The importance of civic association

In the month of May the whole public was witnessing the increased NGO activities. When we mention NGOs, we mean all of them, that is, all that we consider “classical NGOs”, but not only them-for example the sport associations. The euphoria with the new women handball champion, the Macedonian Cometal Gorche Petrov will last even when this month has finished. This might encourage the sport, cultural and similar associations to be present more actively on our pages. Because, as you know, they are part of the civic world.

In that direction I will mention the sixth “Flower Race”, traditionally organized in Macedonia by OSCE and under the patronage of the Republic of Macedonia President, Mr. Boris Trajkovski. The “Flower Race” was a marathon race, 42 km. long, starting from the square in Tetovo and finishing at the “Macedonia” Square in Skopje. The race had its motto – ALL TOWARDS THE SAME GOAL. The goal for us, the civic sector, is well known. It is to help, to fill the social life gaps. The goal of this race was humanity and it was accomplished. The parents association of children with cerebral paralysis from Skopje and Tetovo received the 7 thousand Euro, that were provided by the 32 organizations that participated in the race, as well as many local and foreign governmental and non-governmental organizations.

The religious confessions from Macedonia with guests – scientists from different religions of the world, gathered this month in Skopje on a four-day dialogue for confidence building among churches and religious confessions in Macedonia. The meeting resulted with a Mutual Appeal for further confidence building activities – establishing a council for inter-religious cooperation, organizing regular meetings and contacts and establishing cooperation between their educational institutions.

Polio Plus continued with their street shows under the motto “What is the sense of live”, within the campaign for overcoming the architectonic barriers for people with special needs. This time, the Polio Plus brigade consisting of high school and university students was in front of the MNT where they “built” a slanting ramp and made the MNT and the Commercial Bank in Skopje accessible.

We hope that the ecological awareness continues to grow. The Greek Arkturos and the Macedonian ERINA, THE Macedonian Ecological Association and the Macedonian Ecologists’ Movement reported on their contribution in the wild life protection in the region, especially the world of carnivores – the bear, the wolf etc.

All this variety of these NGOs’ activities shows best the fortune they offer to a society. Read about them in this edition of Civic World. Write to us at www.graganskisvet.org.mk  and www.civicworld.org.mk .


Daniel Medaroski