ручек, салати дома, избегнувајте да ги купувате подготвени во барови за брза храна, пијте вода - многу вода, вода со исцеден лимон, зелен чај и додадете некој вид на спорт во вашиот секојдневен живот, танц, јога, аеробик, или најмалку 40 минути пешачење, а потоа можете да кажете дека водите здрав начин на живеење.

ASHTANGA ЈОГА - СОСТОЈБА НА УМОТ Силвија Горска

“Вежбајте, и се ќе биде.

K.Pattabhi Jois”

Здравје е општата состојба на умот на едно лице, тело и дух. Зборувајќи за здрава исхрана не можеме да заборавиме на редовни физички активности. Тоа може да нè спаси од срцеви заболувања, кардиоваскуларни болести, дијабетес или дебелина. Во текот на вежбањето ниво на ендорфини, природни ослободувачи од болка и антидепресанти во телото, стануваат повисоки и тоа може да ни помогне да се задржи позитивен став и да нè спаси од депресија или несоница. Не постојат подобри или полоши физички активности, но од сите нив сигурно јогата е она што ги држи сите три нивоа на човековото битие заедно, во рамнотежа. Нашето тело, умот и духот. Зошто? Затоа што не може да се оддели практиката од вашиот нормален дневен начин на живот, кога ќе навлезете во јогата, таа станува вашиот животен стил, вашата состојба на умот. Сите форми на јога имаат слични ефекти на психичко и духовно ниво, но кога зборуваме за физичкото, ashtanga јогата е најважна и најефективна. Таа е динамична форма на Хата јога. За телото, ashtanga е извор на сила, здравје и енергија, за умот е процес на само-набљудување и самосвест, што доведува до моќ, знаење и слобода. Во ashtanga, физичките ефекти се појавуваат навистина брзо, по неколку пати, ќе забележите дека вашето тело е посилно и пофлексибилно. Се разбира ништо не доаѓа оддеднаш. На почетокот најдобро е да се практикува 3 пати неделно, а потоа секој ден. Потребна ви е дисциплина, иако сте подготвени да промените нешто во вашиот живот, сепак е потребно. Најтешко е да ги промениме нашите секојдневни навики, но треба да се запаметиме дека “секој момент имаме можност да бидеме свежи и нови”. Во ashtanga редоследот на asans не се менува а се продолжува позиција само за 5 издишувања, ова е главната разлика од Хата јога. Тука прецизност не е неопходно, уште поважно е врската на дишење и движење. Откако ќе ги научите секвенците можете да вежбате сами, не ви треба професор. Бидејќи на фиксни asans не треба да се прашувате што следно да се направи, тоа помага да се фокусирате на вежбањето. Исто така е подобро да се практикува без музика и со отворени очи, инаку нашиот ум може лесно да лета. Колку повеќе пракса толку повеќе ќе ви стане самосвест. Секој ден може да биде различен, завино од храната што сте ја јаделе, проблемите, мислите во вашиот ум. Секојдневната практика може да биде понекогаш болна, за вашето тело и за вашиот ум. Сите имаме слабост на телото и мисли од кои не може да се избега, бидејќи тие доаѓаат и доаѓаат, мора да се справи со нив. За јога или медитација често се вели дека внесува хармонија во животот, далечина, мир ... да, тоа е вистина, но не очекувајте промени од само неколку пати. Обидете се да седите во една позиција, макар за само 5 минути и да не е дозволите вашиот ум да се фокусира на други мисли, дали чувствувате биланс и комфор? Јас не мислам така. Разбудете се во 6 наутро, пред училиште или на работа, земете подлога за вежбање и вежбајте јога еден час, без пауза. Дали се чувствувате добро и свежи? Сигурна сум дека не. Но правете го тоа секој ден и ќе ги воочите промените после. Откако ќе ги отворите очите и ќе почнете нов ден, ќе биде различен, ве уверувам. “Вежбајте, и се ќе биде” (K.Pattabhi Jois).

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TAI CHI - HEALTHY WAY OF LIFE OR JUST LIFE STYLE

by Dragan Lazeski

Master Liu Hung Chieh

The term t'ai chi ch'uan translates as "supreme ultimate fist", "boundless fist", "great extremes boxing", or simply "the ultimate". Note that chi in this instance is the Wade-Giles transliteration of the Pinyin jí, and is distinct from qì (or chi), meaning "life energy". The concept of the Taiji ("supreme ultimate"), in contrast with Wuji ( "without ultimate"), appears in both Taoist and Confucian Chinese philosophy, where it represents the fusion or mother of Yin and Yang into a single Ultimate, represented by the Taijitu symbol. T'ai chi theory and practice evolved in agreement with many Chinese philosophical principles, including those of Taoism and Confucianism.

T'ai chi training involves five elements, nei gung, tui shou (response drills), sanshou (self defence techniques), weapons, and solo hand routines, known as forms (taolu). While t'ai chi ch'uan is typified by some for its slow movements, many t'ai chi styles (including the three most popular - Yang, Wu, and Chen) - have secondary forms of a faster pace. Some traditional schools of t'ai chi teach partner exercises known as "pushing hands", and martial applications of the forms' postures.

In China, t'ai chi ch'uan is categorized under the Wudang grouping of Chinese martial arts—that is, the arts applied with internal power (an even broader term encompassing all internal martial arts is Neijia) Although the Wudang name falsely suggests these arts originated at the so-called Wudang Mountain, it is simply used to distinguish the skills, theories and applications of the "internal arts" from those of the Shaolin grouping, the "hard" or "external" martial art styles. Since the first widespread promotion of t'ai chi's health benefits by Yang Shaohou, Yang Chengfu, Wu Chien-ch'uan, and Sun Lutang in the early 20th century, it has developed a worldwide following among people with little or no interest in martial training, for its benefit to health and health maintenance. Medical studies of t'ai chi support its effectiveness as an alternative exercise and a form of martial arts therapy.

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“...the arts applied with internal power.�

It is purported that focusing the mind solely on the movements of the form helps to bring about a state of mental calm and clarity. Besides general health benefits and stress management attributed to t'ai chi training, aspects of traditional Chinese medicine are taught to advanced t'ai chi students in some traditional schools.

Some other forms of martial arts require students to wear a uniform during practice. In general, t'ai chi ch'uan schools do not require a uniform, but both traditional and modern teachers often advocate loose, comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes.

The physical techniques of t'ai chi ch'uan are described in the tai chi classics, a set of writings by traditional masters, as being characterized by the use of leverage through the joints based on coordination and relaxation, rather than muscular tension, in order to neutralize, yield, or initiate attacks. The slow, repetitive work involved in the process of learning how that leverage is generated gently and measurably increases, opens the internal circulation (breath, body heat, blood, lymph, peristalsis, etc.).

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ТАИ ЧИ - ЗДРАВ НАЧИН НА ЖИВЕЕЊЕ ИЛИ САМО СТИЛ НА ЖИВЕЕЊЕ Драган Лазески

Терминот T’ai chi ch’uan (Таи Чи Чуан) се преведува како “Врховна и Конечна Тупаница”; “Возвишено Екстремно Боксување”; или едноставно “Возвишеност”. Имајте на ум дека “Чи” (chi) во овој пример е транслитерација на Пин-јин “Џи” (Ji) и се разликува од qì (или chi), што значи “животна енергија”. Концептот на Taiji (“Врховен”; “Возвишен”), во контраст со Wuji (“бескрајност”), се појавува и во Таоистичката и во Конфучијанската филозофија, каде што претставува фузија или мајка на Јин и Јанг во една возвишеност, претставена преку симболот на Taijitu. Теоријата и практиката на Таи Чи боречката вештина еволуирале во согласност со многу кинески филозофски принципи, вклучувајќи ги и оние на Таоизмот и Конфучијанизмот. Тренирањето Таи Чи вклучува пет елементи: Nei gung, Tui shou (вежби на реакција); San shou (техники на самоодбрана); оружје и техника со една рака позната и како Таолу форма (taolu). Додека некои Таи Чи Чуан го карактеризираат како боречка вештина со спори движења, многу Таи Чи стилови (вклучувајќи ги и најпопуларните Јанг, Ву и Чен) имаат развиено форми со побрзо темпо. Некои традиционални училишта за Таи Чи практикуваат и вежби познати како боречки форми за држење на телото и неговиот облик. Во Н. Р. Кина Таи Чи Чуан се категоризира под Wudang групацијата на кинески боречки вештини, односно, уметноста се применува со внатрешна моќ (Уште поширок термин, кој ги опфаќа сите внатрешни боречки вештини е Neijia). Иако името Wudang лажно сугерира дека овие интерни боречки вештини потекнуваат од т.н. Wudang планина, всушност ова име се користи со цел да се направи дистинкција помеѓу овие интерни

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“...уметност применета со внатрешна сила”

боречки вештини и боречките вештини на Шаолин, уште познати и како “тешки” или “надворешни” стилови на оваа боречка вештина. Од првата голема промоција на здравствени придобивки од тренирањето Таи Чи од страна на сифу Јанг Шаохоу, Јанг Ченгфу, Ву Чиен - чуан и Сун Лутанг во почетокот на 20 век, оваа боречка вештина се разви низ целиот свет меѓу луѓето кои малку или воопшто немаат интерес за боречки вештини. Тоа било така бидејќи оваа боречка вештина им помогнала во подобрувањето и одржувањето на нивното здравје. Медицинските студии даваат целосна поддршка на оваа боречка вештина заради нејзината ефикасност како алтернативно вежбање и као посебна медицинска терапија. Основната цел на Таи Чи Чуан е фокусирањето на умот само во движењата на целото тело бидејќи само тоа доведува до целосна ментална смиреност и јасност. Освен општите здравствени придобивки исто така и управувањето со стресот односно справувањето со стресот му се припишува на оваа боречка вештина. Колку повеќе тренирате Таи Чи, толку повеќе ќе бидете смирени. Ова се исто така и основни аспекти на традиционалната кинеска медицина, кои всушност ги изучуваат сениорите на Таи Чи во некои традиционални училишта. Некои од другите форми на боречки вештини бараат од учениците да носат и соодветни униформи во текот на тренирањето. Во принцип, Таи Чи училиштата не бараат учениците да носат некоја посебна униформа, но и двете, традиционалните и модерните училишта често бараат од учениците да носта широка и слободна облека и меки и рамни чевли. Физичките техники се запишани во Таи Чи касиците - тоа се една група дела од страна на традиционалните мајстори. Овие техники се карактеризираат со употреба на сила во делот на зглобовите, врз основа на координација и релаксација, а не врз основа на мускулна активност, се со цел да се неутрализира нападот или пак да се иницираат напади. Бавното и бројното повторување на потезите се основните аспекти во процесот на учењето, како и генерирањето на силата на подигање која нежно и мерливо се зголемува и ја отвора внатрешната циркулација (здивот, топлината на телото, крвта, лимфата перисталтиката итн.).

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EDUCATED TO BE HEALTHY “...which scenario would play out if something like this happened in Skopje?.”

by Iva Sokolovska

When it comes to leading a healthy and active life, it is crucial that you learn how to take care of your body and the environment around you from a very early age. That is why I wanted to find out where, except from their parents, young people these days get information on how to properly feed themselves and stay fit.

Aleksandar is a high school student in Skopje. In his school there is nothing like a subject or a course that would help educate young people (14-18 years) about the importance of leading a healthy life. They have the occasional biology classes that address this issue 10 minutes per year as part of the curriculum, but nothing specific or effective comes out of that. Sandra is a primary school student. She and her friends (7-14 years) don’t get any advice in school on how to eat healthily. They are not even familiar with the true meaning of the word ecology or why gym lessons are important and shouldn’t be skipped.

The surprise came when I talked to Jan. He is 6 and his kindergarten has made sure that Jan knows what healthy food is and why you should exercise and be active. He also recycles and is respectful towards nature. He learned all that through all kinds of interesting activities his kindergarten teachers prepare. The topic is different every month and so are the activities: theater plays, picnics, games, recitals. But this, unfortunately, happens in only 4 kindergartens in Skopje that were selected to participate in a project by the Ministry of Education.

It is obvious we need to make a change, starting with the schools. Here’s an example of how someone tried to do that and two very different reactions from the public.

In 2005, the famous chef Jamie Oliver initiated a campaign called "Feed me Better" in order to move British schoolchildren towards eating healthy foods and cutting out junk food. Oliver challenged the junk-food culture by showing schools they could serve healthy, cost-efficient meals that kids enjoyed eating. Public awareness was raised and subsequently the British Government pledged to spend £280.000.000 on school dinners (spread over three years), a trust to allow schools without kitchens to build one, a pledge to consider a series of training kitchens across the country and creation of a voluntary code of conduct concerning advertising of junk food to

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children. Tony Blair acknowledged that this was a result of Oliver's campaign.

However, when in 2010 Oliver visited Los Angeles, California to try to change school meals, his campaign was met with resistance. Oliver was ultimately barred from filming at any Los Angeles public school.

So, the question is: which scenario would play out if something like this happened in Skopje?

CYCOOL REVOLUTION

by Martha Brown

“... I recently tackled cycling in busy London...”

What sheds body fat, burning about 400 calories in one hour; develops and strengthens all your leg muscles, bum and hips; builds stamina and improves your core strength, balance and posture; reduces stress and depression and improves well being and self esteem?

Cycling! It’s a great and fun way to kick-start your healthier lifestyle. It’s one of the easiest ways to exercise and once you have a bike, you can do it almost anywhere, any time. There are many other advantages. You save money on travel costs, it’s quicker than walking, your reduced carbon footprint will benefit the environment and it’s a good way to explore the outdoors, see amazing sights and get fresh air. My own experiences of cycling prove that anyone can do it (I’m by no means athletic). I began cycling regularly (using my 15-year-old, rusty bike) when I started University in Brighton, England in 2008. With many cycle paths, Brighton is ideal for cyclists, so cycling was a great way to get around and save money. However, I was a lazy cyclist who at any incline would get off my bike and walk.

In June 2011 my housemate started a cycling group “She Rides”, a friendly women’s-only group for people of all abilities, motivations and bike types. Having been assured that my un-fitness and slow cycling speed wouldn’t be a hindrance to the group, I agreed to join the group as a favour to my housemate. To my surprise I enjoyed it, so over the next few months I went on several more group rides. I met some lovely people and visited beautiful places in the county. By pushing through my negative feelings towards cycling up hills I reaped countless benefits.

I thought cycling groups were for bike fanatics, not leisurely riders, but this group proved that cycling is for everbody, no matter their fitness or ability. I now love cycling and I recently tackled cycling in busy London. (I lived there for 3 months before I came to Macedonia.) I started cycling around the city daily in my last month there because the weekly transport costs were so large (about !40 a week). Cycling in central London is an entirely different experience from gentle cycling in Brighton or the countryside. Traffic is fast and furious, so if you cycle you need to be confident, fast and alert. I started cycling with friends who knew their way around the busy city streets and traffic. I was really nervous the first time I cycled alone in London but my confidence and ability have grown with each ride. Every time I cross bridges over the River Thames I feel exhilarated, and when I successfully complete a journey from one side of the city to the other I feel a huge sense of achievement.

I highly recommend cycling to everyone. So get a bike and get cycling!

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ASHTANGA YOGA – A STATE OF MIND “... which leads to power, knowledge and freedom...”

by Sylwia Gorska

Health: it is the general condition of a person’s mind, body and spirit. Talking about diet and nutrition, we cannot forget our regular physical activities. It can save us from heart disease, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes or obesity. During exercising the level of endorphins, natural pain reliever and antidepressant in the body, is getting higher and it can help to keep positive attitude and save us from depression or insomnia. There is no better or worse physical activities but from all of them for sure yoga is the one that keeps all the three levels of human being together, in a balance. Our body, mind and spirit. Why? Because you cannot separate the practice from your normal daily lifestyle, when you get into yoga it becomes your lifestyle, your state of mind.

All forms of yoga have a similar effects on the psychical and spiritual level but as far as the physical one is concerned, ashtanga yoga is the most valuable and effective. It is a dynamic form of hatha yoga. For the body ashtanga is a source of strength, health and energy, for the mind is a process of self-observation and self-awareness, which leads to power, knowledge and freedom.

In ashtanga the physical effects appear really fast, after few times you will notice that your body is stronger and more flexible. Of course nothing comes after one time. At the beginning the best is to practice 3 times a week, after, every day. You need discipline, but if you are ready to change something in your life it is necessary. The most difficult is to change our daily habits but we have to remember that “each moment we have the possibility of being fresh and new”.

In ashtanga the sequence of asans does not change and we keep position only for 5 breathes, this is the main differences from hatha yoga. Here precision is not necessary, more important is the connection of breathing and moving.

Once you learn the sequence you can practice alone, you don’t need a teacher. Because of fixed asans you don’t have to wonder what to do next, it helps to focus on the exercising. It is also better to practice without music and with open eyes, otherwise our mind can easily fly away. The more you practice the more you become self-awarene. Each day can be different, depends on food you ate, problems, thoughts in your mind. Everyday practice can be sometimes painful, for your body and for your mind. You experience all the weaknesses of the body and thoughts from which you cannot escape because they are coming and coming, you have to deal with them.

Often yoga or meditation are said to bring harmony in your life, distance, peace…yes, it is true, but do not expect changes after few times. Try to sit in one position even for only 5 minutes and not to allow your mind to focus on even one thought, you feel balance and comfort? I don’t think so. Wake up at 6 in the morning, before school or work, take your mat and practice yoga for one hour, without a break. You feel good and fresh? I am sure, you don’t. But do it every day and then you will see the changes after. After you open your eyes and you start your day, it will be different, I assure you. “Do your practice, all is coming” (K.Pattabhi Jois).

A CLEAN START?

by Paul Isaac

I love life’s little surprises. A lot of people tend to describe me as “watch out for that one!” Even I would describe myself as shy, so why is it that I can concoct some ridiculous aspirations?

Because it brings out the best in me.

This time, though, is the most nerve-wracking idea I’ve had. I gave up on a sustainable future in my home country, after feeling like I’ve been abandoned by the establishment and forced from my friends and family. A clean start is what I needed and with the inspiration of a special friend I set off.

I knew when I woke up early on the first morning I’d made the right decision, and this was before I met anyone I would soon get to know. One of the best things, even after three weeks, is that there’s always something to discover; whether it’s the crazy traffic, extreme weather, the friends we meet or the landscape. The first two weeks are always the most difficult, especially if you have never lived on your own before in another country, but maybe that is why everybody is so friendly as they know what it is like: if things are bad we remember that we are not alone.

And hopefully if any of my friends are here I can repay the favour.

During the week I attend centres at Shutka and Avtokomanda to do classes with the children from the local community, usually involving art and crafts alongside other activities. It’s always gratifying to walk in and the children are always so excited to see you. In the evenings I attend a capoeira class, which is a martial art originating in Brazil. I’m also finding time for salsa dancing, hiking, juggling and of course writing articles. It makes me wish there were more hours in the day! My future may be uncertain, but at least I know that I will look back on this as the greatest time of my life. A big thank you to Teresa and Leo and I hope you’re well.

PERSONAL INTRO

by Martha Brown

Hello, I’m Martha from Huddersfield, a town in England (1 hour from Manchester). I actually came to Macedonia by default. I was trying to quickly save money, to fulfill my dream of going to Guinea in West Africa in January, but I didn’t succeed. When the opportunity to volunteer in Macedonia for free landed on my lap by chance, I decided it was a good alternative and that I had nothing to lose, so here I am! I wanted to have my mind re-cogged and expanded by the experience of learning a foreign language whilst living in another culture. I didn’t know where Macedonia was before I came, but I’m enjoying my introduction to the Balkans.

I’m a fledgling performance artist (I finished my degree in June 2011) and I’m interested in everyday life in the streets and in the issue of homelessness. Some of my favourite things so far are learning Capoeira and communicating with the children at the daily centres in Avtokomanda and Shutka by pulling silly faces, making noises and using body gestures. I want to learn more about the Roma community while I’m here and I’m hoping that my research will inspire the creation of a new performance.

I have been on some fun trips so far. One weekend, five of us went to Krusevo, which looked beautiful covered in deep snow. We visited Tose Proeski’s grave and museum, and the museum “Makedonium” with its striking architecture.

Entering it in the mist and snow was like a scene from a sci-fi movie. I wish I’d had proper snow clothes so I could have jumped and played in the snow, but I had to make do with accidentally slipping twice. Recently eight of us went horse riding in the mountains near to Vodna. I’d wanted to ride again for 16 years, so it was exciting finally to get back in the saddle. I’m looking forward to visiting more places in the next five weeks: Ohrid, Matka and hopefully Serbia, Albania and Bulgaria.

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Дневниот Центар „Едукативен забавен дневен детски центар за деца на улица“ Драган Лазески

Дневниот Центар „Едукативен забавен дневен детски центар за деца на улица“ е формиран во рамките на Здружението за заштита на правата на детето во февруари 2006 година, со имплементирање на Проектот за развој на Општините (на Светска Банка и Министерството за финансии). Од досегашните спроведени програми и активности ЗЗПД покрај дневното згрижување и задоволување на основните елементарни потреби (облека, обувки, лична документација итн) нудеше подготовка на најзагрозените ромски деца, деца на улица, на предучилишна и училишна возраст влез во образовниот процес, како и подобрување на стапките на задржување во основното образование, подобрување на нивното знаење на македонскиот јазик и други вештини што се потребни за полесен влез во образовниот систем: неформално образование, вон наставни активности, секојдневна вон училишна поддршка итн. Направени се и сериозни напори во однос на прво вклучување на 9-10 годишни деца во прво одделение. Функциите на „Едукативно – забавниот дневен детски центар за деца на улица“ претставуваат метод на непосредна и посредна соработка и работа со децата на улица, како и со нивното потесно семејство што мошне позитивно придонесува за полесно вклучување на истите, од подрачјето на Шуто Оризари. Со оглед на тоа што како Дневен Центар сме во нивна близина тие нас не доживуваат како нивен Центар за информации, поточно како матица на нивната преродба - побрза социјализација и ресоцијализација. Во моментов, во Дневниот центар за деца на улица се згрижени 82 деца - деца на улица на возраст од 04-18 години од кои 79 деца се вклучени во редовниот образовен процес. Од самото отварање па сé до денес, како директни корисници на дневните услуги биле опфатени 168 дечиња. Зависно од напредокот и потребите на децата во Центарот, децата можат да престојуваат најмногу една година, се разбира, сето ова сé должи доколку увидиме дека во текот на годината има видливи резултати т.е активно го посетувале училиштето и постигнале успех, а при тоа се намалил престојот на улица, а во спротивно, доколку напредокот оди побавно тогаш тие остануваат подолго кај нас во Центарот. Децата секојдневно од понеделник до петок доаѓаат во Центарот, се дружат, осознаваат за нивните права, едуцираат и социјализираат. Со нив работи стручен тим составен од социјален работник, психолог, педагог и одделенски наставник.. Покрај ова, Дневниот Центар има и соработка со други здруженија на граѓани меѓу кои и Волонтерскиот Центар Скопје. Од таму се ангажираат ЕВС волонтери до цела Европа кои заедно со локални волонтери доаѓаат во Дневниот Центар и работат со децата преку разни игри и креативни работилници со чија помош децата се здобиваат со многу корисни совети и неформално образование за подобар успех во образованието и многу други успеси кои им претстојат во нивниот понатамошен живот.

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FROM A SMALL EYE

ОД МАЛО ОКО Сара Фантова

by Sara Fantova

Сибелџана

After one month the pictures are ready. Like I wrote in the previous magazine, I left the cameras with the children. There is bad news, because they couldn’t take the cameras home, but at least one of my proposals came true. The children learnt how to use a camera, and they enjoyed playing and taking pictures of each other. They learnt to be patient and not take all the pictures in two minutes. There were only 27 pictures in each camera, so they had to choose the right moment and they had to choose what it was they really wanted to capture. After, they were waiting excitedly to see their work, every day they were asking where were the pictures and when could they see them. In total, ten were the kids taking pictures, between the ages of 10 and 14.

Some of the pictures are really nice; we can see that children have another eye. They repair in things that older people don´t do. The eye of a child is an innocent eye, they see the world in another way, they see the colors, the trees, the other children, the sky, in a different way. They have a huge imagination, and if to their own eye they add another one, if they add a camera they can make beautiful things.

Суада

Џеврие

По еден месец сликите се готови. Како што напишав во претходниот број, им ги дадов камерите на децата. За жал не можеа да ги земат камерите дома, но барем еден од моите цели се исполни. Децата научија како да користат камера, и уживаа играјќи се и фотографирајќи се од едни со други. Научија да бидат трпеливи и да не ги завршат сите слики во две минути. Имаше само по 27 слики во секоја камера, па мораа да го изберат вистинскиот момент и да го изберат она што тие навистина сакаат да го фотографираат. Потоа, тие чекаа возбудени да ја видат својата работа, секој ден прашуваа каде се сликите и кога тие би можеле да ги видат. Вкупно десет деца фотографираа, на возраст меѓу 10 и 14 години. Некои од фотографиите се навистина убави, можеме да видиме дека децата имаат друго око. Тие се поправаат во нештата кои постарите луѓе не ги прават. Окото на детето е едно невино око, тие го гледаат светот на друг начин, тие ги гледаат боите, дрвјата, другите деца, небото, на еден поинаков начин. Тие имаат огромна имагинација, и ако на сопствените очи им додадете уште едно, и плус додадете камера, можат да направат прекрасни нешта.

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CARING ABOUT CHILDREN OF THE STREETS through the Daily Center in Shuto Orizari

by Dragan Lazeski

The Educational daily centre for children of the streets� was formed as part of the Association for the Protection of Children’s rights in February 2006 with the implementation of the Project for the Developement of Municipalities (by the World Bank and the Macedonian Ministry of Finance). So far APCR, besides offering daily accomodation and providing the basic needs such as clothes, shoes, personal documentation for the children of the Roma community, has also prepared the ones at preschool and school age for their entry to the educational process, improved the conditions for primary school education completion, improved their knowledge of the Macedonian language and provided them with other skills that will facilitate their further education (like non-formal education, extracurricular activities and support). Efforts have been made for the inclusion of 9-10 year old children in the first grade of primary school.

The centre uses methods of direct and indirect cooperation and works with the children from the street and their families from Shuto Orizari to make their life in society easier. Considering the fact that as a Daily Centre we are situated in their vicinity, they look upon us as an Information Centre and as the core of their revival in the society through an easier and faster socialization and re-socialization.

Currently, the daily centre for children from the street is taking care of 82 children aged 4-18 years, with 79 of them being part of the educational system. Since the opening of the centre, direct services were provided for 168 children. Depending on the progress and needs of the children, their stay at the centre lasts for a year.

How long their stay lasts is always directly connected with the results we see in their development, like for example actively attending school and showing good results while shortening the time spent on the streets.

If the progress is slower their stay is prolonged.

Children come to the centre on a daily basis, from Monday to Friday. Here they socialize, learn about their rights and receive non-formal education. A team of experts comprising a social worker, psychologist, pedagogue and a primary school teacher works with the children. In addition, the centre cooperates with other associations and NGOs: one of them is the Volunteers Center Skopje. VCS sends EVS volunteers from all Europe and local volunteers to the Centre to work with the children during the day, using all sorts of games and creative workshops. This enables the children to gain useful advice, have fun, improve in their school through non-formal education and help them to be more successful in life in general.

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IMPRESSIONS OF MACEDONIA

by David Bolt

“... myriad wonderful and totally unpredictable experiences in the space of a few short weeks. ...”

In writing this short piece, I was conscious of the need to avoid that question most often asked of travellers, “was it as you expected?” The simple truth is that I came to Macedonia expecting nothing; or rather, hoping to experience everything the country has to offer.

So perhaps less an avoidance than a negation. In any case, during the month I have lived here I have seen and experienced such a wide variety of things that, even had I arrived armed to the teeth with concrete expectations and definite itineraries, they would soon have been so confounded as to be ridiculously inappropriate. From riding in the hills to nights at concerts and ballets, Serbian music in underground clubs, beaming and affectionate children at Avtokomanda and Shutka, endless parties, glorious food, new friendships, impromptu guitar solos with local bands, polyglotal discussions of Hayek and Mises: myriad wonderful and totally unpredictable experiences in the space of a few short weeks.

Perhaps the secondmost often-asked question is, “how do you manage the language barrier?” Here I must confess a slight abnormality: languages, dialects and accents fascinate and enthuse me to a degree and with a passion which in most people are reserved for the birth of a child or their country winning the World Cup. Quite fortuitously, I taught myself to

read the Cyrillic alphabet with the intention of learning Russian, but absolutely no foreknowledge of my visit here. The advantage of this has been tremendous.

From the day I arrived in Skopje, I have been able to embark on my journey down the winding streams and raging torrents of the Macedonian language – admittedly not always in any particular direction, but with the general hope of arriving at an interesting and unexpected destination. I have not been disappointed. Though my Macedonian is as yet basic, for everyday purposes (and combined with a judicious use of English and German!) it is sufficient that I can feel some satisfaction with my progress, albeit not as fast as I would have liked.

So as I pause at this halfway house to take stock of my impressions to date, there can be but one conclusion. Beguiling and infinitely surprising, by turns moving and exhilarating, Skopje has welcomed me with open arms and warm hospitality. The Macedonians whom I have met have been unfailingly courteous, kind, honest and unflagging in their love of fun and entertainment. If my second month matches my first, this will have been an extraordinary and unforgettable trip. Na zdravje!

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LET’S DO IT MACEDONIA!

The Association “Let’s do it Macedonia!” (Ајде Македонија!) is a civic movement whose aim is to clean the illegally dumped waste in the country, raise awareness about the waste pollution problem and educate people about alternative sustainable waste management and recycling options. The idea sparked in Estonia in 2008, where during a nation-wide country cleanup action 10,000 tons of illegal waste were cleaned by more than 50,000 volunteers in one day. From there the idea spread to the whole of Europe and beyond, and now more than 100 countries in the world are participating in the global World Celanup 2012 project. Macedonia is already part of this amazing mission. The main event for “Let’s do it Macedonia!” in 2012 is the nation-wide clean-up action that will take place on 6 October 2012. On the day we hope to inspire and encourage as many people as possible to step out and clean their local communities and the nature around them.

Leading up to that day we are organizing a “spring cleaning” pilot action in 5 municipalities – Kisela Voda, Saraj, Struga and Dojran (on 21 April 2012) and Lipkovo (on 22 April 2012). During the summer more workshops, educational trainings and other activities will follow.

Who can participate and how?

The Association “Let’s do it Macedonia” is open for cooperation with all NGOs, institutions, companies and volunteers who wish to join the movement and help clean Macedonia and the world. Ideas and direct support are always welcome.

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An illegal waste dump site in Gorna Matka. Let’s clean this up!

“... The idea sparked in Estonia in 2008...”

How you can help?

Locate and report any illegally dumped waste in your neighborhood or community (download the World Cleanup 2012 iPhone or Android OS app and start mapping); Donate direct support; Join our cleanup actions; Join the team; Follow our activities on Twitter and Facebook; Spread the word!; Have another idea? Contact us.

Pilot Action “Macedonia without Garbage” 2012, Kisela Voda.

LetsdoitMacedonia

info@ajdemakedonija.mk facebook.com/

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WOMEN IN ART

By Sylwia Gorska

The history of women in art is not very long, for this simple reason that for a long time they were not allowed to enter the world of art. They could only paint still-life or copy the work of their husbands, of course only at home. They could not attend academies, and it was only at the end of the 19th century that they were finally allowed to paint nude male models. Very often they were known rather because of their lovers not their work, like Camille Claudel, partner of Auguste Rodin, Jeanne Hebuterne, Modigliani’s muse or Frida Kahlo, wife of Diego Rivera. Try to google “woman in art” and you will find them as a theme of famous male painters, not independent artists. Now woman are freer to do what they want, but still it is difficult to become recognizable.

That’s why a lot of women find themselves in conceptual art of different kind of performances or so called “feminist art”. Art sometimes brutal, very personal, screaming out of the work but often only in this way their voices can be heard. Let me invite you to my personal choice of women artists and the world sees through their eyes.

Jehnny Holzer (1950, USA) Holzer is mostly known for her large-scale public displays that include billboard advertisements, projections on buildings and other architectural structures, as well as illuminated electronic displays. The main focus of her work is the use of words and ideas in public space. Holzer's first public works, Truisms (1977–9), appeared in the form of anonymous broadsheets that she printed anonymously in black italic script on white paper and wheat-pasted to buildings, walls and fences in and around Manhattan.

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Barbara Kruger (1945, USA) Much of Kruger's work engages the merging of found photographs from existing sources with pithy and aggressive text that involves the viewer in the struggle for power and control that her captions speak to.

She has said that "I work with pictures and words because they have the ability to determine who we are and who we aren’t."

Nancy Spero (1926-2009, USA) "I’ve always sought to express a tension in form and meaning in order to achieve a veracity. I have come to the conclusion that the art world has to join us, women artists, not we join it. When women are in leadership roles and gain rewards and recognition, then perhaps 'we' (women and men) can all work together in art world actions."

Judy Chicago (1939, USA) Her masterpiece work is “The Dinner Party, through which she wanted to teach women about their history: a large triangle, which would measure 48-feet by 43-feet by 36-feet, consisting of 39 place settings. Each place setting would commemorate a historical female figure, such as artists, goddesses, activists and martyrs. The project came into fruition with the assistance of over 400 people, mainly women, who volunteered to assist in needlework, creating sculptures and other aspects of the process.

Kiki Smith (1954, USA) Her Body Art is imbued with political significance, undermining the traditional erotic representations of women by male artists, and often exposes the inner biological systems of females as a metaphor for hidden social issues. Her work also often includes the themes of birth and regeneration, as well as sustenance, and frequently has Catholic allusions. Smith has also been active in debate over controversies such as AIDS, gender, race, and battered women.

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DEMOCRATIC TRANSITION IN SENEGAL: Africa and the world applauded

By Awa Badji

On March 25 2012, Senegal ended the presidency of Abdoulaye Wade at the ballot box; the new head of state is called Macky Sall. Wade quickly recognized his defeat, by calling to congratulate his opponent.

The Senegalese press has unanimously hailed a “victory of the people” and democracy. President Nicolas Sarkozy spoke of “very good news for Africa in general and Senegal in particular”. For the African Union, the Senegalese election was “not only honor (in Senegal), but the continent (Africa) as a whole.”

The United States sent their “congratulations” to the Senegalese. President Obama said that Senegal had consolidated its status as “an example of good governance and democracy” in Africa. To this side, the EU also welcomed “a great victory for democracy in Senegal and in Africa”.

Many wonder about the “miracle of Senegal”, the only country in Africa never to have experienced any war, any push or dictatorship… It seems that part of answer lies in the words of the uncle of the current president, “it’s as if God had educated in his own hands”. The country is 90 % Muslim, the rest is Catholic or practice a religion called traditional. It is a deeply religious people. The call to prayer is sung in every corner of the country and thousands of men prostrate themselves five a day; it is the same for churches.

They also are full and welcome the humble prayer of the faithful of Christ. Here is no mention of Sharia, or terrorism or Islamism, or fundamentalism, but of secularism and democracy and no one contest that.

The founder of democracy in Senegal, Leopold Sedar Senghor, ingrained this political vision. A fervent Catholic, he served the state well; it was not God and he could take his place to say the sovereign right and wrong: “Religion is the sap of the same Black African civilization”. He always claimed this dual political and religious affiliation, insisting they did not object but complement.

Thus, Senegal is often cited as one of the few models of democracy in Africa, especially in the west regularly shaken by political and military violence, such as the push that toppled President Amadou Toumani Toure last week in neighboring Mali.

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Демократската транзиција во Сенегал: Африка и целиот свет аплаудираа Ава Баџи

На 25ти Март 2012 година, во Сенегал заврши мандатот на претседателот Абдулае Ваде на предвремените избори, новиот лидер на државата се вика Маки Сал. Ваде многу брзо го призна поразот после изборите и му честиташе на својот политички противник. Медиумите во Сенегал овој настан го карактеризираа како “Победа на народот и демократијата”. Претседателот на Франција, Николас Саркози коментираше со “пофални зборови за Африка, и посебно за Сенегал”. Од друга страна, за Африканската Унија изборите во Сенегал не беа само “хорор” во таа земја, туку хорор за целиот континент. Исто така, САД ги испратија своите честитки до народот на Сенегал. Претседателот Обама рече дека со овие избори Сенегал го консолидирал својот статус на “пример за добро вледеење и демократија” на Афричкиот континент. Европската Унија исто така го величаше ово настан, со зборовите “Голема победа на демократијата во Сенегал и Африка“ Многумина дискутираат за “чудото во Сенегал“, една од ретките земји земја во Африка, која не искусила воено-политички конфликт и диктаторство... По се, изгледа дека одговорот на мирот лежи во зборовите на чичкото на новиот Сенегалски претседател: “Изгледа како Бог да ги учел овие луѓе, директно од неговите раце“. Населението во Сенегал е 90% до исламска вероисповед и 10% католици и практиканти на т.н “традиционална религија“. Тоа се навистина длабоко религиозни луѓе. Повикот за молитва се објавува пет пати дневно, на целокупната територија за земјата и милиони луѓе се приклонуваат кон тоа, а истот важи и за припадниците на другите цркви. Тие исто така повикуваат на молитва во името на Исус Христос. Во оваа земја нема поменување на термините “тероризам“, “исламизам“ или “фундаментализам“, туку уважување имаат термините како секуларност и демократија. Основачот на демократијата во Сенегал, Леополд Седар Сењор, успеа да ја вгради оваа политичка визија. Иако строг католик, тој мошне успешно ја извршуваше функцијата претседател и често велеше дека правата и сувереноста на луѓето не доаѓаат од бога, туку зависат од самите луѓе и државниот апарат: “Религијата е инструмент во црнечката Африканска цивилизација“. Тој многу често се наклонуваше кон двојната религиозна афилијација во земјата и наведуваше дека различностите треба да привлекуваат, не да разиденуваат. Поради сето тоа, на Сенегал се гледа како на еден од неколкуте модели на демократија во Африка, посебно на нејзиниот западен брег, каде што често владее политичко и воено насилство, во примерот на последниот воен удар во Мали, насочен кон соборување на претседателот Амаду Тумани Туре.

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“WOMAN, MAN OR HUMAN” from idea to an actual event

by Kalia Dimitrova

WOMAN, MAN OR HUMAN

I once read that “it is the nature of thought to find its way into action”. Every day, millions of ideas cross our mind, and though we may believe in them and we truly wish to follow them, a lot of times, ideas are being put on hold, because life is time-demanding, we are busy, we are acting as if there will be a another (better) time to convert our ideas into reality.

Here is where begins and ends the dilemma about the apathy of the young man. A sad delusion of youth (at least in this society) that there is nothing to be done, there are no opportunities and chances, no initiative and fresh breeze, no voice, no ideas… Ideas exist in every man,fly around in the city, the streets,the small-talk , everywhere, but the question is whether they evolve into action?

What I am most grateful for about the project “Bridging divided communities by youth work” is the simple lesson that I’ve learnt about the ease of the possibility of converting a simple idea into action. Now, the experience gained with the creation, coordination and organization of a social campaign says that although a project requires a lot of patience, time, creativity, people, nerves and related accessories, every person who has the desire and motivation to step forward to say something, to make a positive change, actually can do it! As such a person, I felt as if it was enough that ideas just circulate in my head, being born and then murdered, while I am just sitting in the (un) comfortable wooden chairs of Justinian and fitting into the routine: study during exam week, then hibernate and wait to graduate, and I decided it was time for initiative! I saw an opportunity for self-realization, for social mobilization, a small space in the communitythat will be just mine, and I used it.

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“Woman, man or human” is a social campaign that was formed as a result of the idea of reinvention of the gender roles in Macedonian society, which are still so firmly grounded in the country, and in my

“... I am encouraging young people not to be apathetic and to bury their energy in the quiet conformism..”

opinion it was time to shake them up a little. The project has (had) in order to raise human qualities above gender identities, first through promotional material distributed through Skopje’s streets, alleys, bus stops, schools and ofcourse through the Internet, and then attract interested audience for attendance of the event which included screening of two films (one documentary “Woman, man or human” made specifically for the event, the second animated film “Persepolis”) and an open discussion on topics of gender roles and identities led by guest experts on these topics. Recording a film for the first time, along with Sara Simoska , all the time and energy we had was dedicated to the documentary, since it was a first-born, and we knew that it would be shown in front of many people.

No matter how early you begin the preparations for a project, it is inevitable for the last days to be stressful, chaotic and euphoric, as million new things that you didn’t even know would have to be made magically to fall from the sky. On several occasions, in cowardly self-doubt, I was regretting the decision to voluntarily take such responsibility. I would think to myself, now we could be watching a movie, rather than reconsidering (for the hundredth time) whether the slogan should be more on the left or more on the right, we could go out in Charshija, rather than to edit another movie-scene every weekend, I could sleep at night instead of searching for new guests for the discussion because those predicted cancelled two days before the event! But when the whole mosaic of working nights, new friendships, creative breakouts, brainstorms, arguments and squabbles begins to get a complete look, you realize that actually what you have been doing for the campaign you also did for yourself, since you know a million things more than you knew the day before. You realize that no matter what the outcome of the project, at least you tried to do something and to target your own ideas into something that can be seen, heard, observed or criticized.

Though in the beginning I was afraid of the criticism I could get for the realization of “Woman, man or human”, now I know that it is easy to criticize, but difficult to do something unselfish, new and original. With these sentences, I am encouraging young people not to be apathetic and to bury their energy in quiet conformism, but to stand up and out, to take the initiative and at least try to do something for the community that is fed only by active and progressive thinking! Re-Act!

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“WOMAN, MAN OR HUMAN” од идеа до проект Калиа Димитрова

Еднаш прочитав дека во природата на нештата е мислата да си го најде својот пат до акција. Секој ден, милион идеи ни поминуваат низ умот, и без разлика дали веруваме во нив и искрено сакаме да ги следиме, многу често тие се ставаат на “hold“, затоа што животот не дозволува, зафатени сме, се однесуваме како да не чека друго (подобро) време за реализација на една идеја. Тука почнува и завршува дилемата за апатичноста на младиот човек. Жалосна е заблудата на младите (барем во ова општество) дека нема што да се направи, дека нема можности и шанси, нема иницијатива и свежина, нема глас, ниту идеи. Идеите постојат, во секој човек, струјат во градот, на улиците, во муабетите, насекаде се, но дали истите еволуираат во акција? Она за што најмногу сум му благодарна на проектот “Bridging divided communities by youth work” е едноставно лекцијата која ја добив за леснотијата и можноста за конвертирање на една обична идеа во акција. Сега, искуството кое го здобив со креација, координација и организација на социјална кампања говори дека иако еден проект бара многу трпение, време, креативност, луѓе, нерви и слични додатоци, секој човек,кој има желба и мотивација да исчекори напред, да каже нешто, да направи некоја позитивно промена, навистина може да го направи тоа! Како еден таков човек, сметав дека доволно беше мислите само да ми циркулираат во глава, да се раѓаат и испаруваат, а јас само да седам во (не)удобните дрвени столчиња на Јустинијан и да се вклопам во рутината, учи за време на испитна, хибернирај потоа и чекај да дипломираш, и решив дека е време за иницијатива! Видов можност за себе-реализација, за општествена иницијатива, мал простор во заедницата кој ќе биде само мој и го искористив.

“Woman, man or human„ е социјална кампања која се формираше како плод на идејата за реинвентирање на родовите улоги во македонското општество кои сеуште се толку цврсто втемелени во

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“...поттикнувам младите луѓе да не бидат апатични и да си ја закопаат енергијата во тивкиот конформизам...”

земјата, и според мене, беше време малку да се размрдаат. Проектот има(ше) за цел да ги подигне човековите квалитети над родовите идентитети, прво преку промотивниот материјал кој се делеше низ Скопските улици, сокачиња, автобуски, факултети, и секако Интернет, а потоа да привлече заинтересирана публика за присуство на главниот настан кој вклучуваше проекција на два филма(едниот документарен “Woman, man or human” работен специјално за настанот , вториот анимиран филм “Персеполис“) и отворена дискусија на теми за родови улоги и идентитети преводена од гости стручни за тие теми .Снимајќи филм за прв пат, заедно со Сара Симоска, времето и енергијата целосно ни беше насочена кон документарецот, со оглед на тоа што беше првороденче, а знаевме дека ќе биде прикажуван пред многу луѓе. Без разлика колку рано и да почнат подготовките за еден проект, неизбежно е последните денови да се стресни, хаотични и еуфорични и милион нови работи кои не си знаел дека ќе треба да се направат магично да паднат од небо. На неколку наврати кукавички во себе се сомневав во сопствената идеја и се каев што доброволно си земав толкава одговорност. Знаев да си кажам, сега можевме да си гледаме филмче, наместо по стоти пат да размислуваме дали слоганот да стои повеќе на лево или повеќе на десно, можевме да излеземе во чаршија наместо секој викенд да монтираме сцени од филмот, можев да спијам наместо цели вечери да барам нови гости за дискусијата бидејќи оние предвидените откажаа два дена пред настанот! Но кога целиот тој мозаик од работни ноќи, нови познанства, креативни расплинувањa, brainstorms, нервози и кавги, почна да добива некој целосен изглед ,сфаќаш дека всушност се што се правел за таа кампања си правел и за себеси, бидејќи знаеш милион работи повеќе од што си знаел минатиот ден. Сфаќаш дека без разлика со каков исход бил проектот, барем си се обидел да направиш нешто и сопствената идеја си ја претворил во нешто реално, нешто што може да биде видено, слушнато, почитувано или критикувано. Колку и да ми беше страв од критиките кои можев да ги добијам за реализацијата на “Woman, man or human„ сега знам дека лесно е да се критикува, а тешко е да направи нешто несебично, ново и оргинално. Со овие реченици ги поттикнувам младите луѓе да не бидат апатични и да си ја закопаат енергијата во тивкиот конформизам, туку да станат, да превземат иницијатива и барем да се обидат да направат нешто за општеството кое се храни само од активното и прогресивно размислување. Реагирај!

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“IMPROVE SOCIAL AND LIFE SKILLS OF YOUNG PEOPLE”

The main aim of the 8-day training course, “Improve social & life skills of young people,” was to develop the communication (verbal and non-verbal) and life skills (conflict management, leadership, creativity, ability of critical thinking) of youth workers and youth leaders who are working with young people coming from different backgrounds and realities. During the training course, participants had an opportunity through discussions, creative learning exercises, simulations or team challenges, to improve the skills necessary for work with youngsters coming from different backgrounds and for leading youth organizations in such a way as to provide good services to young people, to develop their social and life skills and to contribute to change in their local communities. The training course connected youth workers and leaders coming from Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, Germany, Portugal, Turkey, Hungary, Italy, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, and it took place in Struga, Macedonia from 10 to 19 April.

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A

p “...поттикнувам младите луѓе Training course hosted by Volunteers Centre Skopje да не бидат апатични и да 10 - 19 April 2012

r

си ја закопаат енергијата во тивкиот конформизам...”

Ciao belli from Walter Ciao belli, I am Walter an Italian designer. I feeling myself a citizen of the world and my goal is to make it more amazing!!! Now is the time to be active. Europe gives us a big possibility. Thanks to the Youth in Action Programme, we have the chance to show up our ideas and confront with the other. We can be part of the most places in the world, Europe. The story is beginning in Europe and we need to the good example. Europe believes in us I believe in you and in the power of ideas. Together we can be part of the change; we make the dream real.

Get up and start to be active! Enjoy!

Walter Morsell, participant from Italy Sziasztok! by Csaba Vass Well this is a greeting in our language – Hungarian. I am from Hungary and I would like to share my experiences about this training course called “Improve Social and Life Skills of Young People”. In a nutshell: this is so great! I am studying communication now so this is a great chance for me to improve my skills.

To be honest I had some fears and questions before I came here, Macedonia. By the way this country is beautiful. The people here are very friendly and this part of Macedonia is totally covered with mountains.

Struga and the lake called Ohrid is a typical Balkan city and beautiful, too. So before this I had fears about how I will express myself but now I see it is does not matter. We are together from so many different countries like: Portugal, Italy, Germany, Georgia etc. Now I have also friends from these countries and this is so cool. Few weeks ago I could not imagine that I will have any Italian, Serbian or Bulgarian friends. It is interesting how these different viewpoints, traditions and religious meet each other and now it is like a big family. The team is great and we can work together really good. Work, of course we have to work to improve our skills. But this work is enjoyable and we face ourselves and different characters. So finally I would like to say a big thanks to this chance and to be here. It is a lifetime experience believes. Do not miss it.

Csaba Vass, participant from Hungary

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