The Centre for Support of Persons with Intellectual Disability- PORAKA Demir Hisar started its activities for observing 3 December, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in October when it announced a competition for art and literary works on the theme “Your support – our bright future” for primary and secondary pupils. Workshop was held on 25th of November, titled “Exercising the rights and protection of persons with disability” with participation of representatives of state institutions on local level, parents of persons with intellectual disability and other interested citizens. During the workshop, there were discussions on topics in the areas of health care and insurance, employment, social protection, pension and disability insurance, which are related to persons with intellectual disability and their families. On 3rd of December, PORAKA Demir Hisar held an event, supported by the Municipality, for observing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Participants were representatives of institutions that work in the disability area, parents of persons with intellectual disability, associates of PORAKA Demir Hisar and other stakeholders on local level. The event was held under the auspices of the Mayor of the Municipality of Demir Hisar, Mr. Nikola Najdovski. Mayor Najdovski expressed public and heartfelt gratitude for the honour of being part of this event, not only as a patron, but also as a person who always provides support in creating inclusive and comprehensive measures and activities when it comes to the integration of persons with disability. At the event, awards and acknowledgements were presented to pupils from primary and secondary schools for their art and literary works. Likewise, as a token of appreciation and for a successful cooperation and contribution to the implementation od the programme for work, PORAKA Demir Hisar presented acknowledgements to public institutions, as well as prominent individuals – collaborators.
The Centre for Support of Persons with Intellectual Disability – PORAKA Radovis observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with several activities. On 28th of November, the users of the Day Centre of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Radovis visited the Dolce Vita Bakery and had the possibility to learn about the way of preparing the famous traditional Radoviski somun made in an oven. The Day Centre expresses gratitude to the Cesmedzievi family who were excellent hosts, but also for the delivery of their speciality, that the users tasted at the Day Centre. Art workshop was held on 2nd of December with pupils from the Secondary School “Kosta Susinov” at the premises of the Day Centre where participants made different New Year decorations and souvenirs. On 3rd of December, at the premises of the Day Centre, PORAKA Radovis held an event for observing the International Day for Persons with Disabilities with its supporters and associates. At the beginning of the event, the President of PORAKA Radovis, Mrs. Violetka Srbakova expressed great appreciation to the supporters of the Day Centre, and Tatjana Kostadinova gave a brief overview of the Day Centre’s activities. This was followed by a preview of the theatre play “The Three Little Pigs” in which actors are users of the Day Centre of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Radovis and pupils from the Secondary School “Kosta Susinov”. At the end of the event, acknowledgements were awarded to different institutions and individuals who supported the functioning of the Day Centre during the past year and helped in the implementation of activities organised by PORAKA Radovis. On 7th of December, the traditional humanitarian event “Radoviska Ethno Sofra” was held, organized by “VERICA”, where the funds collected from the auction of Radovis cuisine specialties will be allocated to the users of the Day Centre of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Radovis, as well as for two persons from Radovis who need medical treatment in Turkey.
For the observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Centre for Support of Persons with Intellectual Disability – PORAKA Prilep organised several activities. On 28th of November there was a creative workshop held with pupils from the Primary School “Jonce Smugreski” from village Obrsani, Prilep. The workshop was held at the premises of the Day Centre, and the participants made New Year handicrafts by using different materials. On 1st of December, the users of the Day Centre and the educator were guests on the podcast show “The Pulse of Youth”. As guests the users and the educator had the opportunity to tell their stories and their experiences. Together, they sent an important message that we are all equally valuable. On 2nd of December, together with members and veterans from the DZudo Club Sejsin, the users went on an inclusive activity – walking to the Monastery Pokrov na Presveta Bogorodica in the village Volkovo. On 3rd of December, the users of the Day Centre attended an inclusive event at the Mis Ston cinema, organised by the Municipality of Prilep and the Municipal Inclusive Body. A couple of users had a recital during this event, and the others supported them during the performance. On 5th of December, the users of the Day Centre took part in an inclusive event organised by “Interact Club” from the Secondary School “Mirce Acev” in Prilep. The programme also had a musical performance, led by several pupils from this Secondary School, and some of the users had the opportunity to show their singing talents. Traditionally, the users of the Day Centre visited the biochemical laboratory “Maksim” on 9th of December. The users had the opportunity to see various blood processing devices and to learn about the process of preparing results. The users of the Day Centre had a routine dental examination at the dental office “Dr. Kalcoski”, an activity that that traditionally do every year. The users had the opportunity to talk and get advice on preserving a healthy smile from the dentist Trajce.
The Centre for Support of Persons with Intellectual Disability – PORAKA Bitola organized a promotion of an inclusive literary-art collection. The event for the promotion of the collection “Bridges of Friendship” was held on 5th of December at the Centre for Culture – Bitola. The event was led by Ms. Nikolina Gjurovska, professor at the Secondary School “Josip Broz – Tito” in Bitola and 10 users of the Social Club of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Bitola and 6 pupils from the Secondary School “Josip Broz – Tito” took part as well. During the event, the artwork created by the users of the Social Club and pupils from the primary schools that were featured on the pages of the collection were presented. The Mayor of Municipality of Bitola, Toni Konjanovski MD, attended the promotion and expressed, once more, his support and the support of the Municipality regarding the advancement of the situation of persons with intellectual disability on local level, as well as for the activities of PORAKA Bitola. Towards the end of the event, PORAKA Bitola awarded acknowledgements to the authors of the literary works in the collection, and to supporters and associates of PORAKA Bitola who contributed to successful implementation of the programme activities of the Social Club and the organization in the past year.
The Centre for Support of Persons with Intellectual Disability – PORAKA Makedonska Kamenica observed this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a meeting at the Mayor of the Municipality of Makedonska Kamenica. During the meeting, which took place in her office, there were discussions regarding the needs of persons with intellectual disability and their families at local level, as well as the difficulties they face in their everyday lives. Members of PORAKA Makedonska Kamenica attended the event organised by the association “Beli Gulabi” and Municipality of Makedonska Kamenica, in cooperation with the Mine Sasa.
Considering this year’s theme for observing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Centre for Support of Persons with Intellectual Disability – PORAKA Veles, organized a workshop with secondary school pupils, included in the Access English Microscholarship Programme. This is an educational programme which is being implemented at the Secondary School “Koco Racin” - Veles, and it is aimed to study the English Language and American culture. Within this programme, topics related to important international days such as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, are also addressed. For this purpose, an interactive workshop was organised and led by the President of PORAKA Veles, Mrs. Vesna Basarov. During the workshop, the participants had the opportunity to learn about the meaning and history of this International Day, but also through various types of interactive activities, divided into groups, the pupils were introduced to different types of disability and how they affect the everyday life of these people. The pupils shared personal experiences, learned about several famous people who, despite their disability, managed to achieve a successful career and world fame, and were given a “homework” to watch movies portraying lives of persons with disability. In addition, each of them, over the next period, should think about the obstacles that persons with disability face in our environment and offer ideas on how to overcome them.
The Centre for Support of Persons with Intellectual Disability – PORAKA Vinica implemented numerous activities for observing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. One of those activities was the meeting with the Mayor of Municipality of Vinica, during which the participants discussed the needs and problems that persons with intellectual disability and their families face on local level. For the observation of 3 December, workshops were organized with pupils from the Secondary School “Vanco Prke” and volunteers from the Youth Organisation of the Red Cross - Vinica during which, they all created handicrafts in the spirit of the New Year and Christmas holidays. Members of PORAKA Vinica and volunteers from the Red Cross – Vinica visited the Day Centre in Vinica, where they participated in a workshop for making decorative candles. Representatives of Mak Progres – Vinica visited the Social Club in Vinica and brought some of their products as gifts with for the users. During the visit, they all decorated the New Year’s tree in the Social Club. On 4th of December, representatives from PORAKA Vinica attended a co-design workshop, which was held in the Municipality of Vinica as a part of the URBACT Pioneers Accelerator Programme and dedicated to the development of the City Park and the development of inclusive, safe and functional public green areas that would be accessible to persons with disability.
The Centre for Support of Persons with Intellectual Disability – PORAKA Stip realised several activities for observing 3 December, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities that follow this year’s theme proposed by the UN. On 26th of November, in the premises of the Association of Disability Organisations in Stip, members of PORAKA Stip took part in a creative workshop, in which, apart from them, representatives from other member organisations also participated. At the workshop, participants made plaster figures, which were donated to State Secondary School with Resource Centre “Iskra”. In cooperation with the library “Goce Delcev” an inclusive workshop was held, in which the users of the Day Centre of the Republic centre – PORAKA in Stip and pupils from the Primary School “Goce Delcev” took part. The participants made a poster with coloured handprints and messages of solidarity written on balloons. On 3rd of December, a sports and recreational event was held in the “Jordan Mijalkov” Sports Hall, which was supported by the Municipality of Stip. The users of the Day Centre took part in the event alongside the other participants. The event was enriched with a programme prepared by the pupils of the State Music School “Sergej Mihajlov” Stip. During this event, the participants competed in various sports games. The Mayor of Municipality of Stip, Mr. Ivan Jordanov, awarded vouchers for the centres that took part in the event. On 4th of December, there was an inclusive workshop held at the Day Centre together with pupils from the physiotherapy department at the Secondary School “Jane Sandanski”. The pupils demonstrated practical exercises, carefully tailored to the needs of the users, with the aim of improving mobility, functionality and general psychophysical well-being. On 11th of December a workshop was held with representatives of the Croation Community Libertas in Stip. This event is another example regarding the importance of cooperation, support and connection between communities. On the 17th of December, PORAKA Stip signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the State Secondary School with Resource Centre “Iskra” – Stip, which determines future joint activities through coordinated action. After signing the memorandum, a joint activity was held in the spirit of New Year Holidays. On 19th of December, the users of the Day Centre visited the factory Adient Seating Stip. During the visit, the users had the opportunity to walk around the factory, see part of the production and learn about the working processes of this factory.
Following the recommendations from the Republic Centre – PORAKA and the UN, the Centre for Support of Persons with Intellectual Disability – PORAKA Skopje conducted numerous activities. On 26th of November, with the aim of introducing intellectual disability, one of the educators and several users at the Day Centre of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Skopje, Aerodrom, met with pupils from the Primary School “Braka MIladinovci”. At the event, the pupils had the opportunity to hear and directly talk with the educator and the users of the Day Centre about their possibilities and potential, as well as the most common prejudices related to these persons. On 28th of November, a joint workshop was held at the Secondary School “Vlado Tasevski” in which the users from the Day Centre in Aerodrom, together with pupils from this school decorated the school yard and the New Year’s tree. Also, on 28th of November, there was a workshop held at the Secondary School “Lazar Tanev. During the workshop, the users of the Day Centre in Kapistec together with pupils from this school were preparing drinks from seasonal fruits. On 2nd of December, an inclusive workshop was held at the premises of the Secondary School “Zdravko Cvetkovski”, dedicated to encouraging creativity and togetherness between the pupils from this school and the users of the Day Centres of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Skopje. During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to express themselves through drawing, singing, making New Year’s decorations and handmade musical instruments. On 3rd of December, PORAKA Skopje held an open day at the Day Centre in Aerodrom and observed the 25th anniversary of this Day Centre. There was, also, a workshop with pupils and teachers from the Secondary School “Vlado Tasevski”. On 4th of December, a creative workshop was held at the premises of the Secondary School “Marija Sklodovska – Kiri”, in which the users of the Day Centre in Aerodrom and pupils from this school made New Year’s cards. On 5th of December, at the Rainbow Relax Kids Centre, the users of the Day Centres had the opportunity to learn about relaxation steps and the possibility of creative expression. On 11th of December, Prof.Dr.Ladislav Cvetkovski and Mrs. Ana Cvetkovska Panova visited the Day Centre in Kapistec and donated a magnetic boars that will be used to implement programme activities at the Day Centre. The donor is Mrs. Vera Zerjul, a retired teacher from Trieste, Italy, who donates this magnetic board in a memory of Mrs. Marija Gracija Cvetkovska, one of the most prominent translators of Italian Literature in Macedonia. On 19th of December, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed at the Primary School “Aleksandar Makedonski” and a creative workshop was held where the participants made a New Year’s poster.
The Centre for Support of Persons with Intellectual Disability – PORAKA Kavadarci observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in accordance with the guidelines and the theme proposed by the United Nations. Therefore, several meetings were held with institutions working in the field of disability on local level and with other stakeholders in the municipality of Kavadarci, in which the need of active participation of persons with intellectual disability in community life was discussed. Also, a workshop was held at the premises of the Social Club of the Republic centre – PORAKA in Kavadarci, where the users had the opportunity to express their artistic abilities. Members of PORAKA Kavadarci attended the event “Lend a Hand” which was organised to observe the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the 50th anniversary of the special class at the Primary School “Straso Pindzur” in Kavadarci. Also, members of PORAKA Kavadarci participated in an event organised to observe the European Basketball Week held in Skopje.
The Centre for Support of Persons with Intellectual Disability – PORAKA Gevgelija realised several activities to observe the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Workshops were held on 2nd and 4th of December together with the young volunteers from the Youth Club of the Red Cross – Gevgelija. At these workshops, the users of the Social Club of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Gevgelija together with the volunteers made different handicrafts and New Year’s Cards. These handicrafts will be presented at the New Year’s Bazaar in Gevgelija. First Aid training for the members of PORAKA Gevgelija was also realised at the premises of the Red Cross – Gevgelija. The training was led by Dusko Janev, member of the Youth Club and student at the Faculty of Medicine – Skopje. This training is of exceptional importance for the parents of persons with intellectual disability considering the situations and challenges they face in the everyday lives.
The Centre for Support of Persons with Intellectual Disability – PORAKA Strumica observed 3 December, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with several activities. The users of the Social Club of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Strumica visited the Music School “Boro Dzoni” and had the opportunity to try playing various musical instruments, participate in a small music workshop and to join in a musical performance. The users of the Social Club, also, visited the Joka Dairy, a long-time friend and supporter of PORAKA Strumica. During the visit, the users had the opportunity to learn about the production of milk, yoghurt and other dairy products. At the same time, they discussed healthy nutrition and taking care of their own health by a moderate and balanced diet. At the invitation of employees of the garden “Cvet” in the village Vladevci, the users of the Social Club had the opportunity to visit this garden and spend an interesting and educational day. As a part of the visit, a workshop was held, in which the employees presented different types of flowers, basic techniques and methods for planting, cultivating and watering, and packaging and preparation of the flowers for further distribution to florists for sale.
