FORUM

The NGO Fair experiences 

The “Civic World” Forum is also dedicated to the NGO Fair – Forum of the Civil Society in Macedonia. The question is: What are the experiences from the Fair? What has been accomplished with the Fair and what was missing? We publish several statements from the participants at the Fair and from several visitors that we asked about their opinion during the Fair. It is interesting and useful to hear as many opinions, suggestions, remarks or criticism, so that we can make this manifestation (that was going on for the second time this year) better, more successful and more adjusted to the participants and visitors’ needs.  

We invite everyone who attended this Fair to send your replies at the Forum on our web-site: www.graganskisvet.org.mk and www.civicworld.org.mk. Please state your full name and surname. In the next edition of “Civic World” we will publish pars of that discussion that will last for a month, and we will ask the new question at the Forum.

These are the opinions of several NGO member and visitors at the NGO Fair Forum of the Civil Society in Macedonia:
 

Marina Petrova, visitor:
I think it would be better to organize the fair during the weekend, because in those days there would be more visitors. However, the Fair is well organized and very interesting. The positive thing was that the Fair was advertised in the papers and the citizens were introduced to the program. This is how I found out about two discussions and I came to attend them.

 
Besim Nebiu, ISC:
The Fair was not enough media coverage. We should do something more about it in future. Generally, I am very satisfied with this manifestation, I gained important information on the work of civic associations.

 
Zage Filipovski, Citizens for the Citizens:
In general, I am very content with the NGO Fair. In my opinion, there could have been more “government structures” and political parties, especially those who are criticizing the NGO sector. However, it is not one of the organizers weaknesses…

 
Petar Asisi, visitor:
I am really impressed by the NGO work in Macedonia. One can create a real library from what they have published and printed. With this NGO Fair, my points of view and understanding regarding the NGO sector work have changed and now I respect it more.

 
Ali Merselji, visitor:
I am pleased with this Fair, because it spread my knowledge, I was introduced to the NGO sector. I would like this Fair to continue in future. With such an organized NGO Fair, we should create a habit of this kind of manifestations.
 

Olga Colancevska, URBIS
The NGO Fair was great, there were abundant forum activities and well chosen subjects. The exhibition part was a bit confusing. I think that all conclusions should be sent to the participants as references.

Regarding the NGO sector challenges, the discussions on the enlargement are necessary, but not such that would mean putting it under control of some NGOs.