Day Centre of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Shtip
The activities of the Day Centre of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Shtip were continuously realized in the past period. Apart the regular, there were many different and interesting activities implemented with the associates of the Day Centre. There was a workshop for making bracelets with noble stones, which according to certain beliefs, have positive energy on 9th of April. The workshop was held by Mehmed Ali, student at the Faculty of Medicine at the University “Goce Delchev”, with support from Adem Chindarovski, Turkish language and literature professor, who helped the language barrier. Mehmed Ali patiently presented his hobby and then they all made bracelets together, carefully selecting the stones according to the needs and wishes of the users. Representatives of Adient Seating – Shitp visited the Day Centre for Kurban Bajram and brought baklava for the users. They also had the opportunity to learn about the activities that are implemented in the Day Centre.
Around the Easter Holidays many activities were also implemented. Representatives from M.Cash – Shtip, visited the users of the Day Centre and donated Easter presents. The same day, the users of the Day Centre were helping the pupils from the Primary School “Goce Delchev” who made decorations and organised a bazaar, which was held at the school hall. Also, a creative workshop for decorating Easter eggs was held with Marijana Gjeleva.
Towards the end of April, the medical personnel from PZU FAM-MED visited the Day Centre. Some of the users had the possibility to check their blood sugar and blood pressure, and all of them had the possibility to listen to advice for improving their health condition. On 27th of April the users of the Day Centre and their parents/guardians participated in the most exciting event EVERYONE RUNS IN SHTIP, organised by Superior Runs and supported by Municipality of Shtip. There were 1300 runners, large number of companies, supporters and volunteers including the users of the Day Centre. They were positioned at four points along the running lane and offered refreshments for the runners.
The users of the Day Centre of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Shtip took active participation at the cultural event “Ochi na Shopov” organised by the pupils at the Secondary School “Slavcho Stojmenski”. They made drawings supported by their parents and the pupils from DSU “Iskra” - Shtip, which were later exhibited at the lobby of the Home of Culture “Aco Shopov” in Shtip. The users also took part at an event organised by the Community of Croatians Libertas – Shtip for the Mother’s Day. One of the users gave an emotional presentation on the topic and presented the Arabic drawing technique that she had mastered in a home for children without parental care. At the end of the event, the drawings were shared among the visitors. Within the activities for 24 May, the Slavic Literacy Day, there was an inclusive workshop held at the National University Library “Goce Delchev” – Shtip which was attended by users of the Day Centre of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Shtip, pupils from DSU “Iskra” – Shtip and pupils from the Secondary School “Slavcho Stojmenski”. Toghether they created panels with Cyrillic letters using the mosaic technique, which were exhibited in the lobby of the National University Library “Goce Delchev” – Shtip. On 28th of May, an exhibition was held at the Cultural Centre “ASNOM” in Gostivar, which aimed to break prejudice and stereotypes, and to promote the creativity of persons with disability. In the lobby of the Cultural Centre, drawings in Arabic technique made by Verche Cafovska, user at the Day Centre of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Shtip, and paintings made by Darko Trajkov, person with Down Syndrome, were exhibited. The exhibition was titled “Promise” and was organized by the National University Library “Goce Delchev” – Shtip in cooperation with the Day Centre of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Shtip.
At the beginning of June, representatives of Dea Svits DOOEL Shtip, long-term associates visited the Day Centre. This time was to celebrate the birthday of the owner, who decided to celebrate her birthday together with the users of the Day Centre. On 11th of June, the users had recreational activities at the quay of Otinja river, next to the newly reconstructed parks. These activities were beneficial for the users. The walk was a part of the recreational and social activities that aim to encourage physical health, social integration and for the users to see the possibilities of recreational walks during the weekends.
Day Centre of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Prilep
The users of the Day Centre of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Prilep were very active in the past period. Towards the end of March and the beginning of April, students of the Pedagogue Faculty at the University “St.Climent Ohridski” – Bitola held their student practice at the Day Centre. They had the opportunity to learn about the activities at the Day Centre, and to work together with the users. Also, during April, there were several activities related to the Easter Holidays and many of them were held with the associates of the Day Centre. During these activities the users made different Easter decorations, and Easte eggs. Members of the Union of Women of VMRO-DPMNE in Prilep visited the Day Centre and had the opportunity to meet with the users, to hear about the activities that are implemented in this social service.
Mrs.Vera Poposka visits the Day Centre once a week and together with the users they implement various practical activities. With the arrival of spring, she also helps with landscaping and planting new flowers in the yard of the Day Centre together with the users.
An educational and recreational visit to the Open Centre for Recreation at the Prilep Lake was realized at the beginning of May. Apart from the fresh air and the warm sun, which additionally boosted the energy, the users enjoyed the nature in this part of the city. Also, at the beginning of May, the friends from Interact Club – Prilep visited the Day Centre and together with the users celebrated the 10th birthday of this Club.
The users had the opportunity to visit one of the biggest factories in our country Vitaminka – Prilep with the support of Interact Club – Prilep. During the visit, they had the opportunity to see the production of the snacks Stobi Flips. The activities at the Day Centre were enriched with a workshop held at its premises to celebrate the Slavic Literacy Day with pupils from the Primary School “Kire Gavriloski Jane”. During the workshop, the participants agreed to implement another activity at the premises of the Primary School.
Day Centres of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Skopje
The Day Centres of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Skopje continued with its activities in the past period, which included permanent but also some new associates. We would like to start with more than decade long cooperation that has been established with the Faculty of Fine Arts in Skopje. Namely, on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of this Faculty, and as a result of the excellent cooperation, at a ceremonial academy held of 3rd of April, the Republic Centre – PORAKA was awarded an Acknowledgement for successful cooperation. In context of this, several workshops for making mosaics were held, which were then exhibited at the final exhibition by the students on 30th of May at the premises of the Faculty in Suli – An.
A new cooperation has been established with the craft workshop “Narodni nosii”. Thus, two workshops were held in March for the users of both Day Centres together with young craftsmen, where they could see how Macedonian folk costumes and carpets are made.
We would like to highlight the performance of the theatre play “Nie lugjeto”, this time staged at the Drama Theatre – Skopje. It took place on 9th of April and had a humanitarian character, i.e., the funds from the sold tickets were intended for the families affected by the tragedy in Kochani. As always, users of the Day Centres in Skopje and pupils from primary schools in Municipality of Gjorche Petrov were included in the play, which was directed by the Centre for Performing Arts and Education Theatre Pi.
The joint activities with some of the primary and secondary schools in Skopje continued in the past period as well. On 13th of March, at the premises of the Day Centre in Aerodrom, the users had a culinary workshop with pupils from the Secondary School “Lazar Tanev”. On 15th of April, the users of the Day Centre in Kapishtec had a workshop with pupils from the Secondary School “Zdravko Cvetkovski”. The users of the Day Centre in Kapishtec attended the celebration of the patron of the Primary School “Kiro Gligorov” on 30th of April. Celebrating St. Cyril and Methodius, on 22nd of May, a thematic workshop was held with pupils from the Primary School “Ljuben Lape”.
During April and May students from the Faculty of Social Work and Social Policy carried out their practical work at the Day Centres. The students together with the social workers in the Day Centres worked with the users, focusing on certain users and preparing the document Finding and opinion.
The ongoing gardening activities continued, and depending on the scope of the work, several parents of the users at the Day Centres were included. Recycling at vending machines from “Pakomak” also continued. Part of the gathered funds from this activity were used to purchase a toaster for the Day Centre in Aerodrom. Apart from these ongoing activities, the users of the Day Centre in Kapishtec are recreating at the sports playground near the Day Centre starting from May. Initiated by a group of parents, some of the users together with their parents travelled to Veles with a train. This activity was implemented with support of Railways of North Macedonia AD – Skopje.
Day Centre of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Radovis
The activities of the Day Centre of the Republic Centre - PORAKA in Radovish were implemented in accordance with the foreseen programme for work. Part of the activities were realised with different associates. On 11th of March representatives of the NGO Nova nadez visited the Day Centre together with their guests, international entertainers from the Italian NGO REEM and the NGO Agapi from Resen. The aim of this visit was to show stories of our everyday living through games and pantomime. The users directly participated in these activities by imitating movements, passing different objects as a part of the scenario and the interactive games.
During April part of the activities were dedicated to the Easter Holidays. On 16th of April the management team of DOO Makom Maja Discounts visited the Day Centre together with its mascot Green Clover and gave Easter gifts to the users. On 17th of April, representatives of the Association of Pensioners in the municipalities of Radovish and Konche visited the Day Centre. The users had the opportunity to hear about the activities of the Association but also to present their activities within the Day Centre. Birthdays of two users were celebrated in this period supported by the management team of the Buchim Mine who brought birthday cakes and birthday gifts.
The users of the Day Centre were invited by the families of Vane Kocev and Mile Nikolov, also users of the Day Centre, at their homes in village of Podaresh for celebrating the patron of the village St.Gorge (Gjurgjovden). The village Podaresh is ten kilometres away of Radovish and it was interesting to see it during the celebration of this holiday since every house there is open and ready for guests at that day. The users had a great time and lots of fun during the visit. On 10th of May, the users of the Day Centre together with employees from Buchim Mine were invited to participate in “Generalka Weekend” which is organized by the Municipality of Radovish for the fourth time now. Its aim was to clean all green areas and landfills. Wearing T-shirts with the logo of this action, protective gloves and waste bags, the users were part of this action for the first time and within their abilities supported by the employees of Buchim Mine, they contributed to a clean environment and a more beautiful place to live. On 20th of May, the World Bee Day, the users were invited to mark this day by the beekeeping association Radovishka pchela, who are new associates to the Day Centre. During the event the users had basic information about the importance of bees and their role in life on the planet, in pollinating plants, making honey and other products. There were also interactive workshops and tasting honey and other natural products from the hives. Pupils from the primary schools in the municipality and the kindergarten also attended this event.
On 22nd of May, the users visited Photo Studio MIHAILOV and had the opportunity to learn about the process of taking photos. Each of the users had the possibility to pose in front of the photo camera, to see their photo on the computer and how it is made. Everyone received a photo of themselves as a souvenir of the visit.
Social Club of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Gevgelija
The activities at the Social Club of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Gevgelija were implemented as foreseen with its programme for work. One of the workshops was aimed at discussions related to nature, plants and their maintenance. The users planted flowers in pots, and they will take care of them in the upcoming period. A meeting with parents of the users was held on 8th of April where they had the possibility to discuss the Report on the work of the Social Club for 2024, the Programme for Work for 2025, the cooperation with the Day Centre managed by the Ministry of Social Policy, Demographics and Youth and proposals for future cooperation. Special attention was given to information about the initiative of the “Ice Begov” Foundation for initial mapping in the municipality of Gevgelija to review the needs and possibilities for opening a small housing unit for persons with intellectual disability. At the end of the meeting, the parents had the possibility to give suggestions for the future work of the Social Club. Part of the workshops were dedicated to Easter Holidays, where the users made simple decorations. Representatives of Market Zito visited the Social Club and together with the users decorated Easter eggs and in addition gave them Easter gifts.
The users attended the humanitarian action “Gevgelija in fitness rhythm”, an outdoor fitness training, organised by the Red Cross in Gevgelija to help a fellow citizen with physical disability.
After the event, the users continued with socialising in a coffee bar in the city centre.
During May, some of the activities in the Social Club were realised outdoors. At the invitation of the athletic club “7 Noemvri” from Gevgelija, several users and their parents took part in a humanitarian race on the World Pulmonary Hypertension Day on 5thof May. On 9th of May, the Victory Day, users of the Social Club visited the exhibition “80 years since victory over Fascism” in the hammam where photographs were exhibited, as well as weapons used in World War II by Gevgelija partisans. A visit to Alchinov bee farm was organised for the World Bee Day. The users had the possibility to visit the apitherapy centre that operates within the bee farm. This is one of the rare centres in Macedonia where api-inhalation, inhalation of bee air directly from a beehive is offered, which improves the function of the respiratory tract and reduces breathing difficulties. One of the workshops in May was held to mark the World Hygiene Week. During the workshop there were discussions regarding the importance of maintaining personal hygiene. In May, the users continued with making decorative candlesticks in different colours and shapes, which would be presented and sold at future events.
Social games like darts, bowling, cards were played in the past period as well.
Social Club of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Kavadarci
The activities at the Social Club of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Kavadarci were implemented as foreseen in their working programme. Creative workshops were carried out for making April Fool’s masks and others on topics related to important dates in the past period. The users of the Social Club had regular activities for maintaining the yard, and they also planted 11 vine plants. Sports and recreational activities continued with their implementation at the Sports hall of the Secondary School “Gjorche Petrov” as well as a visit to a football match of GFK Tikvesh. The parents of the users had a meeting with the members of the Assembly of Republic of North Macedonia, Mrs. Vesna Georgieva and Mr. Zoran Jovanchev, in which they highlighted certain situations and problems they face daily. Also, they attended a debate, where they had the opportunity to discuss the current situations related to persons with disabilities and their rights and needs.
At the beginning of May, the users had a picnic at the village Raec. They were guests at the home of Trajche Stojanov, one of the users at the Social Club. During May, several users attended an international football tournament in Stara Pazova, Serbia. They competed against football teams from Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and made significant results.
Social Club of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Bitola
The Social Club of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Bitola continuously implemented its activities in the past period. Apart from this, numerous activities with the associates of the Social Club were carried out.
The Chamber Orchestra of Bitola invited the users to take part in their concert dedicated to Toshe Proeski and the tragedy in Kochani. The concert was held on 5th of April at the Centre of Culture – Bitola. The users of the Social Club together with the Chamber Orchestra and pupils from several schools from Bitola performed the song “Svet za site” from Toshe Proeski.
Creative workshops were held related to Easter Holidays. During these workshops there were discussions about different Easter traditions and folklore. The users made decorative handicrafts and painted Easter eggs. The users visited Sue Ryder Nursing Home – Bitola on Holy Thursday and together with its residents made Easter eggs. On 21st of April, the users visited the oldest church in Bitola and attended the Easter liturgy.
The Social Club of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Bitola organized a visit to the Monastery St. Naum Ohridski at the beginning of May. In addition to the visit of the Monastery, the users also visited other interesting sites around Ohrid and had the possibility to hear about their importance. The end of May was marked by the event “Bitola through the centuries: From a European city to an example of inclusion through message”. The event was organized by PORAKA Bitola, in cooperation with the Republic Centre – PORAKA and Municipality of Bitola and took place on 31st of May at Magnolija Square. Pupils from the Primary Schools “Todor Angelevski” and “Dr. Trifun Panovski” together with the users of the Social Club took part in this event. The Mayor of Municipality of Bitola, Dr. Toni Konjanovski, attended the event, as well as numerous other guests. During the event, songs about Bitola were performed, old children’s games were played, short dialogues relating Bitola were performed, and the history of Bitola was discussed. The event ended with Consular Ball.
Social Club of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Strumica
The activities at the Social Club of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Strumica were regularly implemented in the past period with numerous creative workshops and cooperations with various associations. At the beginning of April, some of the activities were aimed at celebrating the important dates in this period. On 2nd of April, the World Autism Awareness Day, a meeting was held at the Ethno Restaurant Kaj Viktor, where parents and their children discussed and shared personal experiences related to difficulties they face in everyday living. Also, the World Health Day was marked on 7th of April and the users discusses about taking care of their own health, how and where to ask for medical help if needed. Easter Bazaar was held on 8th of April at the centre of Strumica, where the users had the possibility to show and sell their handicrafts. The funds gathered at the Bazaar will be aimed for purchasing working materials in the Social Club. Several creative workshops were held for making Easter decorations and discussing the importance and celebration of Easter Holidays. Towards the end of April, the users of the Social Club visited the kindergarten Vinozito and donated colouring books which they made.
The regular activities continued in May as well, but also several creative workshops were organized as well. Part of them were preparations for sewing dresses and shirts with folk ornaments. In these workshops, the users prepared the materials and fabrics for the dresses and the shirts. Also, the users of the Social Club and their parents went to a Pizzeria in the city centre where they learned appropriate behaviour in a restaurant.
Social Club of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Vinica
The Social Club of the Republic Centre – PORAKA in Vinica continuously realized its programme activities in the past period. Various cognitive and educational, as well as practical activities were implemented during April. Also, several activities were carried out related to Easter Holidays like creating handicrafts and decorations, painting Easter eggs, talking about personal experiences. The users marked Earth Day as well, by drawing and discussing about the important role of all of us in preserving the environment.
Among the other activities realised in May, workshops were held for celebrating important events. The users marked the Month of psychological health, also the International Family Day. With discussions relating the importance of firefighters, their day was marked on 20th of May. St. Cyril and Methodius Day was marked with a workshop, in which the Macedonian letters were read and written.
Social games like darts, bowling, cards were played in the past period as well.
