CRPM North Macedonia - SMART Balkans

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Enhancing Civic Education through Collaborative Dialogues

Zaječar Initiative, a National Intervention grant recipient, is taking proactive steps to enhance civic education in Serbia. They organized meetings in Niš and Kragujevac, bringing together professors, teachers, and representatives from the civil sector to discuss challenges in teaching civic education and propose improvements.

The recurring theme of instilling virtues in young people from formal education to create better citizens suggests a focus on character development alongside academic knowledge. The participants seem to be emphasizing the need for more engaging and effective civic education.

In Niš, discussions revolved around the experiences of professors and teachers, highlighting problems in teaching civic education and offering recommendations.

Similarly, in Kragujevac, the focus was on making civic education more interesting and effective. The proposals discussed included the modernization of textbooks, manuals, and teaching methods, as well as standardizing the curriculum. Additionally, there was an emphasis on introducing topics related to the growth and maturation of young people.

The Zaječar Initiative plans to conduct similar consultative meetings in three more cities, involving various stakeholders in civic education. The outcomes of these meetings will be compiled into another policy brief document with consolidated recommendations, which will be submitted to competent institutions for consideration.

It’s encouraging to see collaborative efforts to enhance civic education and address the challenges faced by educators in Serbia. The emphasis on modernization, standardization, and inclusivity in curriculum development reflects a commitment to providing a more engaging and relevant civic education for students.

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Empowering Community Composting

Community composting fosters a sense of environmental responsibility and can teach community members about the importance of waste reduction and sustainable practices. Composters have been distributed to 6 primary and secondary schools, as well as 3 groups of neighbors.

In a broader context, composters are utilized by approximately 5,500 male and female students, more than 500 employees in schools, and over 30 households in Novi Sad and the surrounding area. These communities have the opportunity to learn in a practical way how to set up and maintain a composter and to discover the potential benefits of composting, including reducing waste, strengthening local self-organization and collective action, preserving the environment and natural resources, and much more. Along with the composter, short technical instructions on how to set it up, what (not) to put in it, and how to maintain it were shared. The installation of the composter requires very little time, and it can be installed by one or two people.

In total, more than ten composters will be distributed to communities.

Alternative approach: Developing a National Strategy for combating corruption in Serbia 2023-2028

This Alternative Approach outlines the primary strategy for the preparation and implementation of anti-corruption measures in Serbia for the period 2023-2028. Referred to hereinafter as the “Strategy,” it is currently under public debate.

The primary focus of the Strategy is the comprehensive combat against corruption in Serbia, addressing both real and perceived instances. The key element involves tackling fictitious corruption as well as actual cases that contribute to the overall perception of corruption. Despite adherence to legal regulations, a noticeable acceleration of corruption persists, exploiting existing loopholes and aligning seamlessly with the intricacies of the law. In response to these challenges, the proposed Strategy adopts a comprehensive approach.

It is crucial to emphasize that anti-corruption efforts should not be framed as mere opposition to corruption itself. Such an approach might inadvertently strengthen ties to corruption. Instead, the primary emphasis should be on promoting transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law. By adopting this perspective, the Strategy aims to effectively curb corruption, ultimately contributing to a significant reduction in corruption levels in Serbia.

To review the Alternative Approach , click HERE.

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1st SMART Balkans Study Visit in N. Macedonia

From October 17th to 19th, the Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM), in partnership with the SMART Balkans implementing partners, Centar za promociju civilnog društva i IDM Albania, organized a three-day study visit as part of the SMART Balkans project. study visits are envisaged as activities for the exchange of best practices and experiences in achieving results and making an impact on society. These visits will ultimately contribute to building strategic partnerships between CSOs themselves and between CSOs and state institutions at the state and local levels. To that end, project partners within SMART Balkans will organize three study visits, starting from year 2 of the project lifecycle.

We brought together fifteen representatives from organizations across the Western Balkans, all committed to addressing environmental issues and battling corruption. Together, we explored the vital role of civil society organization in addressing the issues.

Day 1: Strengthening collaboration and anti corruption strategies

The first day started at the Assembly of the Republic of N. Macedonia. We had the opportunity to interact with experts from civil society organizations who are experts in environmental matters. Additionally, we had fruitful discussions with members of the Macedonian Green Parliamentary Group.

The second session, hosted at the Center for Civil Communications (CCC), focused on strategies to combat corruption through monitoring public procurement and concessions. Participants concluded that efforts are needed to monitor public procurements, as they hold potential information regarding corrupt practices.

The third session took place at the Council of Inspection Authorities, where an e-platform for environmental inspection was presented. The discussion emphasized the necessity of strengthening the State Inspectorates’ capacities, particularly in matters of integrity, as they play a vital role in both combating corruption and avoiding potential sources of it.

The day concluded with a workshop facilitated by the Center for Environmental Democracy – Florozon, which aimed to establish an informal regional network of organizations dedicated to combating corruption within the environmental sector.

Day 2: Success stories in the fight against corruption

Day two featured sessions hosted by representatives of civil society organizations dedicated to the fight against environmental corruption.

Zekija Memdova Hristova from the Green Institute presented their project related to the “Drisla” case, emphasizing the changes made in waste management regulations.
Olgca Naumovska from the Environmental Association “VILA ZORA” shared their success in closing the smelter “Topolnica” in Veles and highlighted the importance of civic engagement in the fight for civil rights.
In the afternoon, Kiril Ristovski from the Center for Environmental Democracy – Florozon presented a project supported by SMART Balkans, aiming to establish mechanisms for combating environmental corruption.
Bojan Trpeski from the Macedonian Young Lawyers Association presented a mechanism for litigation of civil society organizations before the courts on issues related to corruption in the environment.

Day 3: Insights from key institutions and exploring partnerships

On the final day, the study visit included visits to the State Inspectorate for Environment and the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption. These visits provided valuable insights into their roles and competencies in the fight against corruption. Both institutions highlighted their collaboration with civil society organizations and the synergy they bring to the table in combating corruption on various fronts.

The last session of the visit was dedicated to exploring new opportunities for partnerships among civil society organizations in the region, with a focus on enhancing their collective impact.

The three-day journey provided a comprehensive overview of strategies and collaborations in the ongoing battle against corruption within the environmental domain. The need for enhanced cooperation between civil society organizations and green parliamentarian groups in the region became evident.

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Announcement: Study Visit – Environmental Corruption Risks in the Western Balkan region – the case of N. Macedonia

Background

As part of the SMART Balkans project, study visits are envisaged as activities for the exchange of best practices and experiences in achieving results and making an impact on society. These visits will ultimately contribute to building strategic partnerships between CSOs themselves and between CSOs and state institutions at the state and local levels. To that end, project partners within SMART Balkans will organize three study visits, starting from year 2 of the project lifecycle.

Basic Info

The first study visit will take place in Skopje, N. Macedonia and it will be organized by the SMART Balkans project implementing partner, the Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM).

The study visit will be organized in 3 days: October, 17^th 2023 – October 19^th 2023

The topic of the study visit will be “Environmental Corruption Risks in the Western Balkan region – the case of N. Macedonia”.

The participants in the study visit are representatives of the civil society organizations working in the area of corruption and/or environment or preferably tackling the issues of environmental corruption from each of the 6 beneficiary countries of SMART Balkans project.

Why the proposed topic?

Corruption in the environment is a significant issue in the Western Balkans region. Corruption in the environmental sector in this region can manifest in various ways and has serious consequences for both the environment and society. The fight against corruption in the environment in the Western Balkans faces several significant challenges that can hinder progress and make it difficult to achieve meaningful results. Some of the main challenges include:

Deep-Rooted Corruption Culture
Lack of Political Will
Weak Legal Frameworks
Limited Enforcement and Resources
Nepotism and Patronage
Judicial Independence
Fragmented Regulatory Environment
Transparency and Access to Information
Economic Interests
Civil Society and Media Constraints

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach, including legislative reforms, capacity building, public awareness campaigns, and international support. The involvement of civil society, the media, and international organizations is crucial in pushing for transparency, accountability, and meaningful change in the fight against corruption in the environmental sector in the Western Balkans. Therefore, the tasks of this study visit is to stimulate exchange of best practices and experiences in the area of fight against corruption in the environment and specially to facilitate partnerships in making greater impact in the societies by combining resources regionally.

Where do citizens most recognize the phenomenon of corruption in the local community? CEMA analysis

Where do citizens most recognize the phenomenon of corruption in the local community?
To what extent are local self-government bodies transparent in their work?

These are a few key questions whose answers can be found in the analysis titled “Perception of the citizens of Čačak regarding the phenomenon of corruption in the local community,” conducted by our cooperating partner, Center for Monitoring and Activism – CEMA, local initiative grant recipient under the SMART Balkans project.

Read the full analysis HERE.

Educational Brochure – Teaching the Youngest About Fire Safety Hazards and Procedures

Volunteer Fire Department – Sveti Nikole from N. Macedonia, Local Initiative grant recipient, developed an educational brochure “Teaching the youngest about fire safety hazards and procedures”.

This initiative aims to enhance the understanding of risks and dangers associated with fires among children and other specified target groups in primary schools within the municipality of Sveti Nikole.

During the month of October 2023, ten educational workshops will be held for the youngest pupils in elementary schools in Sveti Nikole, Macedonia. Children from grades 1 to 5 will receive the brochures and learn about what a fire is, why it occurs, how it is caused, and they will also learn how to protect themselves and evacuate in the event of a fire.

The brochure was created with the support of the regional project SMART Balkans – Civil society for Shared Society in the Western Balkans, implemented by the Centar za promociju civilnog društva (CPCD) the Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM) and the Institute for Democracy and Mediation (IDM), financially supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NMFA).

Read the brochure HERE.

Djina Humanitarian Association

Description

It is necessary to create new approaches and improve existing local multisectoral mechanisms, thanks to which members of the Roma community at economic risk in four municipalities in Vojvodina will be enabled to have more effective access to health and social services, as well as support for timely prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases.

Trained members of the field team will conduct an information campaign aimed at the target group, organize preventive examinations and provide assistance for reaching health institutions. Through work in the field, we will collect real information about the health habits, needs and difficulties faced by vulnerable citizens, which will serve as a basis for further advocacy actions aimed at improving the position of the Roma community, along with an accompanying educational and media campaign.

Main goal: Contribution to the prevention of further deterioration of the health and socio-economic situation of Roma in four municipalities in Serbia through the urgent implementation of various field activities and the provision of direct support.

Target group and main beneficiaries

Roma people in the rural areas of the municipalities of Bečej, Vrbas, Ada, Srbobran, with poor material and social status
School employees and students in rural areas of Bečej, Vrbas, Ada, Srbobran municipalities
decision makers at the local level

Main activities

Basic training modeled on health mediation in order to implement field visits and inform citizens from the Roma population in four municipalities in Vojvodina.
Providing assistance in the realization of health and social rights and raising the level of information of Roma in four municipalities in Vojvodina.
The tour of potentially vulnerable individuals and families on the ground in four municipalities – 10 settlements, includes about 1,000 people.
Educational activities in 10 schools with the aim of informing about health and social issues.
Survey of habits, attitudes of citizens from vulnerable groups and difficulties in the social-health system in four municipalities in Vojvodina.
Providing assistance in exercising rights and raising the level of information among Roma in four municipalities in Vojvodina.

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Schoolaboratory 007

The Skogled Association, beneficiary of Local Initiative grant is dedicated to developing an urban-educational approach called Skograd in Belgrade’s marginalized suburb, Ledine. Their focus is on addressing unnoticed urban problems through community mobilization and alternative education methods, whilst their vision is to enhance the community’s social capacity by working with children in Ledine, promoting a more equitable society through collective local action. Skogled’s open public space initiatives are highly visible and involve the entire community, with the goal of encouraging all children from the settlement to enroll in the local school, fostering intercultural dialogue and responding to the specific needs of these children beyond institutional boundaries. This year’s Schoolaboratory 007, with support of the SMART Balkans project, was held from August 26th to September 1st.

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Psychosocial Innovation Network (PIN)

Description

From September to November 2023, PIN is carrying out a project that focuses on providing psychological support to employees in educational institutions via the Psychological support program for individuals facing crises. This program includes psychoeducational sessions, support groups, and individual consultations with a psychologist. The global goal of this project is to restore a sense of security through the provision of psychological support to employees in educational institutions, including teachers, professors, school psychologists, and many more, with special reference to the current crisis and unpredictable situations.

The specific goals of this project are:

Creation of a safe space for employees and education on ways to create a safe space for themselves and their students in the future;
Education of employees in educational institutions about the phenomenon of psychological crisis, better understanding of personal experiences, and providing support to oneself and others;
Raising awareness of the importance of mental health care;
Empowering employees and improving their internal resources to deal with the current crisis;
Development of new skills that additionally help employees in dealing with stress as a frequent companion of crisis;
Development of new skills that additionally help employees in dealing with various symptoms that are a consequence of exposure to stress during the current crisis (such as depressive and anxiety reactions)

Target group and main beneficiaries

In addition to children, young people, and parents, employees in educational institutions stand out as one of the groups that are directly threatened by the crisis event that happened in May, but also by sudden changes in the organization of work, which bring with them a significant set of stressors, as evidenced by numerous data related to with situations of mass shootings in schools abroad. Therefore, employees in educational institutions will benefit most from the project activities.

Main activities

A psycho-educational session that includes one meeting where employees would learn about the phenomenon of psychological crisis, types of different crises, stages in crisis situations, as well as the consequences of exposure to a certain crisis, as well as the ways in which they can support themselves and others in a crisis.
Support groups for employees in educational institutions, which would involve continuous meetings. The support groups would include a combination of psychoeducational and experiential work according to a previously developed and empirically tested program. Employees would develop a social network in a safe environment, which together with a professional psychologist, who would lead the groups, would be an additional source of support in a crisis.
A 1-on-1 psychological consultation with a professional psychologist would imply the possibility of organizing meetings with employees who express the need to consult with a professional psychologist outside the context of support groups.