Macedonia

The Republic of Macedonia is making significant efforts to develop a society based on democratic principles, establish a viable market economy, and explore new forms of governance that respect diversity and human rights. Although progress has been made, both inflation and unemployment rates remain high, while industrial production continues to fall.

Currently, Volunteers serve in small towns, villages, and regional centers throughout the country. They assist Macedonia in its challenging transition by working in English language education serving in primary and secondary schools, and assisting and serving in nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and local governments to improve their organizational, managerial skills, and practices. Volunteers work in education and community development.

Education

There is a continued need for qualified English teachers at both the primary and secondary levels in Macedonia, especially in small towns. Peace Corps English language resource teachers work in the classroom and as resource teachers. They work collaboratively with their Macedonian counterparts to promote applicable and current teaching methods and approaches, especially interactive and communicative techniques. Many of the schools where Volunteers are placed have limited resources so they work with Macedonian colleagues and others in the community to develop strategies to improve the educational resources. Additionally, Peace Corps and Macedonia's Ministry of Education have identified a need to enhance cooperation and collaboration among teachers from various schools in neighboring communities.

Community Development

Peace Corps has merged the environmental and municipal/NGO development sectors into a new community development program. Volunteers are improving the organizational and managerial skills and practices of local organizations, so that these organizations, together with their communities, can discern, develop, and implement activities and programs that address local needs. Volunteers are working with a wide variety of NGOs, educational institutions, departments of local government, community groups and community members.

As government structures are transformed from the former centralized socialist systems to decentralized and localized systems with greater autonomy and decision-making authority, government officers need to learn how to operate effectively in this new environment. Whole systems of organization, communication, networking, distribution and processing of the local municipality's responsibilities need revision and new thinking. Mayors want to be responsive to local needs and are always searching for opportunities to increase local revenues and development support. NGOs are also seeking ways to become more active and effective in addressing needs of communities in areas such as the environment, business, youth development, women's development, Roma education, and disabled rights.

Funds from USAID and other European government development programs have helped during this transition, however there is a growing need for local organizations to be more self-sustaining. These local organizations from small towns and communities are especially anxious to learn how to create partnerships and secure useful projects for the home community to provide better services to their constituents. Peace Corps Volunteers are assisting in these efforts and are focusing on creating greater links and cooperation among municipalities, NGOs and community members.

Last updated Sep 27 2008