VOICES October 2021

october 2021

voices MAGAZINE FOR ALL YOUNG PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD

Editorial

Едиторијал

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onger evenings and colder nights remind us that it’s already autumn outside. For many, it is a time when energy diminishes and the mood comes for activities that do not necessarily bring such joy during the summer.

Who wants to sit under the blanket watching a sad movie when you can spend this time actively with friends going to places you’ve always dreamt of? That’s about the summer. Now it’s time to welcome the new season.

Together with colourful leaves, rain and mood for a warm tea, we look at what can be done in spare time. In this edition, we were able to talk to people whose passion can be described as artistic. What is it like to play a role in one of the Netflix series? How can you turn your interest in photography into something that can change other people’s lives?

Looking at what we see on the screen every day, we do not forget about what surrounds us. We remember our short trips, including Kokino, which turned out to be full of many fascinating adventures. We also check Macedonian banking just in case if we have some money left from these holidays.

Autumn makes us sentimental, so we can take care of family traditions, as some families in Macedonia do by creating handmade jewelry called filigree.

VCS DIRECTOR: Nikola Stankoski COORDINATORS: Andrej Naumovski Goran Adamovski Goran Galabov Selina Niemi Ewelina Chańska

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одолгите и постудените ноќи не потсетуваат дека надвор е веќе есен. За многумина, тоа е време кога енергијата се намалува, а расположението доаѓа за активности што не нудат таква радост како во текот на летото. Кој сака да седи под ќебе и да гледа тажен филм, кога можете со пријателите да посетите места за кои отсекогаш сте сонувале? Тоа е за летото. Сега е време да ја дочекаме новата сезона. Заедно со шарени лисја, дожд и копнежот за топол чај, да видиме што може да се направи во слободно време. Во ова издание, разговаравме со луѓе чија страст може да се опише како уметничка. Како е да се игра улога во една од сериите на „Нетфликс“? Како може да го претворите вашиот интерес за фотографија во нешто што може да го промени животот на другите луѓе? Гледајќи го она што ни се нуди секојдневно на екранот, не забораваме на она што не опкружува. Се сеќаваме на нашите кратки патувања, вклучително и Кокино, кои се покажаа како полн погодок. Го проверуваме и македонското банкарство за секој случај ако ни останат пари од овие празници. Есента не прави сентиментални, така што можеме да се грижиме за семејните традиции, како на пример создавање рачно изработен накит наречен филигран.

The new edition of Voices reminds us that even if summer is gone, we still can find many reasons to smile. We hope that this edition will bring you hope and motivation to start or continue your ideas. Enjoy your reading!

Новото издание на „Voices“ не потсетува дека дури и да го нема летото, сепак можеме да најдеме многу причини за насмевка. Се надеваме дека ова издание ќе ви донесе надеж и мотивација да ги започнете или продолжите вашите идеи. Уживајте во читањето!

Anna Marek

Ана Марек

VOLUNTEERS: Christopher Machold Clarissa Leute Yvan Barbeau Anna Marek Kacper Król Jolanta Ciopcińska Niina Koivula

EXTERNAL WRITERS: Enes Smailagić Dafina Veselinoska TRANSLATORS: Dushica Pavlovska Dora Arifi PROOFREADERS: Elen Wright-Stead Edward Stead

DESIGNERS: Selina Niemi Ewelina Chańska Clarissa Leute Yvan Barbeau Anna Marek Kacper Król Jolanta Ciopcińska Niina Koivula

CONTACT: Volunteers Centre Skopje Emil Zola 3/3-1, 1000, Skopje +389 22 772 095 vcs_contact@yahoo.com www.vcs.org.mk

VOICES magazine is coordinated, designed and created by ESC and local volunteers with support of Erasmus+ program.

content

VOICES October 2021 - issue 10

topic of the month 4

Stories of Kenyan women told through photographs

Anna Marek

poetry 30

Исповед на горда вљубена девојка

Dafina Veselinoska

reportages 8

10

Beauty cannot be rushed

Jolanta Ciopcińska

“Lower your expectations” - How to land a role in a Netflix show

Clarissa Leute

12

A short introduction to our lovely relative - The bonobo

14

Christopher Machold

Gym - a versatile hobby for everyone

Niina Koivula

16

Selina Niemi

18

TrashTour - A mission possible!

Macedonian banks are fit and healthy

Yvan Barbeau

20

The explosion of the population - or is it going down?

21

4

Selina Niemi

Would it bug you to eat this?

Jolanta Ciopcińska

22

“Ulni pritshmëritë” – Si të fitojmë një rol në një shfaqe të Netflix

Clarissa Leute

24

Со убавината не може да се брза

Jolanta Ciopcińska

26

Enes Smailagić

28

Kacper Król

A Diary of a Nomad Towards the sun

Cover: Renata Gospodarczyk Instagram: @thesaintroses

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reportage

Stories of Kenyan women told through photographs 4 - VOICES

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Looking at photos of women from Africa, we can often conclude that the photographer’s goal is to arouse sympathy.

Renata’s project is distinctive: she has decided to photograph girls as well as she can, style the sessions, and do everything to turn things that are often considered disadvantages in society and the canons of beauty into advantages. Her photos emphasize the strength, charm, and uniqueness of these women.

Not only that, she writes down their stories, so people can get to know more about the perspective with which they look at the world.

The project sprouted in her head from the beginning of her stay in Kenya. Her biggest inspiration was, of course, women who she met on her way and their amazing stories. While working in tourism, she has also become involved

She carries out her project on Instagram because, so far, she has not been able to find another better place. It wasn’t easy to start the whole undertaking. The most difficult thing for her in Kenya was usually finding a place to do a photoshoot. In Nairobi, you can’t just go out on the streets with your camera and take pictures because it’s dangerous. Photographs cannot be taken in many places and may result in police intervention. “In general, the difficult thing about this project is that you have to do a lot of steps that are very time-consuming to get the final effect. I have to find a woman from whom I will feel some specific energy, feel that we will be able to do something together; I listen to my inner voice (I never know before what story a girl has in her, I follow my intuition), then I have to convince her to participate in the session (many women refused me, especially at the beginning when I did not have a portfolio, or because of difficult and traumatic life events that they did not want to talk about in public). Then arrange an interview, write a story, come up with a concept of a session that will suit the girl, find a place, clothes, make a session, and create an atmosphere in which the woman will feel comfortable and safe. And finally, photo processing. It is a lot of work, but I feel that it is worth it, and it gives me a lot of satisfaction and joy.” she describes the process.

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hotography has been knocking on Renata’s door for a long time. Since she can remember, she has always photographed a lot, but it never crossed her mind to take it more seriously. For a while, she worked for a travel agency.

During one summer in Turkey, she met people who inspired her to choose Kenya as the winter destination. Renata was supposed to go to the south coast of Mombasa to look after tourists and run safaris. It turned out that during the flight from Europe to Africa, her company forgot to buy additional luggage, which forced her to buy a seat in the higher class. “On the plane next to me sat a girl who, as it turned out later, was a famous African singer. We liked each other and exchanged telephone numbers. Thanks to it, an avalanche of various events started, which finally led to my understanding that photography is what I want to do in my life. I just thought that you only live once and that I have to find out for myself if it is for me.” she explains. At the beginning of 2019, after six months on the Kenyan coast, she quit a job in tourism. With her savings, she bought photographic equipment and returned to Kenya, to Nairobi, and worked as a freelance photographer for a year and a half.

Taking photos has become a significant part of Renata’s life. She explicates: “This is a tool for me to be close to people. I am quite an extroverted person who likes to be surrounded by people very much. I like talking to them, getting to know them, listening to stories, and photography helps me with that. It has always been the most important thing for me, and it is what fascinates me the most, not only the creation of sessions and taking photos, photography in itself, but the relation with other humans.”

that often their goal, apart from arousing curiosity, is to arouse compassion. I decided that I didn’t want to do this. I wanted my photos to emphasize the strength, charm, and uniqueness of these women”, she says.

in charity, which allowed her to get to know local people better in villages away from tourist resorts. “At first, I was thinking about the project in writing, which is just writing stories and sharing them via social media. However, I was drawn to photography. Back then, I looked at many photos from Africa and concluded

The attention of many people and the unique photos also attracted the amazing stories of the chosen women.

As you read them, you may be surprised at how much they have been through. At the same time, it is from these stories that the power of women flows from leading them to places they maybe did not expect to go. Beulah was the first person Renata ever talked to about her photography project. Beulah’s parents moved to Kenya at a very young age from South India.

She has lived in three different countries: Kenya, India, and England. She explains: “The three are completely different and required different shifts in mindset for me to adapt. I guess this helps me see the world completely differently from a wide range of perspectives but also leaves me feeling like I’ve never really had a sense of belonging anywhere. It’s not like we’re required to truly belong anywhere or be a certain type anyway. I want to be me.”

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reportage

Getting to know the protagonists of the project sometimes takes place in a very surprising and random way. This was the case with Naitiemu, whom Renata met through a friend from Poland. That friend has lived in Africa for five years, and he organized a creative event in one of the clubs in Nairobi. It turned out he was Naitiemu’s boyfriend. The girl does workshops about art for children from poor communities and teaches them how to recycle, creating art through waste.

She paints murals and prints ethnic masks in 3D printers creating original patterns reflected on paper. “All these experiences have been impactful to the children and the community in giving hope, confidence, happiness and opening doors for a future full of possibilities. I have also grown immensely through such programs. My spirit feels free and fulfilled every time I embark on such a project,” she shares.

The photo session, which had a massive impact, on the whole project

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was the one with Ross. “Do you have times when you see someone for the first time, there is some specific energy emanating from that person, and you immediately know that you need to get to know them better? You feel that it is no accident that you have met,” it is written in the caption of Ross’s photos.

Her life story is very tragic. She has four younger siblings whom she helps and has

“It is a lot of work, but I feel that it is worth it, and it gives me a lot of satisfaction and joy.” to feed. Her father cannot find a job. She lost two brothers and two sisters, and her mother died shortly after the death of her fourth child. Ross earns about KES 13,000 from her job - the equivalent of $130. The main meal of the Kenyans is ugali or cornmeal, and it has to be enough to support her siblings. She eats one meal at work that she is entitled to

in the canteen. At home, she usually eats nothing because there is no money left for it. “After returning from a meeting with Ross, I wondered how I could help her. How to give her this proverbial fishing rod and not a fish. Ross can sew a machine, but she doesn’t have one. For some time, she sewed for another seamstress, but for sewing a dress on which she could earn 15 dollars, she had to give as much as 10 dollars to the owner of the sewing room.”

Renata adds. She decided to create a donation, encouraging her friends and followers on Instagram to donate.

The required amount of money was collected, and Ross got a new sewing machine. But mostly, it was the session that had the most significant impact on Renata’s life. “It was a special session for me. I can even say that it’s a breakthrough.

That day I realized that this is exactly what I wanted to do. I had the impression that this session was also important for Ross.

Despite all the hard experiences she went through, she looked delighted. Her joy

репортажа was something amazing for me. I have never felt anything so intense when taking pictures. At times I had the impression she was not listening to me at all, as if I were taking pictures of a child in the body of an adult woman. She was constantly laughing, dancing, waving her dress in all directions.

I could see that she felt feminine in it.”

Renata wrote on her Instagram. Sessions like this made her realize how important it is to listen and write down stories. She explains: “I want to photograph women.

Before the session, I always meet them to get to know them better and listen to them. But this is the most beautiful thing about photography for me. Thanks to it, I can be close to people.”

Women often share how vital were the lessons they’ve learned because of difficult situations in life. It’s not easy to gain something from struggles. As Agnes, one of the women, told Renata: “I think we all need to struggle sometimes, to find out who we are and what we want. Things that seem strange will become familiar, questions will be answered, and one day in a particular moment, you will understand why this all happened to you. With time

“I was a very closed child. I was depressed, although I was not fully aware of it. There is very little awareness of mental disorders here. You tell your mom that you feel bad, you don’t want to live, you can’t get out of bed, and you hear the answer: “pray or start working, you will feel better” - this is the thinking that is common here.” she shares.

Julia tried to commit suicide several times.

Also, this disease affected her family.

People tended to ask her mother: “What’s up with your daughter? Has someone cast a spell on her?” It’s difficult to live with a disease and be accepted and try to have a normal life. It is strenuous for people with vitiligo to get a job, especially in sectors where they have contact with clients. As a single mother, Julia caught up with any job she could to earn a living. She was washing people’s clothes, washing dishes in a restaurant, working in a club in the evenings, and washing glasses. Despite the baggage of complex experiences, Julie is a very positive person. “I stopped treating vitiligo as a disease and started it as an art.

The spots change. I can say I look different every few months. They create various shapes, and sometimes they take very interesting forms. I like this. When we accept

you will grow, heal and gather wisdom. It all comes with time. Like the butterfly - you also will awaken in your moment. Just give yourself time.”

ourselves 100%, life becomes much easier. I have the impression that everyone wants to be someone else, but not themselves. And I want to be myself.”, she adds.

Another story that caught a lot of attention was the one about Julia.

Her mum discovered little spots on her skin when she was a year and a half old.

It turned out it was vitiligo, which meant an incurable disease. Because of the wrong prescriptions of medications, the condition aggravated. Being a child was one of the most difficult times in her life.

These and other stories seem to appeal to many people. Lessons people can learn from reading these stories and looking at photos is a great sum of what one of the project participants, Danielle, said: “Everyone deserves to wake up and feel good about themselves.” The reception of this project gets only positive opinions.

Renata shares: “I am so pleased that I have

never received any negative or racist comment on any woman or the project in general! Usually, I get many positive words that the story touched someone’s heart, drew attention to an important problem, or the woman in the photos aroused someone’s admiration. This is probably the biggest sign for me that it is worth doing it, despite the adversities or a lot of additional work that needs to be put into these sessions.”

A crucial moment is when she shows final photos to women. Especially when they like them because it gives her a lot of energy. This project also makes stories visible and no longer anonymous. They reach a wider audience, inspire, cause reflection, change views, encourage other wowmen, or draw attention to an important social topic or problem. It seems that the sentence uttered by the author of the project perfectly reflects the thing she created from scratch: “I feel that this project is just needed.”

Anna Marek

Renata’s project on Instagram: @thesaintroses

VOICES - 7

reportage

eauty cannot be rushed A couple of decades ago, there were not many jewelry stores. There were no jewelry chains, and each jeweler offered unique designs. Today, more stores are outdoing each other in offers that do not differ much from each other. This is one of the reasons why more and more people appreciate what is unique and handcrafted. Handmade jewelry is a guarantee of personalization, and Macedonian filigree is an excellent example of what is one of its kind. I asked my mentor and friend, jewelry maker, and filigree artist Jakov Gulija what the secrets behind creating stunning Macedonian jewelry are.

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he best-known jewel of Macedonia is definitely lake Ohrid, but unfortunately, it is not a piece of jewelry that one can take home. Filigree, on the other hand, is. Macedonian filigree is the country’s trademark and art with a long tradition. Bitola, Ohrid, Struga, and Skopje are the cities where filigree is still doing well.

In Skopje, while walking through the Stara Čaršija, a few streets are actually just jewelry stores. On the display window of the stores, you can see kilograms of silver and gold.

You can find whatever you want, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, brooches, or accessories for hair.

The vast majority of this jewelry is made with the filigree technique.

The word filigree derives from the Latin words “filum” (thread) and “granum” (grain). The elements made in this technique are tiny and intricately curled, and the delicate wires that are artistically formed often give an impression of being made with lace. The ancient practice of filigree evolved as artisans passed it from generation

to generation, but as ages ago, the process requires patience, creativity, and precision. Jakov Gulija (32) is the third generation of jewelry makers and filigree artists in his family. Everything started from his grandfather, then his uncles learned the craft and passed it to Jakov and his cousin. Also, Jakov’s father was working with jewelry. Without a doubt, craftsmanship and talent run in their blood. When asked who his master is, Jakov says without hesitation that Josip, his uncle. “I can surely say that my uncle is one of the best in the business. Many people can confirm that. I learned from him. I am still learning and still can’t catch up with him.” adds Jakov.

Every jewelry maker can point out the “thing” that first called him to the art. In Jakov’s case, it was his family. Jakov was 22 when he started to create jewelry, but even as a kid, he always heard that it is a family business, so at some point, no matter how old he is, it would be great if he could continue the tradition.

For a long time, he hesitated, but then one day he thought:

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“Why not? Let’s try and see what will so he always makes sure happen.” Not long after his uncle when the order should showed him all the fundamental be ready. A complicated tricks (material melting, piece of jewelry will take wire spinning, welding, and an entire workday. He polishing), Jakov received his spends a couple of days, first task, preparing the brooch. a week, or sometimes a “I couldn’t believe that I got my month to finish the order. first piece of work. I asked my Some artworks take longer uncle to show me how to do it, than others. It depends on where to start, and he took the how complicated and detailed paper, drew the brooch, and told the product is. “Filigree is an art. me: It should be like this.” There You can’t rush art, as well as you is a smile on the face of my friend. He can’t rush the beauty.” Jakov says. If remembers that time as it was yesterday. you did rush art, everything would “I will never forget when I made my first piece, not be as beautiful as it should be. and my uncle told me that now I know 90% of the job and the rest I will learn till I die.”, says Filigree is part of the Macedonian Jakov. Filigree is the kind of work in which you identity and tradition passed down are upgrading yourself every day. The most from generation to generation. There significant part of the craftsman’s are not too many people in Macedonia work is a talent or gift to be who understand that kind of art as they creative. One also should prefer branded products with a logo of be an artist. Jakov always Gucci or Pandora. Still, more and more knew that he was an customers look for handmade and artist but never wanted authentic jewelry. Some people to work as one – until say that the filigree technique will that momentous day vanish with time, but Jakov and when he told himself I like to think it will be as it is that he should try. Of now, if not better. What gives course, everything went jewelry makers satisfaction at well with his first assignment. their work? “Definitely look on After that, the real challenge customer’s face when they see appeared – a complete jewelry the final product. Thank God they set – necklace, ring, earrings, and were never disappointed with my bracelet with flower motif. It wasn’t just work. Some of them they are even any job. As it turned out later, his first order amazed.” says Jakov. With this question, was for a man who teaches filigree, and it we end our conversation about filigree and came out perfectly. Everyone was satisfied jewelry. I have a hundred more questions at the forefront of the craftsman himself. because the creation of jewelry and filigree are fascinating topics, and I know that Jakov Jakov has been in his profession for almost is willing to answer them all. Still, I also keep ten years. Jewelry making is his extra job, in mind that the number of words in my but he takes every minute of his free time article is limited, so until next time! to enjoy the art of jewelry creation. What do his customers order? Most of them want rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Some people call to ask Jolanta Ciopcińska about picture frames. Some people like traditional, old-school stuff, some are eccentric – they want Sources: modern combined with classic DMWC: New Macedonian style, but somehow he manages Filigree to work it all out. In the hands Photos: of a craftsman, pieces of silver Jakov Gulija, SilverGold Handmade or gold can take any form. If Jewelry the customer has something in his mind, Jakov prepares it. The customer comes first,

VOICES - 9

reportage

“Lower your expectations”How to land a role in a Netflix show

VOICES talked to Jones Mutegi, who landed a role in the Netflix show “Russian Doll.” The civil engineering student was an extra in the second season playing a dancer. They filmed the part in his country Hungary, in the capital Budapest. He gives us an insight into the atmosphere on set and what we don’t see behind the cameras.

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ussian Doll is a drama and comedy show directed by Natasha Lyonne. The series follows Nadia Vulvokov, a game developer who repeatedly dies and relives the same night in an ongoing time loop. So how did Jones get into the Netflix show that received 13 Emmy nominations and won three of them? He stumbled upon a call in a Facebook group that was looking for a man with his looks! “Male, early 20s, tall, fit, black”.

In Budapest, he had his audition. “It was 20 minutes of actual auditioning.

First I had to walk, and then I had to dance with and without music. Six casting directors did auditions for three weeks. After one week, I got the good news.” It is a very competitive environment. “I think about 100 people applied for the role of the dancer.” Jones remembers.

Besides acting in high school, he didn’t have any experience. Also, he didn’t prepare for the casting. “You are not told what to do in advance.

During the casting, they give you 10 minutes to prepare.”

How did he get the role? For him, it is a mix of good luck and knowing how to move his body.

Looking at the statistics, even landing a small role is a success in the acting world.

Research from the Queen Mary University of London shows that only 2% of actors manage to make a living with their profession.

Common struggles involve constant rejection and financial burdens. Most actors don’t have a continuous job.

They might be cast in a commercial or one small role – but they never have the guaranty of a lasting contract. The only reliable income might be a side job in a restaurant or a call center.

And when you land the role, it is hard work. Jones describes the shooting as quite demanding. “They pick you up at 6 am, and they shoot until late at night, around 10 pm—all of thatfor two scenes. We were repeating and checking the scenes all the time. Is the lighting fine? Is everybody at the right place? It was a long day!”

He perceived the set atmosphere as highly professional. There is a person responsible for every aspect.

Somebody is walking around with water, and there is a buffet. He saw no difference between the main and the side cast. They received the same food at the same time.

When asked about Natasha Lyonne, the show’s director and leading actor, he smirks.

“At first, she seemed arrogant.

With time she became chill, but she was very commanding, and you could feel her presence.”

After that experience, he is more aware of the reality of acting life. He was surprised to see the stress on the actor’s faces. “I expected the actors to be happy and the shooting to be fun. But it is hard and actual work.”

Furthermore, it is not the place to make friends. “I met some people that day, but we had no time to be in touch”, he tells.

world. During the shooting, they took everybody’s phone away and gave it back after the shooting.

“I am allowed to tell people that I played in “Russian Doll”. But they don’t want you to post on social media. You can’t reach many people by talking but if you post on social media, this is what people will repost.”

Also, Jones is not allowed to say exactly how much money he received. But even for a small role, it’s “okay money”. You have to wait around one or two months to get the paycheck.

“If you are Hungarian, they pay you less.

But if you are an international actor, they pay up to double the number of what Hungarians get”.

Finally, what’s his advice for aspiring actors? Lower your expectations! “See acting as a job like any other. Of course, I will remember this forever.

But you also have to move on because there will be many opportunities for you to come”.

Clarissa Leute Sources: Quantifying and predicting success in show business | Queen Mary University of London Stuck on repeat: what is Netflix’s Russian Doll actually about? | The Guardian

“Do not get too attached to the people. When you are done, you are done”. What many viewers don’t know: The scenes are not necessarily shot in the United States. Jones shot his scene in Budapest because the production costs are lower in an Eastern European Country than in the United States.

A high priority is not letting spoilers get into the outside

VOICES - 11

reportage

the Bonobo

aria Photo: M

art te w S h

A short introduction to our lovely relative Except you are planning to go on an expedition to the rainforest of the southern Congo, only in 19 zoos worldwide can you find the closest relative to the human race, the bonobo. But why can he be found only so rarely in the zoo? It might have to do with bonobos being a highly endangered species with only a few ten thousand living individuals left. But it could also be because parents would have a hard time explaining to their children what the heck is going on behind the metal fence.

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Photo : Kar ine

Aig ne r

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ike orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees, the bonobos are part of the great apes family. Together with the chimpanzees, they are the closest species to humans, with approximately 99% similarity of their DNA. In captivity, the typical lifetime of a bonobo is around 40 to 50 years, in the wild most likely much shorter. The probably oldest living bonobo can be found in the zoo in Frankfurt. Her name is Margrit and today she is supposed to be around 70 years old.

Okay, now, after finishing the formalities, we can finally talk about a more exciting feature of those lovely creatures. Bonobos like to have sex – a lot. While human beings are comparatively inhibited when it comes to sexrelated topics and interactions, for bonobos, sex seems to be part of their natural social behavior, probably similar to a handshake or a hug for us humans. Bonobos have sexual interactions of almost every kind in almost every situation with nearly everyone. Females with females, males with males, old with young… standard penetration, oral sex, manual genital massages, and other exciting interactions – the sexual repertoire of the bonobos, is surely sophisticated. Females usually engage in genital rubbing behaviors with other females, mainly when bonding socially with females from other communities they want to

join. But also, the males have their highlights. Besides penis-scrotum or scrotum-buttocks rubbing, an interesting performance to witness is when the guys are hanging upside down on a tree branch and practice penis-fencing, meaning rubbing their erected penises together. Or for instance, when bonobos find a new food source, they don’t start eating right away. Before, they will engage in sexual interactions for some minutes, and then they start eating.

But apart from their openly lived out promiscuous sexuality that distinguishes the bonobos from humans (at least at their current evolutionary and mental state), there are many similarities in their sexual behavior that show once more how close the bonobos are to us. They are, for example, the only species besides humans that regularly have sex in a face-to-face position.

Furthermore, bonobos engage in tongue-kissing and might be the only animals besides humans that do so.

And also, during sexual interactions, female bonobos emit sounds and facial expressions that might reflect an orgasmic experience. By the way, the average copulation takes around 13 seconds. So even if a bonobo has sex ten times a day, he surely has enough time for other activities.

But what does the bonobo society looks like besides having a lot of intercourses? It seems surprisingly relaxed and peaceful. Although it’s

not true that bonobos aren’t aggressive at all (they are still primates after all), compared to their close relatives, the chimpanzees, bonobos are much less violent, first of all, because they don’t kill each other. Scientists believe that it’s in fact, those sexual interactions that make the bonobos overcome their aggressions and, in turn, let them become more peaceful. Many times when bonobos encounter a potential conflict situation (as how to distribute food), they end up having some form of sex and thus release stress, bond, overcome their aggression and find a more peaceful solution with a now clear mind.

On top of that: bonobos live in a female-centered matriarchal society, meaning that the females are in charge. How this fact is connected to the topic we discussed before, I will leave it to your imagination!

Christopher Machold Sources: Scientific American: Bonobo sex and society Wikipedia: Bonobo Britannica: The scandalous social lives of bonobos Hessenschau: Bonobo-Uroma mischt Frankfurter Zoo auf

Photo: WWF

bonobos engage in tongue-kissing and might be the only animals besides humans that do so VOICES - 13

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Gym

a versatile hobby for everyone Exercising in the gym is becoming more and more popular. Many people aim to be fit to improve their wellbeing and to shape their bodies. The gym is not an expensive hobby, and you can go to the gym at any time of the day. The gym has several health benefits, both mental and physical.

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M

ost of us are nervous about going to the gym for the first time.

However, there is no reason for that because the gym is for all of us. You can go to the gym in any condition. At the gym, everyone is focused on their exercises, and if necessary, you can get help from other trainers or staff. You can also bring someone to the gym who is experienced in the field.

There are several health benefits to going to the gym. For example, it protects against type 2 diabetes and lowers blood pressure. Gym training builds muscles and strengthens bones and joints. Training is also helpful if you have neck and shoulder pain. When you work out at the gym, you notice positive changes in your body and daily life. You can cope better, sleep becomes more manageable, and you are more energetic.

Exercising at the gym supports mental health as well. It is rewarding and pushes your confidence when you

recognize your progress of change.

In addition, a fulfilling hobby lifts the everyday mood. Exercise increases the pleasures in our brains. For many people, going to the gym is a form of therapy. It’s the best feeling to put music on your headphones and lift more weights than the last time. Some like to work out alone. Others prefer to have a friend around.

I have been to the gym in both Finland and Macedonia. In Finland, we have very differently priced gyms, from the cheapest to the most expensive. Prices range from about 20 euros to 60 euros.

Also, in Macedonia, prices range from 20 euros to 40 euros. I was a little surprised by the prices of Macedonian gyms, which may be why people may not be able to go to the gym. There are several 24/7 gyms in Finland and

a few in Macedonia. Currently, gyms in both Finland and Macedonia are open despite the corona situation. It is important for fitness enthusiasts to maintain good hand hygiene and to clean the equipment after each use.

You should not come sick to train, and it is good to keep your distance from other trainers.

Gyms often have personal trainers who can help you work out. They have training for this, but the profession is not title-protected so that anyone can be a personal trainer. Hiring a personal trainer is always more expensive but also profitable. There is no price tag for your well-being. We each have different reasons why we want to be fit. Some want to do it to look better. Some want to promote their health. It is good to think about your own goals and motivate yourself to exercise! Today, people are increasingly interested in their well-being, and the gym is one good way to promote their health.

Getting started in the gym is not as

difficult as you might think. What you should bring are exercise clothes, a water bottle, and good shoes. Even though every gym looks different, they usually have similar equipment.

Visit multiple gyms and choose your favorite one. If you don’t know what to do at the gym, hiring a personal trainer or asking a friend for help is one good way. Of course, there is always useful advice on the Internet as well.

In the beginning, it is essential to remember to work out calmly and be patient. In addition to training in the gym, it is vital to get enough sleep and eat. It would help if you gave yourself enough time to adapt to a new hobby and keep in mind that

everybody started at some point. In the beginning, it is best to go to the gym 2-3 times a week. You can work out your whole body, i.e., upper body and lower body. Large load movements are great such as squats, deadlift, bench press, and pull-ups. Other good moves include dumbbell row, various pulleys, step squats, and push-ups.

Before training, it is important to do initial warm-ups such as rotating for a moment and stretching so that the muscles are ready for training. Start with small weights and add weights little by little. Investing in the right kind of technology is essential!

The most crucial thing in a gym workout is an open and positive mind and a desire to learn something new! Sometimes you have to seek discomfort to learn something new and develop. Always remember: YOU CAN DO IT! Niina Koivula

Tips to get started:

1 2 3 4 5

Think about why you want to go to the gym and set goals for yourself.

Get yourself a personal trainer or bring a friend who knows about the gym.

Be patient and be prepared to leave your comfort zone.

Remember to eat and rest enough, muscles will only grow at rest.

Do not give up easily. We all started somewhere.

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r u o T h Tras a mission possible!

T

rashTour is a project that started to form in the thoughts of a friend group who is going together for hiking, nature adventures, and road trips while camping under the stars.

What united the group as well is that they are working together with an Eco-movement Za Pochista Makedonija (For cleaner Macedonia). They are constantly going towards raising awareness about the problem of trashing in the country and inspiring a change in people’s behaviors by doing cleaning actions in Skopje.

“Trash Tour started as an idea to spread our movement across the whole country.” Selina explains. “Therefore, it was a natural idea to combine the love for exploring the country to actually taking care of it and cleaning garbage from nature.”

The team started to write the project in spring. It was the first time they did something more “serious” and “big” together, apart from usual cleanups in Skopje. “Once we got accepted, we realized the amount of dedication the project will require, but we were super excited to start” the whole team agrees.

As summer moved forward, the concept and plan for the tour started to 16 - VOICES

inspire s to motivate people, TrashTour project aim e ate a garbage-f re them to change, and cre this trashy as Macedonia, society. In a country as ung needed. And these yo is something urgently ups! an cle 6 days, 6 cities, 6 people made history;

form. Creating a logo and promotional materials, having weekly meetings, planning the local cleanups in Skopje, and the upcoming tour. Crazy period for young people who have other obligations besides their passion for eco-activism.

When the calendar showed 24th of August, it was time to pack up and start the engines. Kicevo was the first city on tour, and it surprised the whole team with a huge amount of trash on the cleanup spot, and later with the enormous participation from the citizens. At the end of the day, 50 people left the place with 106 bags of trash cleaner. “It’s pretty amazing to see how we are united in the other cities too”, Selina smiles, ”We don’t know each other, and then we just get together to clean some trash.”

The tour continued to Ohrid, where they collected 60 bags near the beach.

In Prilep, after finding the original spot too clean (nice for a change), they managed to find a place filled with construction waste and collected 57 bags, among other huge objects. The road continued to Kavadarci, where the area around the lake was 36 bags cleaner after few hours. Strumica was the quietest cleanup when in the middle of the city, only a woman with a young

daughter joined and helped to gather 30 bags. Stip, in the end, finished the tour with the biggest amount, 150 bags alongside couches, TV, and car parts…

What was making the team motivated to continue was that there were people from young children to the elderly in the cleanups. “I’m honestly pretty surprised that how motivated everybody that showed up really was. Everybody was a star player” Emil says and explains how every volunteer was always ready to help out.

As much as the team was amazed by the outcome of the project and the response of the people, they faced disappointing moments with the participants “We were throughout Macedonia, picking up so much trash, filling up huge bags like 106 on the first day and people said to us “This much trash, will be on the same place again in like two days.”, Emil continues, ”It’s really sad to see the people so empty and drained from their motivation. “ As much noise the cleaning actions are creating, the sad truth is that those places need to be cleaned again. The team agrees it takes time to change but explained how important it is that someone is doing it “There has to be always someone who is fighting against

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“Anyone can be pa rt of the m It’s simple ovement. , you just don’t ign trash arou ore the nd you, d on’t let it normal. Y become ou see so me trash, pick it up w ; make th hy not e place cle example a n e r. Be an for the ot hers” - M arko

it [trashing]. If there’s no one fighting, it’s gonna be even worse. The point is not just to clean.” Marko explains, ”The point is to expand the movement until one day the people that care and the people that want to clean become the majority.”

At the end of the day, TrashTour left the team from Za Pochista Makedonija motivated to continue and raised participation in Eco-activism in other cities. Even though the project itself is over, the team will not rest. As long as there is garbage, there is a need for actions like this.

s

161 volunteer 439 trashbags

Selina Niemi TrashTour was documented, and the after movie can soon be found from the social media channels of Za Pochista Makedonija. The project was created with the support of Volunteers Centre Skopje and funded by Foundation Open Society Macedonia (more information on their website www.zapochistamakedonija.mk).

edonija k a m a t s i h @zapoc VOICES - 17

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MACEDONIAN BANKS

ARE FIT & HEALTHY! T

he banking sector withstood well to the covid crisis last year (2020) with banking institutions in Macedonia performing overall good results despite the slump in consumption. Compared to the previous period (2019) the growth last year amounted to 5.9 % on average per bank.

Whether you are a Macedonian citizen or a foreigner, going to a bank is a necessary step in life. The choice of the financial institution and the reasons related to this choice both require information and knowledge. With this article, we are going to help you navigate more safely into this world.

There are currently fifteen banks operating in the country, but the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia performs very different activities than the other financial institutions. Its role is mainly dedicated to maintaining and achieving price stability. It defines and implements the monetary policy,

designs and conducts the exchange rate policy, and holds and manages foreign reserves. It issues and manages the banknotes and coins of the Republic of Macedonia. It acts as the financial authority of Macedonia by performing licensing and supervision of banks, savings houses, e-money issuers, and other financial institutions.

The fourteen other banks offer different services based on retail and corporate banking. Retail banking provides consumers essential banking services such as checking accounts, savings accounts, and loans. Corporate banking encompasses activities such as checking businesses’ accounts and loans for businesses, whether SMEs (Small and mediumsized enterprises) or more prominent firms. They are intended for clients, whatever their location: therefore, a customer situated outside of Macedonia can have access to these services. The account currency is usually the Macedonian Denar, but other currencies, such as the euro, the US dollar, the Swiss franc, or the Australian dollar, are accepted.

The products offered by Macedonian banks are varied, even if they

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correspond broadly to services traditionally encompassed under the term of "retail banking": money transfers (through Western Union, MoneyGram,...), different kinds of loans (housing, mortgage, car, student, consumer, loans,…). Several types of accounts are available: current, savings, or time deposit accounts. Payment and credit cards, as well as safe deposit boxes, are also offered to the customer.

All credit institutions in Macedonia are bound to participate in the Macedonian deposit guarantee scheme. They give a deposit guarantee for their customers, which can go up to 30.000 EUR per depositor.

This deposit guarantee scheme is a financial stability mechanism implemented in many countries to protect bank depositors against the loss of their deposits when a bank is unable to meet its obligations to depositors by compensating certain deposits held by depositors of the bank. Eligible depositors are natural persons, that is, residents and citizens of Macedonia and foreign residents and citizens. All deposit accounts are compensated for the deposit guarantee scheme, and all currencies are covered under this scheme (Macedonian denar and foreign currencies).

In 2020 Komercijalna Banka AD Skopje was ranked the first largest bank in Macedonia in terms of total assets, having 22.65 % of the domestic market share among banks in Macedonia.

Its total assets amounted to 132.64 billion MKD, versus 123.1 billion MKD in 2019. In terms of total liabilities, the bank owes 132.6 billion MKD to its creditors (versus 123.1 in 2019).

Stopanska Banka AD Skopje is the second largest bank in Macedonia

in terms of total assets, with 18.11 % of the domestic market share in the country. Its total assets were worth 106 billion MKD in 2020 compared to 99.7 billion MKD in 2019. In terms of total liabilities, the bank owes 106 billion MKD to its creditors (to compare with 99.7 in 2019).

The country’s third largest bank in terms of total assets is NLB Banka AD Skopje, with 9.54 % of the domestic market share. Its total assets reached 96.83 billion MKD in 2020, compared to 88.39 billion MKD in 2019. In terms of total liabilities, NLB Banka AD Skopje owes 96.83 billion MKD to its creditors (it was 88.39 billion in 2019).

Regarding the loans and deposits from clients, banks in Macedonia have all registered positive results from 2019 to 2020, except for Stopanska Banka AD Skopje, which experienced a steep fall in its deposits during this period (1,54 mln Macedonian denars). Generally, the difference of loans per bank corresponds to a 5.35% increase, while the deposits’ rise is more modest, standing at 4,15 %.

All credit institutions in Macedonia are bound to participate in the Macedonian deposit guarantee scheme.

They give a deposit guarantee for their customers, which can go up to 30.000 EUR per depositor.

Among the Macedonian Banks, which have recorded the most significant rise of loans and deposits from clients, is the Half Bank AD Skopje, with a 6,18 mln MKD (Macedonian denars) increase from 2019 to 2020 for loans (which corresponds to a 16,21 % increase). But as for deposits from clients, the growth was even more robust, since they represented a 22,90 % rise, or eight mln MDK. Yvan Barbeau Sources : ebf.eu : Republic of North Macedonia’s banking sector : Facts and figures TheBanks.eu : List of Banks in Macedonia

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“The population has grown from one billion to 7.8 billion in one century. When people say there has been a demographic explosion, it is true. It is a mistake to assume that growth will continue,” says Darrell Bricker,

a nonfiction writer, and pollster, who wrote a book together with John Ibbitson about population growth.

T

he book, “Empty Planet” talks about how population growth will start to decrease in the next three decades. It is highly known that population growth is one of the threats to climate change since more people lead to bigger land usage and energy consumption. The count of the population growth comes down with simple mathematics, with two important factors; how many people will be born and how many people will die.

The number of children given birth had halved since 1960 when an average woman gave birth to an average of 5 children. Today, the number is 2.4. If the birth rate falls under 2.1, the population will shrink.

The explosion of population

or is it going down?

The aging population on Earth will not regenerate. It is a rarely known fact that the population growth in the recent decades is not because we have more children; it’s because we live longer. Fifty years from now, the median age is approximately 40 years, when today, it is 30.

When people age and the birth rate decreases, the population shrinks.

Anyhow, it’s not going to miraculously change our current situation. “In terms of the climate crisis, we cannot expect population growth to fold. Whether there are 9, 10, or 11 billion people in the future, that crisis must be resolved now.” says a Finnish sociologist, Anna Rotkirch.

Besides that, who will work, grow the economy, and pay taxes once the population decreases and fewer people are able to do that and the elderly will be growing? In the coming decades, humanity will have to adapt to the different revolution in society.

Selina Niemi Sources: Yle: Edessä häämöttävä väestöräjähdys on sitkeä väärinkäsitys – maailman väkiluku voi pian alkaa kutistua, mutta riittääkö se pelastamaan planeetan ympäristökriiseiltä?

Picture: Mirko Grisendi | Pixabay

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Would it bug you to eat this?

The good times may be coming to an end. As part of the fight against hunger and to reduce animal husbandry due to its negative impact on the environment, the European Union has developed a specific strategy adding to the food variety present on the EU markets – the so-called Novel Food list.

F

or years, scientists and industry have been sending clear signals about the risks of food shortages and the environmental impacts of food production. Empty supermarket shelves during the COVID-19 pandemic gave all of us an idea of how difficult it might be to find our favorite and essential products in the stores. The shortages have a range of possible causes. The most salient threats are extreme weather-related natural disasters (droughts, floods, or landslides), crop pests, and animal and human disease outbreaks. There are also political and economic risks. The drivers of food insecurities are often interlinked and mutually reinforced. There have been many proposed solutions to deal with the dangers of food shortages and to minimize the impact of food production on the environment. One solution that is gaining attention is the EU’s regulation about Novel Food.

Novel Food is food that had not been used for human consumption in the EU to a significant degree before 15 May 1997. This term can refer to newly developed, innovative food, food produced using new technologies and production processes, and food that is or has been traditionally eaten outside the EU. It is worth noting that novel food is considered safe for health. Its introduction to the market is preceded by numerous studies and an analysis of potential side effects related to its consumption by humans. To not mislead consumers, these products have to be also adequately labeled.

They are a nutritious and delicious sustainable protein source that tastes slightly nutty. Freeze-dried and unseasoned, they can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, or you can eat them straight out of the pack.

Sounds delicious? Would you like to try yellow mealworms? Marketing professionals know how to market any product. Europeans may not be used to such delicacies yet, but yellow mealworms are authorized to be placed on the EU market from May 2021. Some products on the novel food list, such as chia seeds, noni fruit juice, UV-treated milk, or bread, will not surprise you. Some products as mealworms and rooster comb extract might attract your attention.

Novel Food catalog is open, and new, tasty snacks may appear anytime.

Food companies are constantly looking for new ways to maximize nutritional value while minimizing the impact on the environment. Cookies or pasta made from yellow mealworms, bacteria engineered to make sugar from carbon dioxide, or cultivated meat. Frankenfood or food of the future? Bon Appetit!

Jolanta Ciopcińska Sources: European Commission: Novel Food WFP: 2021 Global Report on Food Crises Bug Farm Foods: Whole insects – Yellow Mealworms European Commission: Approval of first insect as Novel Food

Pic tur e:

He rm es

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| Un spla sh

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“Ulni pritshmëritë” – Si të fitojmë një rol në një shfaqe të Netflix

VOICES bisedoi me Jones Mutegi, i cili fitoi një rol në shfaqjen e Netflix “Kukulla Ruse”. Studenti i inxhinierisë civile ishte një shtesë në sezonin e dytë duke luajtur rolin e kërcimtarit.

Ata filmuan pjesën në vendin e tij në Hungari, në kryeqytetin Budapest. Ai na jep një pasqyrë të atmosferës në xhirime dhe asaj që nuk shohim pas kamerave.

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K

ukulla Ruse është një shfaqje dramë dhe komedi e drejtuar nga Natasha Lyonne. Seriali paraqet Nadia Vulvokov, një zhvilluese lojërash që vdes në mënyrë të përsëritur dhe rijeton të njëjtën natë në një lak k hor të vazhdueshëm.

Pra, si u fut Jones në shfaqjen e Netflix që mori 19 nominime për Emmy dhe fitoi tre prej tyre? Ai , mori një telefonatë në një grup në Facebook që po kërkonte një burrë me pamjen e tij! “Mashkull, në fillim të viteve 20, i gjatë, i aftë, me ngjyrë”. Ai bëri audicionin e tij në Budapest. “Audicioni zgjati 20 minuta”. Së pari më duhej të ecja dhe pastaj të kërceja me dhe pa muzikë. Gjashtë drejtorë të kastit bënë audicione për tre javë. Pas një jave, mora lajmin e mirë.” Është një mjedis me konkurencë. “Unë mendoj se rreth 100 njerëz aplikuan për rolin e kërcimtarit” kujton Jones.

Përveç aktrimit në shkollë të mesme, ai nuk kishte përvojë tjetër.

Gjithashtu, ai nuk u përgadit për aktrimin. “Nuk ju thuhet se çfarë të bëni paraprakisht. Gjatë aktrimit, ata ju japin 10 minuta për t’u përgaditur.”

Si e fitoi ai rolin? Për të, është një përzierje mes fatit të mirë dhe aftësisë për kërcim.

Duke parë statistikat, edhe marrja e një roli të vogël është një sukses në botën e aktrimit.

Hulumtimet nga Universiteti Queen Marry i Londrës, tregojnë se vetëm 2% e aktorëve arrijnë të sigurojnë jetesën me profesionin e tyre.

Sfidat e zakonshme për to janë refuzimi i vazhdueshëm dhe ngarkesat financiare. Shumica e aktorëve nuk kanë një punë të vazhdueshme. Ata mund të luajnë në një rol komercial ose një rol të vogël – por ata nuk e kanë kurrë garancinë e një kontrate të qëndrueshme. Të ardhurat e vetme të besueshme mund të jenë një punë dytësore në një restorant ose një qendër thirrjesh.

Edhe kur e merrni rolin, është punë e vështirë! Jones i përshkruan xhirimet si mjaft të lodhshme. “Ata ju marin në orën 6 të mëngjesit dhe xhirojnë deri natë vonë, rreth orës 10 të mbrëmjes – e gjithë kjo për dy skena. Ne përsërisnim dhe kontrollonim skenat gjatë gjithë kohës. A eshtë ndriçimi mirë? A janë të gjithë në vendin e duhur? Ishte një ditë e gjatë!”

Ai e cilësoi atmosferën e krijuar si tejet profesionale. Ekziston një person përgjegjës për çdo problem. Dikush po ofron ujë dhe aty gjendet mensa.

Ai nuk hasi në asnjë dallim mes kastit kryesor dhe atij dytësor. Ata morrën të njëjtën ushqim në të njëjtën kohë.

Kur u pyet për Natasha Lyonne, drejtoreshën e shfaqjes dhe aktoren kryesore, ai nënqesh.

“Në fillim, ajo dukej arrogante.

Me kalimin e kohës ajo u bë e qetë, por ishte jashtëzakonisht komanduese, dhe mund të ndihej prania e saj”.

sepse kostot e prodhimit janë më të ulta në një vend të Evropës Lindore sesa në Shtetet e Bashkuara.

Një prioritet i lartë është të mos lejoni që të ashtuquajturit “spoiler” të hyjnë në botën e jashtme. Gjatë xhirimeve, ata na morën celularët dhe na kthyen përsëri pas përfundimit të xhirimeve.

“Më lejohet t’u them njerëzve se kam luajtuar në “Kukulla Ruse”. Por, ata nuk duan që të bëjmë postime në rrjetet sociale. Nuk mund të informosh shumë njerëz përmes bisedës, por nëse bën postim në rrjetet sociale, atëherë të gjithë njerëzit do ta ripostojnë.

Gjithashtu, Jones nuk lejohet të thotë saktësisht sa para ka marrë. Por, edhe për një rol të vogël, janë “para të mjaftueshme”. Ju duhet të prisni rreth një ose dy muaj për ta marrë pagën.

“Nëse jeni hungarez, ata ju paguajne më pak. Por, nëse jeni aktorë ndërkombëtar, ata paguajnë deri në dyfishin e asaj që marrin hungarezët”.

Së fundmi cila është këshilla e tij për aktorët aspirantë?

Ulni pritshmëritë tuaja!

“Shihni aktrimit si çdo punë tjetër. Sigurisht, këtë do ta mbej mend përgjithmonë.

Por, sidoqoftë ju duhet të vazhdoni përpara sepse do të keni shumë mundësi të reja.”

Lyonne ka një rezyme të suksesshme në botën e aktrimit.

Roli i saj në “Orange is the New Black” fitoi popullaritet të jashtëzakonshëm, gjë që i solli asaj një nominim për Emmy.

Pas asaj përvoje, ai është më i vetëdishëm me realitetin e jetës së aktrimit. Ai u befasua kur pa stresin në fytyrat e aktorëve. “Prisja që aktorët të ishin shumë të lumtur dhe xhirimet të ishin argëtuese. Por është punë e vërtetë dhe e vështirë”. Për më tepër, nuk është vendi për të bërë miq.

“Takova disa njerëz atë ditë, por në nuk kishim kohë për të qenë në kontakt:, thotë ai. Mos u lidhni shumë me njerëzit. Kur të keni mbaruar, keni mbaruar.”

Ajo që shume shikues nuk e dinë: Skenat nuk janë xhiruar domësdoshmërisht në Shtetet e Bashkuara. Jones xhiroi skenëne tij në Budapest

Clarissa Leute Përkthyes: Dora Arifi

Burimet: Kuantifikimi dhe parashikimi i suksesti në biznesin e shfaqjes | Universiteti Queen Mary i Londrës Ngecur në përsëritje: për çfarë bëhet fjalë në të vërtetë në Kukullën Ruse të Netflix? | Televizioni | The Guardian

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Со убавината не може да се брза

Пред неколку децении, немаше толку многу продавници за накит. Немаше синџири, и секој кој го изработуваше овој накит нудеше посебен дизајн. Денес, многу продавници меѓусебно се надминуваат во понуди кои не се разликуваат едни од други. Ова е една од причините зошто се повеќе и повеќе луѓе го ценат она што е единствено и направено рачно. Рачно направениот накит гарантира персонализирање, а македонскиот филигран е одличен пример. Го прашав мојот ментор и пријател, изработувач на накит и филигран артист Јаков Гулија која е тајната позади креирањето на прекрасен македонски накит.

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Н

ајдобро познатиот бисер на Македонија е дефинитивно Охридското Езеро, но за жал, не е парче накит што секој може да си го земе дома. А филигранот, пак, од друга страна, можеш да си го земеш. Македонскиот филигран е заштитен знак на државата и уметноста со долга традиција. Битола, Охрид, Струга и Скопје се градовите каде што филигранот добро напредува. Во Скопје, додека се движите по Стара Чаршија неколку улици се всушност само продавници за накит. На излогот можете да видите килограми сребро и злато. Можете да најдете што сакате, ланчиња, обетки, алки, прстени, брошеви или аксесоари за коса. Повеќето од овој накит е изработен со техника филигран. Зборот „филигран” потекнува од латинскиот збор „filum” (конец) и „granum” (жито). Елементите кои се изработуваат со оваа техника се многу мали и извиткани, а деликатните жици кои се артистички оформени често даваат импресија како да се направени со врвка. Старата изработка на филигран почна да напредува како што уметниците ја пренесувод генерација на генерација, но како и многу години порано, процесот си бара трпеливост, креативност и прецизност. Јаков Гулија (32) е третата генерација на изработувачи на накит и филигран во неговата фамилија. Се започнало со неговиот дедо, потоа неговите вујковци ја научиле техниката, па му ја пренеле на Јаков и неговиот братучед. Исто така, татко му на Јаков работел со накит. Без сомневање, рачната изработка и талентот се во крвта на оваа фамилија. Кога го прашавме кој му е мајстор на Јаков, без размислување тој кажа Јосип - неговиот вујко. „Можам да ви потврдам дека вујко ми е еден од најдобрите во бизнисот. Многу луѓе ќе се согласат со тоа. Јас учев од него. Се уште учам и пак не можам да го стигнам”, додаде Јаков. Секој изработувач на накит може да го потенцира она што

првпат го натерало да започне во ваков тип на уметност. Во случајот на Јаков, тоа е неговата фамилија. Јаков имал 22 години кога првпат почнал да креира накит, но дури и како дете, секогаш слушал дека тоа е фамилијарен бизнис, така што евентуално, без разлика колку години има, би било убаво доколку тој ја продолжи фамилијарната традиција. Долго време тој се размислувал, но потоа еден ден си рекол: „Зошто да не? Ќе пробам па ќе видам што ќе се случува понатаму”. Не многу долго од кога неговиот вујко му ги покажал сите основни трикови (топење на материјал, виткање на жици, полирање), Јаков ја добива својата прва задача, подготвување на брош. „Не ми се веруваше дека ја добив својата прва задача. Го прашав вујко ми да ми покаже како да го направам ова, како да започнам, и тој зема лист хартија, го нацрта брошот и ми кажа: ‘Треба да личи вака“. Се појави насмевка на лицето на мојот пријател. Ја памети случката како да се случила вчера. „Никогаш нема да заборавам кога го направив моето прво парче и вујко ми ми кажа дека сега знам 90 проценти од работата, а остатокот ќе го учам додека да умрам” вели Јаков. Филигран е типот на работа во која си се унапредуваш себеси секој ден. Најважниот дел од рачната изработка е талентот да бидеш креативен. Оној кој го прави ова, треба да е и уметник. Јаков од секогаш знаел дека е уметник, но никогаш не сакал тоа да го работи се додека не дошол моментот кога си кажал на себеси дека треба да проба. Секако, се поминало добро со неговата прва задача. После тоа, вистинскиот предизвик започнал. Цел сет накит ланче, прстен, обетки и алка со мотив на цвет. Работата не била баш наивна. Подоцна испаднало дека неговата прва нарачка била за човек кој учел филигран, и испаднало совршено. Сите биле задоволни од неговата рачна изработка. Јаков во својата професија е веќе 10 години. Правење накит е неговата екстра работа, но секоја минута од неговото слободно време ја користи за да ужива во уметноста на правење накит. Што нарачуваат неговите клиенти? Повеќето од нив сакаат прстени, алки, ланчиња и обетки. Некои се јавуваат да прашаат за рамки за слики. Некои сакаат традиционални, „old school“ работи, а некои се поекцентрични - сакаат модерно комбинирано со класичен стил, и тој некако наоѓа начин да го овозможи сето ова. Во рацете

на оној кој рачно изработува накит, парчиња сребро или злато можат да добијат било каква форма. Доколку муштеријата има некаква замисла, Јаков ја подготвува. Муштеријата е секогаш на прво место, така што Јаков секогаш ги подготвува нарачките на време. Комплициран сет од накит зема еден цел работен ден. Некогаш троши неколку дена, недела, или некогаш и месец за да ја заврши нарачката. На некои артисти им треба повеќе време отколку на останатите. Сето тоа зависи од тоа колку е комплициран и детален продуктот. „Филигранот е уметност. Не можеш да ја избрзаш уметноста, како што не можеш ни да ја брзаш убавината” Јаков вели. Доколку ја брзаш уметноста, се што постои нема да биде толку убаво колку што треба да биде. Филигранот е дел од македонскиот идентитет и традиција кои се пренесуваат од генерација на генерација. Нема премногу луѓе во Македонија кои го разбираат овој тип на уметност заради тоа што преферираат брендирани продукти со лого на „Гучи“ или „Пандора“. Сепак, се повеќе и повеќе муштерии бараат рачно изработен и автентичен накит. Некои велат дека филигран техниката ќе исчезне со тек на време, но јас и Јаков сакаме да гледаме на филигранот во иднина, исто како што е сега, ако не и подобро. Што им дава задоволство на изработувачите на накит? „Дефинитивно реакцијата на лицето на муштеријата кога ќе го види финалниот продукт. Фала богу никогаш не биле незадоволни од мојата работа. Некои од нив дури и се зачудени.” вели Јаков. Со ова прашање, го завршуваме нашиот разговор во врска со филигран и накит. Имам уште стотици прашања, бидејќи креирањето на накит и филигран се фасцинантни теми и знам дека Јаков би ги одговорил сите. Сепак, имам на ум дека ми е лимитиран бројот на редовите, па затоа, се читаме следен пат!

Јоланта Чиопчинска Преведувач: Душица Павлоска Извори: DMWC: New Macedonian Filigree Фотографии: Јаков Гулија, SilverGold Handmade Jewelry

VOICES - 25

reportage

A Diary of a Nomad

Once upon a time... No, wait, this is too cliché to start an article. But what exactly is cliché? By definition, it is “an idea that has lost originality and impact by long overuse”. Sometimes we all are cliché, mainly because we want to create something original that is not seen before, not knowing that just being ordinary is the most extraordinary thing to do. By being ordinary, all your creativity and originality are expressed in the brightest light.

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M

y motivation for this article came a few months ago, and I was patiently waiting to gather material and assemble this mosaic. I left Skopje at the end of July. My lust for wandering, traveling, and moving around was overwhelming, and I decided to leave my hometown and explore Europe. Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam and proclaimer of the Qur’an, said that: “In nature of every human being is to move”. By moving, one becomes richer, their soul grows, and their life becomes more authentic because of the new experiences and meetings with new cultures, new people, their way of thinking, and their surroundings.

We call those people nomads. I have always seen myself as a nomad from the very childhood. And as I grow older, I realize this is the path that I need to walk. The majority of people dream of travelling, but very few of them do it. It’s primarily because of some bad excuses like “there is not enough money”, but the truth is that we all are afraid of changes.

Just a little courage can change the direction of our lives.

My plan was to move to Spain, Barcelona, but the situation in Spain is horrible. Covid-19 has closed almost every opportunity for good income.

At least that’s what they are saying on the media... Anyway, I chose Germany as the beginning point of my journey. I landed in Furth and started my construction job there. I worked there a few weeks and gathered just enough money to continue my road to the center of the World, Berlin. I took the first bus, and BOOOM, I’m here. Perfectly ordered, clean and busy city – were my first impressions of the capital of the strongest country in Europe. I took my suitcase with one broken wheel and just went walking around. Hipsters, people with strange clothes, seemed to be not interested in anything around them, just doing their thing. I knew that I arrived at the right place. After three hours of walking, I got tired of dragging this handicapped suitcase, and I entered the first hostel I found on the map.

I passed my first night here, and in the morning, I went outside to feel the spirit and the streets of this big city. I met many people on the way; I found salsa and bachata parties, ate good food, drank good beer, tasted good wine, and realized how much soul this city has. Many cultures

and nations here that gave me the impression that Berlin is more part of the world and less part of Germany.

Many nights without sleeping, I was just partying and raving around. I spent 15 days in Berlin. It was time for me to relax and plan my next travel.

So my desire to move brought me to Amsterdam, the city of freedom, rivers, bicycles, happy faces, beautiful buildings, flowers, and many more.

Here everyone gets what they’re looking for, if you know what I mean.

I stayed in the hostel close to the city center, and my first day here started with bread and butter. The best butter that I have ever tried. I walked around, and I met a few interesting people, visited some bars, and had a good time. Here I spent three days.

It was not enough, of course, to feel the city’s vibe, but my time was limited, and I needed to continue my road to another beautiful place the City of Love and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You are guessing right. I was in Paris. A place with a vast history, liberté views of the world, and the arrogance of the Parisians were my next pit-stop.

I arrived on one cloudy and rainy day, but that was not a reason good enough not to go outside, breath the French air and take some photos.

With my second-hand umbrella with flowers that I bought in Berlin, I went to feel the city. Walking, seeing, and smelling all around that has just left me speechless. The city’s beauty has many sides, from poor and dangerous neighbourhoods to rich and fancy restaurants. Everyone experiences Paris depending on the depth of their pocket. I need to mention the good wine and excellent humour of the people I met here. Parisians are wellknown artists, and during my stay here, Arc de Triomphe was wrapped in fabric as a tribute to the late artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude. I stayed here for three days. Again it was not enough, but the road continued, and we kept moving. My short escape in Amsterdam and Paris came to an end.

I returned to Berlin to work a bit, earn few more euros, and plan my next trip. Where will it be? No one knows where the wind will blow.

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Berlin

amsterdam

paris

Enes Smailagić

VOICES - 27

reportage

TOWARDS THE SUN TRIP TO KOKINO MEGALITHIC OBSERVATORY

“While traveling, we cross the borders of not only other countries but also our own. Macedonia is the perfect land for us, volunteers, to see the many wonderful places it offers us. The location also makes it an ideal starting point to visit other Balkan countries. These factors make us want to travel whenever possible and meet people during our volunteer work. All this to further develop, open to other people, because we are all different, learn new things from them, which will allow us to exceed our internal boundaries!”

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As a Polish proverb says, all good things come to an end quickly. In Macedonia, words took on a new meaning, thanks to the summer that ... has almost passed.

For this reason, we first wanted to catch as much sun as possible and chose the directions where we could relax on the beach and feel the Mediterranean breeze. After seeing many famous places, we decided to focus on the less known ones that are equally beautiful but are not as commercialized. And I must admit that such places make a greater impression on me because we have no greater expectations of them, and as it turns out, you can surprise and love them!

A

s volunteers, we work five days a week, so the best time to travel is on the weekends. Overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the city, we decided to go on a one-day trip, where we would be able to commune with nature.

In Macedonia, many things happen spontaneously. Having been here for a while, we managed to adapt to it, and those were our plans. But the best part of all of this is that there will always be someone to join. People in Macedonia are so open and pleasant that it's hard to be alone here. A few weeks ago, Niina from Finland joined our organization, who came for a two-month project.

Together with her and my countrymen from Poland, who you probably already know from previous editions of our magazine, we decided to go to Kokino.

On Saturday, September 4, after a decent breakfast, we left the apartment around 10.00 and went straight to the bus station. Due to the fact that the trip was not planned, we were worried about the availability of tickets, especially since it was the weekend.

Our direction was the third-largest city in Macedonia, i.e., Kumanovo, the starting point to the observatory.

We bought the tickets without any problems. It turned out that the bus connection Skopje - Kumanovo is very good. We were also positively surprised by the low-ticket prices. We waited about 20 minutes for the bus. Kumanovo is only 39 km away from Skopje, but we drove there in about 40 minutes.

Kumanovo The first meeting with this city is at the bus station. The station building was very small, but it was clean inside.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the immediate surroundings, as the station area looks like a huge

garbage can. Our plan was to go straight to the village closest to the trail leading to the summit. Unfortunately, it is not easy. That day, only two buses traveled there from Kumanovo, one of them was every morning, and we would have to wait a few hours for the next one. Once again, we were saved by the hospitality and openness of Macedonians. The cashier from the ticket office at the station spoke English very well, so we had no problems communicating.

We told her where we wanted to get.

Wanting to help us, she asked other station employees about other options for getting to Kokino. After a few minutes of waiting, she returned to us and said that she called her friend, who might come pick us up in a moment, pick us up, wait for us, and drive us back to Kumanovo. In Poland or Finland, it is not obvious that people are so interested in others, so we thought it would cost us a lot. As it turned out, the driver took only enough to pay for the gasoline.

The road from Kumanovo to the village at the foot of Kokino was an amazing experience. Taxho, because that was the driver's name, told us about the places we passed, turned on traditional Macedonian and Turkish music. His energy was amazing.

You could see that helping us gives him great pleasure.

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from the National Museum of Kumanovo- Macedonia. At first, nothing about this site blends in with the surroundings. Standing tall in the middle of nowhere, it appears quite outlandish.

One look, and it is easy to see why.

Kokino, with its dual function as a scientific and ritual site, is of great interest to archeoastronomy researchers, who study the sky-based rituals of ancient societies through the lens of anthropology and modern astronomy.

Occupying almost 5000 square meters, it rests on two scale-like established platforms beneath the mountaintop Taticev Kamen with an altitude of 1013 meters. The entirety of the observatory is volcanic rock. But carving and shapes alone, though interesting, are of significantly less value when compared to what this site once served for.

Kacper Król

Discover Kokino Kokino is located about 19 kilometers northeast of the city Kumanovo, in what is administratively known as the municipality of Staro Nagornicane. It was discovered in 2001 by Jovica Stankovski

VOICES VOICES- 29 - 29

poetry

Исповед на горда вљубена девојка Ц

ели две недели откако последно те видов... А некако, како цело време да те гледам.... Дури и додека го пишувам ова можам да те видам како се смееш... Твоите очи се среќно накосени, само што не почнале водопади да извираат од нив... Усните раздвоени, ти ги бројам забите. Еден, два, три... Ми се чини како твоето битие да се има населено во секоја моја пора... така што, буквално не можам ни да сум гола без да ми се причини дека си до мене... Да бев поодлучна ќе можеше тоа и вистина да е. Хахаха... Но, не ми е смешно, некако... Дури деновиве се соочив со сериозноста на ситуацијава... А ситуацијата е следнава: се вљубувам... Како знам? Па така како што нема мисла која останува подолго од 5 секунди, а која не те опфаќа тебе. Така како што твојот поглед ми стана опсесија. Така како што твоите маани за мене ги нема. Така како што...навистина имам пеперутки. Не си правам услуга со тоа што си дозволувам за тебе да си фантазирам. Затоа и ти го избришав бројот. За ова да не се случи. А сепак... Еве Се случува И тоа... зазема големи размери.... Што знам, мислам дека не грешам Зашто Некако, секој цвет ми личи на цвет кој ти би ми го подарил. И сфаќам фактички и конечно, колку е убава љубовта. Жива е. Додека седам на цветнава тераса кај тетка ми, во робата од прабаба ми, испрскана со крем против комарци и додека зајдисонцето и мачоров (спие до мене мрзливецот) ме дружат, се чувствтвувам жива и колку и да сум неодлучна за тебе, во ова сум сигурна. Ја слушам “Coffee breath” и.... ги гледам цвеќињата во градината долу. Дедо ми ги полева. А ти ги кинеш. За мене.

Дафина ,,Даффне’’ Веселиноска

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репортажа

Our monthly magazine has a very simple, yet powerful, mission - to be the voice of youth. And how do we do that?

We encourage young people to take an active part in today’s society through journalism and designing by giving them a platform to express themselves.

VOICES is produced in Skopje, Macedonia, and published online every month and four times per year as a printed edition.

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