For the fourth time, MCIC presented the Awards for Civil Society and Democracy and the Award for Sustainable Development "Gert Jan van Appeldorn"
The awarded are inspiration for everyone
Gonce Jakovleska
Gramoz Shabani
On 8 June 2004, for the fourth time, the MCIC presented the Award for Civil Society and Democracy and the Award for Sustainable Development "Gert Jan van Appeldorn". The certificates and the cheques were presented to the winners at the ceremony organized at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Skoje.
"For four years in a row, we see people brave enough who are an excellent example and inspiration for all of us", said Saso Klekovski, Executive Director of MCIC, referring to the present at the ceremony. "Each in his/her own level, no matter if that was as part of a group or individually, on local or national level, has done something that s/he can be proud of. The can be an example for everyone", added Klekovski.
An award for the actors of the civic sector
The Award for Civil Society and Democracy went to the hands of: Ace Koecvski - for a long-term contribution; the European Movement of the Republic of Macedonia - for contribution in the previous year and the Women Organization "Radika" for publicity and informing/or cooperation.
"This prize, as much as it belongs to me, belongs to my associates and all active actors in the initiatives", said Ace Kocevski, present Mayor of Veles and winner of the Award. "Together with the non-governmental organizations we managed to promote the problem of pollution in Veles. In future, we only have to continue our engagement regarding the healing of young children.", added Kocevski.
Lidija Nedelkovska expressed her gratitude on behalf of the European Movement of the Republic of Macedonia. "In the last few years, our work is directed towards spreading the European spirit in Macedonia in order to accelerate the process of admitting Macedonia into the great European family", she said.
On behalf of the Women Organization "Radika" the prize was received by Aziza Asanoska, president of the organization. "Macedonian women of Islamic religion are also a relevant factor in the Macedonian society. With its existence and work, the WO "Radika" permanently builds bridges of cooperation in the civic sector, regardless of the ethnics or politics", said Asanovska.
In the honour of Gert Jan van Appeldoorn
This year's Award for Sustainable Development "Gert Jan van Appeldorn" went to the hands of Violeta Tomovska and Mihail Tokarev for their long-term contribution and the Special Olympics in Macedonia and for their contribution in the previous year. The MCIC established the Award for Sustainable Development and Democracy inspired by the Award for Civil Society and Democracy that was awarded to them by the USA and the EU in 1998. The Award for Sustainable Development "Gert Jan van Appeldorn" has been and established in the honour of and named by the great supporter of the MCIC, Gert Jan van Appeldorn. In this award lies the face and the work of the man with an unstoppable enthusiasm, a Dutchman, who, unselfishly shared his knowledge and experience gained in the many world missions with the first MCIC team, giving his contribution to enable MCIC become what it is now.
"I remember the face of Get Jan when he stayed in Macedonia", said Violeta Tomovska, winner of the Award. "The first big project for fight against malignant diseases was implemented by "Zivotna Iskra" thanks to the MCIC. All these years we have been trying to inform both the healthy and the sick women, because we do not want the healthy women to go through what we have been through. I hope that we can count on your support", she said, referring to the present.
"This Award is a recognition for all those who have worked together with me in the last few years for the development of the civic awareness and protection of the environment and the cultural heritage", said Mihail Tokarev. "It is a proof that when you do something with love, it brings results". Ognen Stamatovski spoke to the present on behalf of the Special Olympics of Macedonia. "We have just returned from Luxemburg where we became European Football Champions. The world organization provided sport integration for us and a modern society people with special needs are proud to be part of.", he added, expressing thanks for the ....
However, the work on development of the democracy and civil society, as well as accepting and implementing the concept of sustainable development is not over yet. It has just started. It is also important to say that these processes have started in Macedonia and that the civic sector and its representatives are part of it. Facing the problems and difficulties that occur during the process are normal. Therefore we should give ourselves certain recognitions that the MCIC transformed into the Award for Civil Society and Democracy and Award for Sustainable Development, "Gert Jan van Appeldorn".
> Award for Civil Society for Cooperation
WO "Radika" has contributed to creating networks, exchanges, communication with the local communities (12 branches) and municipality Rostuse and the Macedonian Women Lobby. WO "Radika" works in an extremely passive region (???).
> Award for Civil Society and Democracy for a long-term contribution
In his long-term activity as an MP, civil servant and mayor, Ace Kocevski has given a special contribution in involving the citizens in the decision-making processes. Together with the "Parents' Association Caring for Healthy Children", the "Parents' Association of Children with Cerebral Paralyses" and "Poraka", they have taken part in solving the biggest ecological problem in Veles (and Macedonia). They have also been taking certain initiatives to the highest government institutions and on international level, as well as concrete activities for improving the quality of the environment in Veles.
> Award for Civil Society and Democracy for contribution in the previous year
In 2003, the European Movement in the Republic of Macedonia (EMRM) gave a special contribution in the promotion of the European idea and the Euro integrations through their activities: "Europe - Our Future" and European Week at high schools - "Knowing more about Europe and the European Union we know more about ourselves". In June 2003, EMRM initiated and organized the international event where the presidents of the European Movements from the South-Eastern European countries met to discuss the cooperation in the Euro integration process and adopted a joint resolution in the eve of the EU Summit that took place in Thessalonica.
> Award for Sustainable Development "Gert Jan van Appedorn" for contribution in the previous year
In the year 2003, the Special Olympics - Macedonia initiated a campaign for including the mentally handicapped people in the everyday life through their engagement in various sport activities. So far there are over 600 actively involved people.
> Award for Sustainable Development "Gert Jan van Appedorn" for a long-term contribution
Violeta Tomovska, as a president of "Zivotna Iskra" and in cooperation with a number of civic organizations, as well as for her personal experience, has been actively engaged in the activities for support to women who have breast cancer and directed in the fight for prevention and reduction of the diseases.
Since 1989, Dr. Arch. Mihail Tokarev has been striving for the implementation of the sustainable development in RM, in the field of protection and promotion of the environment, as well as in the field of protection and revitalization of the building, cultural - historical and natural heritage. He is the main initiator and the first president of the Macedonian Ecologists' Movement when in the period of one year, the Movement was expanded (from 10+3 to 20+6 members), a period when a lot of international activities for protection of Lake Dojran and Lake Ohrid, and later, Lake Prespa, were organized.
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