Volunteering for Acceptance and Diversity

feedback from volunteer: 

“First of all, thank you for giving me the opportunity. I’m glad I went, it was a great experience, just a shame that I had to go back to school: D I met plenty of great people, traveled to many beautiful destinations. I am glad that the project has taken place in the Balkans, where life is a bit different than in the European Union. As far as the project is concerned, the topic is totally sad and it suited me. Its necessary for discussion in these latitudes, not just because of refugees, but also because of interethnic cohabitation majorities and minorities not only in Macedonia, but perhaps also in the wider neighborhood. I hope we made time for refugees in such a hard time in the Tabanovcia camp a bit better. I also believe that we raised awareness at least a little bit about them in Kumanovo, but not just of them, but also about solidarity, freedom, anti-racism, democracy and so on. 3 months is a short time, I can still imagine to stay here longer, even a year. Maybe after school, it will be time to find something else for a longer time. In any case, this stay has strengthened me in my attitude, that I certainly wanted to remain in the future rather in “non-governmental” sphere ” than in academic one.” Štefan

I attach a link to a video I was co-authored and was presented on the International Day of Peace in Kumanovo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUwPyqF61ww

Summary what was EVS about: 

The project “Volunteering for Acceptance and Diversity” was a short term EVS project that was built around the idea of volunteering service as a main tool in raising awareness of human rights, tolerance and acceptance of diversity as well as promoting inclusion and intercultural learning. The project focused on the current refugee crisis and develop activities to raise awareness of the communities where the volunteers are hosted about the refugees. It also aimed to promote solidarity and cooperation especially by motivating organizations to engage with the refugees and offer support for them.

The main objectives of the project were:
– to develop empathy and acceptance of the refugees through local community actions and storytelling
– raise awareness about the refugee crisis and their reasons to migrate
– develop educational activities to be presented in schools about the refugee situation
– to provide support to activists working on safe-passage of young refugees, migrants and asylum seekers
– to engage the local community in dialogue with the young refugees, migrants and asylum seekers

The volunteers were working with local youth workers and youth leaders to implement different types of actions and initiatives in the local community on the topic of migration. They tried to promote acceptance and tolerance of diversity through several educational activities, among which are public photo exhibitions, cultural presentations, open debates, blogs, educational workshops, flashmobs, charity events, living libraries, movie projections, etc.)