Group of participants – Intercultural exchange in Trogen, Switzerland 

“We had the opportunity to live for 2 weeks in the children’s village of Pestalozzi, in Trogen, Switzerland. There we lived together in the houses, we agreed on everything, and everyone had their tasks and responsibilities. We learned not to see each other in differences, to forget stereotypes, and to have more respect for ourselves. Of course, we also enjoyed the beauties of Switzerland and we will take beautiful moments with us from each city. We were sad to leave this wonderful place, but also happy that the 8 of us will no longer be the same, but new people with different ideas and goals.” 

Natalija Damchevska: I came back from Switzerland with acquired many habits, as well as acquired new knowledge in relation to the topics we were working on. I met many friends from Macedonia and Serbia. In a word for me, this exchange was something I will remember for the rest of my life. 

Matea Naumovska: for me, this exchange was a wonderful experience. There I expanded my circle of friends, gained more knowledge, and returned home with changed opinions. The most interesting for me were the walks and the letter about myself, which we should receive after a few months. I hope that everyone will have a chance in their life to get this experience. 

Christian Lazeski: the stay in Switzerland was very interesting and I came back with many arguments with which I can freely oppose people who discriminate. The workshops were very effective and interesting. I have no words for the fellowship and I am still in contact with all the other participants. 

European Solidarity Corps 

“On my EVS, I improved my English and learned to drive a utility vehicle that they used for farm work. Then I realized that living and socializing with people from different cultures is challenging but also fun on the other hand. Cycling to work can be more tiring than the work itself. I also figured out where I want to live.” 

Vasko Ristevski 

“The biggest impression left on me was the mentor’s commitment to the work tasks, the great concern, as well as the fact that I had the chance to get to know the history of the city. The warmth of the people was surprising and on a break from work, we had lunch with the family, during which we felt like part of the family. I have traveled to many cities around the Netherlands and this project has met my expectations.” 

Martin Angelov 

“I met people from different countries and some of them were interested in learning sign language, so I spent some time teaching them and it fulfilled me. But what pleased me the most, even gave me goosebumps, was the procedure of our 67-year-old mentor who made an effort to find, download, and learn to work on an application that translates English into sign language, which enabled our communication to go very well and quickly.” 

Radmila Peric 

Training Course “Re-connection, Czech Republic 

I still hear the echo of this beautiful song, which reminds me of the unique adventure of self-discovery. This new journey was titled ‘Re-connection*, a magical project that took place in the idyllic part of the Rychlebske Mountains in the Czech Republic. This close, unusual contact with nature was the most authentic way to penetrate the purest parts that fill my soul, for the sincere reason of wanting to achieve this or that in life. For the clear picture, of me in the past, present, or future. The trip was a great opportunity for me to concentrate for the first time in more detail on myself and to think about all the things I have experienced so far. The mentors also contributed a lot to the whole atmosphere with the support they gave us, as well as the group as a whole. This unusual opportunity was a new chapter in the building of my personality and character. It was a reason for me to deepen my self-reflection and awareness, so now I trust my instinct, I know how to ask myself a real question and give myself an answer that is authentic, only mine. It was a priceless, pleasant experience with new people, beautiful nature, and most importantly, an opportunity to reunite with yourself. This journey was the beginning of a lifelong process for a significant part of human life – discovering and believing in oneself. 

Pavlina Veljanovska