FORUM

NGO and the poverty - what can we do?


How can the NGO contribute to the reduction of poverty on global and on local level? Do our activities have an impact on this huge problem in our country and in many other world countries? What can we do?

We invite you to discuss this very important issue at the "Civic World" Forum. Send your opinion on this subject on the "Civic World" web sites: www.graganskisvet.org.mk and www.civicworld.org.mk. Please give your full name and surname and the name of your organization.

In order to encourage the discussion, we present several opinions on this subject of people active in the civic sector:

 

Tatjana Lazarevska, MEDF:
There are two aspects for poverty reduction where the NGO could contribute - the first is their humanitarian engagement, that is, by means of distributing humanitarian help. However, that does not solve the poverty reduction problem in long terms. Such long-term solution of this problem is the implementation of programmes for crediting micro and small enterprises, especially to those that provide self-employment and employment of other people. There is also need to educate these people how to start, organize and set up a successful business.   
 

Ljupco Melovski, Macedonian Ecological Association:
The present situation with the NGOs in Macedonia does not promise solution to the poverty reduction problem in Macedonia. Most of our NGOs do not have clearly defined goals, or a strategy. Those are people who gather in order to realize a certain project. They do not think in long-terms and strategically, and it is not a way to solve the poverty reduction problem.

Aneta Ilievska, ERINA
I think that the NGOs can contribute a lot in reducing the poverty in all areas of their operation. Those who work in the field of environment, can offer solutions for saving the energy, recycling materials, using the by-products from the industry - in that way, the country is strengthened and the social standard is raised. Those who work in the field of health can raise the health education level, act preventively with many diseases, thus reducing the country's as well as individual costs for healing. There are many possibilities and a lot should be done in different areas for the general welfare.

 

From the last month debate
What are the NGO Fair experiences?
 

Marija Savovska, OSIMF:
In comparison to last year's Fair, this year The NGO Fair was richer in contents, more space was given to discussions, debates, and trainings. However, my impression is that there were more visitors last year. As far as the NGO Fair importance is concerned, it is great, of course. It is an opportunity for the NGOs to meet, see what they do and evaluate, in a way. It is also an opportunity to present themselves in public, which of course, is very important, since the NGOs do not have well - developed public relations. I think that the NGO Fair should become a traditional annual manifestation. 

 

Svetlana Janeva, MWOU:
NGO Fair was very useful for the NGOs and for the development of civil society in Macedonia, in general. The non-governmental organizations got an opportunity to show what they do, how they do it, and the public, that is, the citizens, became familiar with this sector. It encouraged the interest for greater involvement into non-governmental organizations. I was impressed by the plenary sessions and the discussions, which opened subjects that should be discussed at the moment in Macedonia.