Consultants Training within the project “Measuring Impact: with, for and by youth organizations”
The training took place 20-24 September 2023 held in the picturesque setting of Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium and the 28 leaders from 25 different countries were equipped with research skills, necessary soft skills for organizing and running research as well as general consultancy skills. The participants were provided with an overview of various data collection tools, including, but not limited to surveys and focus groups; learnt the basics of sampling strategy; and learned the basics of data analysis tools. In addition to that, the training provided the participants with efficient communication skills (active listening, feedback, barriers of communication, the impact of assumptions, etc.), knowledge of the key personal development frameworks (DISC framework, systematic thinking, logical levels framework, etc.), develop teamwork and leadership skills (coaching, crisis management, problem-solving, public speaking), get to know the basic principles of change management, strategic approach, the dynamics of organizational culture and understanding social impact – a comprehensive curriculum designed to shape well-rounded consultants. The overall project aims to reinforce the links between policy, research and practice in the youth field by improving the level of evidence of the impact of youth organizations through a robust and recognized research methodology. The ambition of the project is to contribute to the implementation of the EU Youth Strategy by increasing the level of evidence in terms of societal impact and learning outcomes of youth empowerment activities provided by youth organizations. This collaborative initiative brought together a consortium of esteemed partners, including Scouterna, Les Scouts, Junák – český skaut, Scout Association of Macedonia, Scouting Ireland, YMCA Europe, YMCA Nederland, and Maynooth University.
Roots Peace Work Institute Reunion in The Holy Land
By Viktor Iliev It’s been quite a while since my last participation in some of the Peace Work Institute sessions. As a 2015-year alumnus, I was invited to join this event to reflect on the previous period in terms of tools, methods and experiences. The venue for the event was the Holy Land which also provided additional learning context. Of course, I accepted the invitation and attended the event. 28 participants, more than 10 countries, 3 different cohorts and 1 week together. It was a privilege to work with Peace Education experts such as Wolfgang Heinrich & Ankica Dragan who have been involved in this program from the very beginning providing the know-how. This time it was the Roots Context Analysis with a particular focus on the impact and relevance of Peace Work Institute Scheme and run through the prism of Reunion participants. We have been blessed being welcomed and hosted with exceptional hospitality and care in each day and place by our friends from Bethlehem, Jericho and Jerusalem, representing both the East Jerusalem and Jerusalem International YMCAs. With not much positive narrative in the media for this region, I felt inspired to see and hear what the YMCA does for its beneficiaries in a very challenging context – generating skills, opportunities and hope for the entire community for almost a century. And all of it despite a wide range of limitations and restrictions – because the people in the YMCA believe in what they do. Maybe the best part of this event was meeting local people and hearing their stories. In many aspects I feel shocked and empathized with the challenges, conditions and lifestyle of the Palestinian people finding some common realities and history with our local people in my homeland. I felt grateful to be able to hear the stories of the other side of the coin. I feel privileged to attend the site visits: Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jerusalem, Nativity Church, River Jordan, Mount of Temptation, Al Aqsa Mosque, Holy Sepulchre Church and a myriad of sacred places. Following the footsteps of Jesus Christ and reflecting upon his life, journey, and sacrifice. Deeply humbling and impactful – giving so much meaning and motivation for what we do and how we live.
Participants’ Impressions from the Camp SDG#13
Mia We learned new things about the environment and undoubtedly became more motivated to preserve it, at least on a local level. I am sure that I will attend this type of event again. I find the topic vast and there is quite a lot to discuss, and the fact that I can do the same with people with a similar mindset to mine appeals to me even more. Anna The word itself Eco(logy) attracts me a lot and I think that we are not responsible enough for our environment. I wish for that to change and I am aware that the starting point for that is always myself. We should not tell others what to do, but let them see what we are doing and thus be motivated. Simona Eco camp directly involved us in the organization of our open day where various games were played and lots of useful information was learned about bicycles and cyclists, as well as protecting our environment by using bicycles. For several days we learned through games, and on the last day we passed it on to the children as well as to the adults who visited us in the city park. The game turned into a beautiful view of the event “Bitola on a Wheel” with which we made a big circle around our city with bicycles accompanied by all the fans of the “wheel”. Sarah I learned many things, first, the Sustainable Development Goals, which I honestly had not paid much attention to. I would single out the joint educational games as the most fun and would apply them further in a professional or private relationship. Angela I was most impressed by the last day where we successfully organized an event for children accompanied by interesting games related to ecology, nature conservation, and cycling. All this, in addition to fun and smiles on the children’s faces, provided them with the opportunity to learn interesting facts related to ecology. Finally, I can safely say that I learned a lot and this camp encouraged me to think more deeply about the preservation of our planet. Read here to learn more about this project
The story of Camp SDG#13
From August 21 to 26 this year, as part of the Climate change leaders/Youth-led solutions project, we realized the SDG13 daily eco camp, supported by YMCA USA, which was attended by eleven 16-23 aged young enthusiasts from Bitola, interested in the environment, sustainable development and eco-activism. The first three days of the camp were for providing inputs in the topic, learning and deepening knowledge about sustainable development goals with an emphasis on the 13th goal for climate change. The first day of the camp took place in the Youth Center in Bitola, while the next two days continued outdoors in the City Park which was unanimously chosen by all participants as a suitable place for learning about the environment through outdoor education. The activities each day lasted 3-4 hours with a combination of workshops and exercises. We introduced the participants to the mission of the YMCA, they got to know each other, had the opportunity tо present independently all 17 goals of sustainable development and to learn about the circular economy through the HP Life courses. They were presented with examples of eco-activism, both in our country and from many places around the world, as well as the development of current environmental problems and proposing solutions for them. Tips for preserving nature through games and interesting outdoor activities were also discussed and suggested. The third day was specifically dedicated to air pollution, causes of pollution, steps taken to reduce it and what we as individuals can contribute to cleaner air. In addition to others, the topic of modes of transportation, their efficiency, economy and availability was raised here. Each working day ended with an evaluation of what was learned from the current day. During the event, the European Mobility Week was announced and the possible activities that we as participants of this eco camp would take to share some of the knowledge with other children and youth in an interactive and fun way. It was decided that on the last day of the eco camp, a final event will be held, fully planned and implemented by all participants with their ideas and suggestions, of course with the full support of the YMCA team. The participants were divided into 3 teams, and the following day a meeting was held with each of the coordination teams where 15 ideas for outdoor activities were selected to announce and support Mobility Week. On 26.08.2023 under the motto Learn. Share. Get involved. Get active the open event started in the City Park in Bitola with pre-prepared games for children, Jenga, slackline, a workshop for making pin badges, an improvised training ground for cyclists, educational games and the like. The goal was greater awareness of cycling, healthy lifestyle and environmental protection. The event was attended by a large number of young people from our city and we introduced many surprises for the best visitors – cyclists. We are happy that at the event we cooperated with corporate partner Alpsko, as a great supporter of organizations that support a healthy lifestyle. After two hours of activities with the children, we ended the event with a bicycle tour through the streets of Bitola with cyclists of all ages from our city, as a call for the installation of cycling lanes in order to make it easier and safer for the cyclists who are more and more numerous in our city.
My Story from one year in The Netherlands with ESC (European Solidarity Corps)
By Jovan Leshev If you have done any sort of volunteering work in any capacity, inevitably you have been asked how or why you would be doing paid work without being paid. It is never easy to explain why or how one decides to spend a year in a foreign country to serve as a volunteer. The positive experiences, the people I met, and the challenges I had to overcome while living and serving as an ESC volunteer in the Netherlands were more than enough reasons why I want to share my story. When I was selected as a volunteer from the Rock Solid Foundation to serve in their social restaurant Aan Tafel I was beyond excited. It was one of my long-standing wishes to live abroad, and this was the perfect opportunity to do just that. Aan Tafel is a social restaurant in the small town of Lunteren run entirely by volunteers and staffed by people with disabilities. Having worked in hospitality for a number of years, I thought this would be one of the easiest challenges I have faced, but the reality proved different. I had never shared working space with people with special needs and although challenging my time there taught me patience, compassion, and solidarity – qualities that every human being should possess if we want to live in a better world. My time in Lunteren and in Aan Tafel resulted in opportunities to learn, improve myself, and develop skills that I never thought I needed. In addition, great opportunities to meet, work alongside, and nurture relationships with people from all over the world, different age groups and cultural backgrounds, while helping me understand how astonishingly similar we all are when it comes to our core values. My long-term volunteering was not just limited to restaurant work. Rock Solid Foundation provided me and my fellow volunteers with opportunities to do meaningful volunteer work on a number of other projects, such as collecting food and clothes for people in need and organizing creative workshops for the elderly and people with disabilities. Along the way, I participated in various other activities they had going on in which we met and shared experiences with other volunteers in the Netherlands resulting in a bigger network of people and creating even more friendships along the way. It was not just working and learning, however. During the one year I spent as a volunteer, I got to immerse myself in a culture entirely different from my own, travel, learn a new language and visit places I had never seen before. I even got a chance to join a local choir and create even more experiences that are positive for me. So, yeah. If any youth is looking for a chance to do something meaningful and create some wonderful new experiences while living abroad and meeting people from all over the world, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Do not hesitate to volunteer, whether it is your time, your knowledge, or sometimes just your positive attitude. In the social restaurant Aan Tafel in Lunteren there is a quote hanging on the dining room wall: “When you have more than you need – build a bigger table, not a higher fence.
Monitoring Findings: Bitola Cycling City
In the period February-June we implement the project for monitoring pre-election promises. Following our activities with the aim of encouraging green solutions and a sustainable community, we follow the topic of building bicycle infrastructure. Attached are the activities by month: February: Survey of pre-election promisesThe survey of pre-election promises was across the online airwaves following past media releases, and politicians’ statements and offered pre-election programs. Our main challenge was that the pre-election programs were withdrawn from the internet space, and in order to find relevant material, we contacted members of the parties who are in the city council. Regarding the pre-election programs, only that of the independent group Poinaku is publicly available, and in consultation with the parties, we received the programs of the two largest coalition blocs led by VMRO-DPMNE and SDSM. March: Survey of municipal documentsThe inclusion of the topic from the pre-election promise in existing official documents of the Municipality of Bitola (programs, strategies, etc.) was perceived. The survey was conducted electronically on official municipal channels such as the municipality’s website and social media posts. Web portals were also searched that conveyed certain information about the requested data on the subject of pre-election promises. A request for access to public information was also submitted. In addition to the past, existing documents for currently planned activities in 2023 were also investigated. April: Meetings with municipal officials and councillorsMeetings and discussions were held with key municipal officials and employees in the Municipality of Bitola related to the topic of the pre-election promise. In particular, meetings were held with the Secretary of the Municipality, the Head of Local Economic Development, who is also responsible for the implementation of the bicycle path project, and a conversation with the Director of the Public Company for Urban Planning. May: Survey and public info session for the cycling lanes projectSurvey on the safety and use of the bicycle as a means of transportation and comparison of the findings of similar surveys that we did in 2015 and 2018. In order to share the attitude of the bicycle community, we have taken part at the Commission for Local Economic Development. A public info session was also held with the inclusion of all relevant stakeholders for the bicycle paths project in order to bring the latest information about the project to the public. June: Dissemination of results with the publicSharing the results with the public is through several focused announcements on social media, appearance on a regional television, live on a national television, a TV coverage from the public info session, thematic podcast, high school podcast, sharing infographics, sharing a printed brochure, and the plan is also to make cycling motivational stickers. Findings / Results*: Read here to learn more about this project *The links to all findings and documents are included only in the Macedonian version since they are available only in Macedonian language.
Opening of a Youth Center in Bitola
We are pleased to announce the grand opening of our brand new Youth Center, a vibrant, creative, educational space designed to nurture and empower the young minds of our community. This occasion marks a significant achievement in our commitment to provide an environment for our youth to explore their interests, connect with others and unlock their full potential. The youth center is an encouraging environment, a place where there will be realized many opportunities and potential. It is a place where young people can gather, learn and grow in an atmosphere of creativity, support, and inclusiveness. Our goal is to foster an environment that inspires and uplifts, fostering a sense of belonging in every young person who walks through our doors. Within these walls, our youth will discover a myriad of opportunities to explore their interests, expand their horizons, and develop valuable skills. From workshops, seminars to exciting recreational activities and leadership, and environmental programs, we have carefully curated a diverse range of programs to cater to our young community members’ diverse interests and talents. Whether it’s art, music, sports, or entrepreneurship, we aim to provide space for every passion to flourish. Additionally, the Youth Center will serve as a hub for making and nurturing meaningful connections and building lasting friendships. We recognize the power of the community and the young people in our community. From joint projects and group activities to volunteering opportunities and community initiatives, our aim is to encourage a sense of social responsibility and instil in young people a sense of belonging to this community. Behind the work of our Youth Center is a team of dedicated youth workers who are committed to guiding and supporting our youth on their journey toward self-discovery and progress. These knowledge-carrying youth workers are excited to share it, inspire new perspectives, and foster personal growth in every young person they meet. We express our heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals, supporters, and partners (Municipality of Bitola, YMCA.mk Youth Cultural Center, Sfera, Union for Youth Work, Mladi Hub) who have committed to making this goal a reality. Their support and commitment to investing in our youth have been key to bringing this Youth Center to life. We are grateful for their shared vision for a brighter future for our community, where every young person’s potential is realized and celebrated. Our goal is to support the personal and social development of young people in Bitola and their active involvement in the life of the community through the following activities: – Sports and recreational activities– Activities to mark significant holidays and international dates– Art workshops (drawing, music)– Workshops/discussions to improve your knowledge about yourself with advice from experts in the field of career counselling, psychologists, or professors from vocational schools, as well as for the development of entrepreneurship– Workshops with advice, education, and actions for the preservation of ecological life in Bitola– Volunteer actions, motivated to organize volunteering campaigns in Bitola.– Educational workshops for different areas – Other activities that include socializing and socializing.
Capacity Building Project with “Signs of Hope”
During our YMCA existence we have faced and overcome many challenges, but nothing close to the last three years which caused serious damage to our work in general, management of the organization and the program model. But here we are, back on our feet and ready to invest on improvement of our structure and method of work. We are happy to announce of our newly established partnership with Signs of Hope of CVJM committing to work on improvement in two areas of our work during 2023: governance and methodology of youth work. Governance improving within non-profit organizations is of paramount importance. Robust governance practices provide the foundation upon which the entire organization stands. It ensures transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct, which are essential in garnering trust among stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and the communities we serve. It’s not a dry, monotone concept but an energizing force that propels your mission forward, making it resonate with your passionate community and potential partners who believe in social responsibility and philanthropy. We aim to improve our governance structure, our constitution, our policies and set a baseline to get ready for new partnerships development in the coming period. Peer-to-peer education plays a pivotal role in empowering youth and fostering community development, a mission that aligns seamlessly with our dedication at the YMCA and youth work. The dynamic exchange of ideas among youth not only cultivates a sense of ownership and responsibility among the young people but also encourages them actively to engage with their peers. In a formal context, this method of education can be a powerful tool for building leadership skills and instilling a sense of civic duty. When youth learn from their peers, they can connect on a deeper level, as they often share similar life experiences, challenges, and aspirations. That is why we will deep dive and explore this model in the coming period in order to find the best positive practices we can use. Stay with us via our communication channels and expect some exciting news by the end of this year.
Monitoring: Bitola – Cycling City
Within the framework of the community mobilizers program, YMCA with the project “Bitola – Cycling City” is monitoring the fulfilment of the given pre-election promise for the realization of bicycle infrastructure in Bitola. The monitoring of the election promises of the political parties and the mobilization of the community to demand accountability and fulfil the promises is part of the project to support electoral reforms. The YMCA is involved in this project with activities that include observing the election promise for the construction of bicycle paths and infrastructure in Bitola. Within the framework of the activities, research of official announcements and documents, meetings with several stakeholders, survey research and an info session is foreseen. This initiative will monitor the election promise for the reconstruction and construction of new pedestrian and bicycle paths. Pedestrian and bicycle paths are extremely important for a municipality such as Bitola. There are a large number of people who want to recreate or walk around the city every day, but a large number of them also use bicycles or walk to reach a certain destination (work, school, etc.). By enabling special pedestrian and bicycle zones throughout the city, Bitola residents will gain many health and environmental benefits. The obtained results of the monitoring will be shared with the public through: posts on social networks, press releases and info sessions. These activities are carried out in collaboration with Strategic Management Systems (SMS) and aim to increase community engagement on issues relevant to them. “Supporting Electoral Reforms” is a project of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), implemented by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). The list of all innovative initiatives within this project for 2022 and 2023 can be found here.
Participation at the National Forum of Philanthropy
On 15.12.2022, the Philanthropy Forum was held organized by Konekt and the network for financial sustainability as part of the USAID Donation Partnerships Project. This is an annual gathering of national leaders in philanthropy and includes representatives of the business community, institutions, and civil organizations, including the YMCA, who shared experiences and created models for enhanced cooperation. Konekt’s research shows that half of the companies donate during the year which is an indication that there is significant philanthropic potential in our country. In terms of donating funds from citizens this year 2022, Macedonia rose to a solid 25th place compared to 75th in 2013 according to the ranking of the World Giving Index. At a time when unpredictable events in the world fill our daily lives, and the future is full of uncertainty, it is the right time for philanthropy to take its rightful place as a driver of positive change in the community. The forum presented the global trends and influences of philanthropy and put that point of view in a Macedonian perspective. “As individuals, business owners, and managers, many of us open our wallets to support friends, family, and people who seek our emergency help. But when thought out and targeted for the benefit of the wider community, donations have the power to improve conditions in the long term and contribute to the well-being of society. We are creating donation partnerships to enable increased donations, real incentives for donors, and easy and fun ways to donate that will enable all citizens and companies to be part of the changes for a better tomorrow.” The Executive Director of “Konekt”, Ms. Nikica Kusinikova, pointed out. The forum discussed overcoming the challenges to shape a favorable environment for increased donating in the function of accelerated development. The participants showed a willingness to nurture partnerships for donating, work on a better legal framework, become members of the Club of Responsible Businesses, and educate themselves about philanthropy and social responsibility, and the announced online platform for group donations aroused interest. This forum was organized by the USAID Donation Partnerships project, implemented by Connect, in partnership with the European Center for Non-Profit Law, the Chamber of Commerce of Northwest Macedonia, Indigo, and the American Chamber of Commerce in the Republic of North Macedonia.Photos from the event can be seen here and here.
