Activities on local level

PORAKA Radovis

The Center for support of persons with intellectual disability – PORAKA Radovis continues with activities on local level within the national campaign for promotion of equality for persons with intellectual disability “Through DIVERSITY to EQUALITY in the society”, organized by the Republic center for support of persons with intellectual disability – PORAKA, and realized with its local branches during 2007.
In September we introduced the goals and objectives of the national campaign to the public in Radovis through the local media as well as the basic principles: rights, representation, recognition and respect, which are the foundation for realization of this campaign.
Special accent was put on raising public awareness regarding the needs and potentials of persons with intellectual disability, their human rights and acceptance of diversity as a benefit in the democratic society.
The cooperation with the two primary and one secondary school in Radovis continued regarding the realization of the thematic lessons “What is intellectual disability?”. On 20.09.2007 thematic lesson was held in the primary school “Krste Petkov Misirkov” by the president of PORAKA Radovis, Lila Susinova, the secretary of PORAKA Radovis, Kika Caeva, and Tatjana Kostadinova, engaged person in the day center of PORAKA in Radovis together with two of the beneficiaries of the day center. On 25.09.2007 thematic lesson was held in the primary school “Nikola Karev” with pupils from the fifth and the seventh grade by the president of PORAKA Radovis, the engaged person in the day center and parents of persons with intellectual disability. The pupils received basic information regarding the condition of the persons with intellectual disability, their potentials and possibilities if they are given equal place in all spheres of society life, starting from education for all to their rehabilitation and employment.
The pupils were satisfied with the received information for the persons with intellectual disability and we have discussed with the teachers about joint workshops during the next period.

PORAKA Stip

Within the national campaign realized by the Republic center for support of persons with intellectual disability – PORAKA with its local branches under the motto” Through DIVERSITY to EQUALITY in the society”, the Center for support of persons with intellectual disability – PORAKA Stip held public discussion on subject: “Equality for persons with intellectual disability in the society”.
The public discussion was held in the Center for special secondary education “Iskra” – Stip on 23.11.2007. Participants were students of the Center for special secondary education “Iskra”, the professors, members of the Executive Board of PORAKA Stip, members and their parents, representatives from the Center for social work, the Agency for employment, Medical center – Stip, the day center for children with special needs – Stip.
Jordanco Stoimanov, president of PORAKA Stip presented the goals and objectives of the Center for support of persons with intellectual disability – PORAKA Stip. Dobrinka Veselinova presented the concept and the goals of the national campaign which the Republic center – PORAKA is realizing with its 20 local branches. Liljana Krstevska, social worker and secretary of PORAKA Stip, discussed about the Law for Employment of Persons with Disabilities, the rights and the obligations that persons with intellectual disability have if they are employed according this law. Blagica Jovanova, member of the Executive Board of PORAKA Stip, read the recommendations for changes and supplements of the Draft for adopting a Law for Social Protection and Social Security prepared by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, which were passed by the Executive Board of PORAKA Stip.
Based on the discussions from the public debate conclusions were made, which we all will make efforts to be realized in the future.
The local TV station “IRIS” – Stip covered the public debate.

PORAKA Gevgelija

Within the campaign “Through DIVERSITY to EQUALITY in the society”, the Center for support of persons with intellectual disability – PORAKA Gevgelija distributed the promotional material to the public places in Municipality of Gevgelija. Also, thematic lessons were held in “Josif Josifovski” on the subject “What is intellectual disability?”, and the public was introduced with the goals of the campaign through the media.
On 14.11.2007, in the Home of the Association of organizations of disability, round table was held, where it was discussed about the rights of persons with intellectual disability in Republic of Macedonia and their advancement. Zorzina Gligorova, the president of PORAKA Gevgelija, introduced the goals of the campaign. Then Filip Filipovski said that the campaign has a positive style and it is aimed towards the public with special focus on the institutions, which create the policy and enforce the laws on national and local level. The campaign should contribute towards improvements and realization of the legal frame, which regulates the rights of persons with intellectual disability and their families especially the Law for Social Protection and Social Security.
The representative from the Center for employment, Angel Dinovski, emphasized that there are around ten employed persons with disability in sheltered workshops. He explained about the subventions given from the state through the Special Fund, and according to the Law for Employment of Persons with Disabilities, which are intended for the employed persons but also for the employers.
Two students who participated on the round table were interested why was the special class in the primary school “Krste Misirkov” in Gevgelija closed. Zorzina Gligorova and Ruska Petrova, representative from the education, explained that due to the decreased number of pupils, they were accepted in the regular classes.
At the end of the discussions it was concluded that PORAKA Gevgelija shall continue to work on advancement of the legal frame, which regulates the rights of persons with intellectual disability; with positive actions, coordinated joint activities between the local authorities and non-governmental organizations, to contribute for overcoming the discrimination; acknowledgement of the possibilities and potentials of persons with intellectual disability; building good relations and respect towards persons with intellectual disability.

PORAKA Kriva Palanka

            On 25th of October 2007, the Center for support of persons with intellectual disability – PORAKA Kriva Palanka held public debate within the campaign “Through DIVERSITY to EQUALITY in the society”.
On this public debate participants were: representatives from the local self-government, Center for employment, the Fund for health insurance, Centar for social work, primary and secondary education, as well as parents of persons with intellectual disability.
The president of PORAKA Kriva Palanka presented the goals and objectives of PORAKA Kriva Palanka. The representative from the Republic center for support of persons with intellectual disability – PORAKA presented the concept of the national campaign for equality of persons with intellectual disability, the goals and objectives of this campaign, as well as the activities taken on national level. The president of PORAKA Kriva Palanka, then, presented the activities taken within this campaign on local level. The representatives from the local self-government discussed about their role in realization of the rights of persons with disability and the activities they are taking in order to improve the situation of persons with disability in Municipality of Kriva Palanka. The representative from the Center for employment explained the Law for Employment of Persons with Disability, and informed about the number of employed persons with disability according this law. The representative from the Fund for health insurance presented the legal opportunities within the Law for Health Insurance, which refer to persons with intellectual disability. The Director of the Center for social work explained the important parts of the Law for Social Protection and informed about the number of persons with intellectual disability that receive allowances according to this law.
The presentations from the representatives from the relevant institutions in Municipality of Kriva Palanka were followed by discussions and questions from the parents of persons with intellectual disability.
The public debate ended with information for future activities that will be taken within the campaign on local level.

PORAKA Strumica

            PORAKA Strumica started the national campaign “Through DIVERSITY to EQUALITY in the society” in cooperation and support from the association of physically disabled persons, the association of blind persons, the association of parents of children with cerebral palsy and the association of deaf and hard on hearing persons.
PORAKA Strumica prepared a questionnaire that was published in 4.000 copies and distributed to the three secondary schools and the four primary schools in Strumica. One or two classes from each grade that were selected randomly have been questioned. After the analysis, the following results were received: 90% of the pupils notice children with disability; if they have a child with disability in their class they will accept him/her nad provide help; if they say to their parents that they sit in the same school desk with a child with disability, the parents would advise them to offer help; if they see a child with disability on the street they will not turn away, but will help him/her to cross the street.
The activities in the “Club for children and youngsters with intellectual disability” began on 11.09.2007 in facilities of the local self-government. The activities are performed every Tuesday and Thursday from 16:00 – 18:00. There is one large room which is a workshop for occupational activities and education; one smaller room where beneficiaries learn to read and write; kitchen which is used for education of children with autism and stimulation of the speech, and afterwards as a place they have refreshments.
After the beginning of these activities, PORAKA Strumica and the Assembly of Municipality of Strumica have signed Memorandum for Partnership. Our activities and promptness will contribute in order for local authorities to consider opening a day center for persons with intellectual disability and a workshop for vocational training of young persons with intellectual disability.
At the final activity within this campaign, on 3rd of December – The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Center for support of persons with intellectual disability – PORAKA Strumica held manifestation where it emphasized the positive results during this year, but also the obstacles and problems encountered within the realization of the programme activities.
The Mayor of Municipality of Strumica, Mr. Zoran Zaev, was present on this manifestation, as well as representatives from the local self-government, relevant institutions on local level that work in the area of disability and parents of persons with intellectual disability. Mr. Zoran Zaev expressed his great support and understanding about the everyday problems and needs of persons with intellectual disability. Moreover, he promised that, as before, he will make more efforts for creating new types of services for these persons, within the competencies and possibilities of the municipality.
Children with intellectual disability, members of PORAKA Strumica had the opportunity to recite and sing songs in front of the numerous visitors and the whole public in Strumica and to show that they are equal members of this community.
This event ended with gratitude to those who supported PORAKA Strumica and its activities.
Then, followed an opening of a sales exhibition with handicrafts made by children with intellectual disability beneficiaries of the Club for children and youngsters with intellectual disability. The funds collected from the sale shall be used for providing new materials for different activities.

PORAKA Demir Hisar

            The Center for support of persons with intellectual disability – PORAKA Demir Hisar within its activities during the national campaign for promotion of equality for persons with intellectual disability, on 27.09.2007 in the primary school “Goce Delcev” in Demir Hisar held round table on topic: “We also have a right to education”.
Participants on the round table were representatives from the local self-government, the educational institutions and members of the Executive Board of PORAKA Demir Hisar.
The president of PORAKA Demir Hisar, Mr. Ljube Dimcevski, opened the round table and presented the activities of PORAKA Demir Hisar regarding the support of education for persons with intellectual disability.
Mrs. Zana Josifovska discussed about the Law for Primary Education, and Mrs. Mare Stojmenovska Micevska discussed regarding the experiences in the education of children with intellectual disability.
After the discussions regarding this topic, the following conclusions were passed:  better

1. Provision of education for all children/persons regardless the level of disability as a base for their successful integration in all areas of life;
2. Local self-government should take all measures and activities foreseen in the Law for Local Self-Government (provisions for education) for inclusion of children with mild intellectual disability in regular classes and provision of conditions for education of children with moderate intellectual disability in special classes;
3. Training for the personnel (teachers, professors) who may have children with intellectual disability in their classes to include them in regular education in order to gain enhanced knowledge.  

Another activity of the Center for support of persons with intellectual disability – PORAKA Demir Hisar in the area of education, and within the national campaign for promotion of equality for persons with intellectual disability was the workshop on the topic: “Opportunities for inclusion of children with mild intellectual disability in secondary education”, on 07.11.2007 in the secondary school “Krste P.Misirkov”.
Participants of this workshop were: the Mayor of Municipality of Demir Hisar, representatives from the local self-government, non-governmental organizations, professors in the secondary school “Krste P.Misirkov”, members in the Executive Board and in the Commission for education of PORAKA Demir Hisar, as well as parents of persons with intellectual disability.
Mr. Ljube Dimcevski, president of PORAKA Demir Hisar, opened the workshop, and pointed out that this workshop is organized under the auspices of the Director of the secondary school “Krste P.Misirkov”, Mr. Viktor Mitrevski, under the motto: “We also have a right to speak, give us our opportunities to be with you, these are your obligations”. The subject of the workshop was: “Opportunities for inclusion of persons with mild intellectual disability in the secondary education”. At the same time, he presented the UN Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
In the name of the Director of the secondary school spoke Mr. Vangelko Lozanovski, professor this school, who emphasized the activities of the school and the cooperation with PORAKA Demir Hisar in the area of inclusion of persons with mild intellectual disability in secondary education, now and in the future, when according the Law for Secondary Education that was passed in the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, the secondary education will be mandatory.
Regarding the priorities of the Law for mandatory secondary education Mr. Robert Petrevski, professor in the secondary school, said that the smaller municipalities as well have to create conditions for inclusion of these persons in secondary education, but at the same time to consider their vocational training concerning their further advancement and employment.
Mrs. Valentina Pavlovska from the department of health and social protection in the Municipality of Demir Hisar discussed about the role of the local self-government and its activities in providing financial sources and facilities for education of persons with intellectual disability.
Mrs. Mare Stojmenovska Micevska, active volunteer in PORAKA Demir Hisar, talked about the experiences from education of children with intellectual disability.
At the end of the workshop, the following conclusions were adopted:

1. The Assembly of The Republic of Macedonia has to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in order to be applicable in the country;
2. The local self-government should take all measures and activities in its competence for greater inclusion of persons with intellectual disability in regular mandatory secondary education for persons with mild intellectual disability and in secondary schools for vocational training of persons with moderate intellectual disability;
3. Training of the professors who may have children with intellectual disability in their classes for including them in regular education in order to gain enhanced knowledge;
4. Employment of psychologists, special educators and pedagogues that will be engaged in the education of persons with intellectual disability.

PORAKA Skopje

            The Center for support of persons with intellectual disability – PORAKA Skopje within the national campaign “Through DIVERSITY to EQUALITY in the society”, realized by the Republic center for support of persons with intellectual disability – PORAKA, conducted several activities.
On 07. 11.2007 in the Center for social work of City of Skopje organized a round table on subject: “Social protection and social security of persons with intellectual disability”. Participants on this round table were representatives from the Center for social work of City of Skopje, the departments of social protection from the municipalities in the City of Skopje, the Department of social, child and health protection within the Sector for public work in City of Skopje, the Republic center – PORAKA, PORAKA Skopje, day centers and parents. Introductory presentations on the round table had Vlado Krstovski, Program Assistant in the Republic center – PORAKA, and Jasmina Blazovska from the Center for social work of City of Skopje, Department for persons with disabilities. The conclusions from the round table were distributed to all relevant institutions.
Around 40 thematic lessons were realized on the subject: “What is intellectual disability?” in primary, secondary and tertiary education institutions in Skopje, in which parents – members of PORAKA Skopje were included.
Sales exhibitions of handicrafts from the beneficiaries of the day center of PORAKA in Skopje were placed in the Skopje Fair, on the fairs “Altravita”, “INFOKOM” and the NGO fair. Also, there was an exhibition in “Dare Dzambaz” within the 3rd of December, The International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
PORAKA Skopje permanently distributes the information material (leaflet, poster), which is prepared for the needs of the campaign.

PORAKA Veles

            The activities of PORAKA Veles within the campaign were aimed at realization of the thematic lessons “What is intellectual disability?” on territory of municipality of Veles.
During June, and September and October, all schools in Veles and the municipalities Caska and Gradsko were visited. The campaign was successful and promoted to the parents during the meetings of the parents.
The local radio-station “Radio Goldi” informed about the campaign realized by PORAKA Veles in the schools with segments from teachers or other professionals, but also segments from statements of students and their parents, with comments of a journalist supporting the campaign.
In the past three months PORAKA Veles permanently made pressures to the counsellors in Municipality of Veles for adopting a Local Disability Action Plan, and this Action Plan was unanimously adopted on a special session on 3.12.2007. The Local Disability Action Plan of Municipality of Veles 2008-2010 or known as Agenda 22 represents a strategic document for identification of the needs, goals and priorities for Municipality of Veles for the following three years in order to improve the quality of life and work of persons with disability.
On 3rd of December, The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, exhibition was organized, prepared by children that are our members, but also a joint activity with the children from the day center for children with special needs and the primary school “Ordan Hadzi-Konstantinov-Dzinot” from Veles. 

PORAKA Ohrid and PORAKA Kumanovo

            The local branches of the Republic center for support of persons with intellectual disability  – PORAKA in Kumanovo and in Ohrid, as a final manifestation within the campaign “Through DIVERSITY to EQUALITY in the society” on local level, and within 3rd of December – The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, have organized public events where the documentary film for the day centers of the Republic center – PORAKA was promoted.
In Kumanovo, the documentary film was promoted on 6th of December in a full hall in the Youth Cultural Center. The manifestation included reading poetry, giving letters expressing gratitude and a sales exhibition of handicrafts made by beneficiaries from the day center in Kumanovo.
In Ohrid, the public event where the documentary film was promoted was held on 13th of December in the hall of the Council of Municipality of Ohrid, under auspices of the Mayor of Municipality of Ohrid, Mr. Aleksandar Petreski. After the promotion of the film, there was a discussion regarding the rights and needs of persons with intellectual disability.

PORAKA Kocani

Within the 3rd of December, The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and within the campaign “Through DIVERSITY to EQUALITY in the society”, the Center for support of persons with intellectual disability – PORAKA Kocani, on 4th of December in the lobby of the Center for Culture “Beli Mugri” held sales exhibition of handicrafts and drawings made by the beneficiaries of the day center in Kocani. The money raised with the sales exhibition is aimed for prizes for the beneficiaries and for supply of materials for work in the day center.
Participants on this exhibition were epresentatives from the local self-government of Municipality of Kocani, the Mayor of Municipality of Cesinovo-Oblesevo, representatives from Municipality of Zrnovci, from the Council of Municipality of Kocani, representatives from the health department, the Center for social work, the Center for employment, from the Fund for health and pension insurance, the local department of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, pupils and directors of primary schools, from NGOs, current and potential donors, persons with intellectual disability and their parents.
The president of PORAKA Kocani, Mrs. Svetlana Trninkova, greeted the participants, and put special accent to the rights of persons with intellectual disability, their problems, needs, but mostly of their potentials. The focus was put on the acknowledgements of their possibilities and capabilities, and not on their disability.  If the capacities and potentials of persons with intellectual disability are being accordingly and promptly developed, they can provide more independence of the persons in everyday life and their inclusion in society life.
After the exhibition was opened, many of the handicrafts were sold with noticeable respect towards the handicrafts of the persons with intellectual disability. While some people were buying, others were looking, a representative from “Delta Holding” confection, besides buying handicrafts, donated clothes to the beneficiaries of the day center.
Although the exhibition still lasted, a public debated on subject: “Through diversity to equality in the society” began in the other hall.
The president of PORAKA Kocani made the introductory on the debate within the national campaign organized by the Republic center for support of persons with intellectual disability – PORAKA, and presented the realized and future activities on local level.
The representatives from the local self-government of Municipality of Kocani and Municipality of Zrnovci, as well as the Mayor of Municipality of Cesinovo-Oblesevo discussed about the place and the role of the local self-government in realization of the rights for persons with intellectual disability.
Mr. Bojan Maksimov, representative from the Center for social work in Kocani and a member of the Executive Board of PORAKA Kocani, presented the recommendations prepared by the Republic center – PORAKA for improvements of the legal frame in the new draft for the Law for Social Protection and Social Security.
The local written media and persons that prepare the Internet site of Municipality of Kocani covered this event.

PORAKA Debar

Within the national campaign for promotion of equality for persons with intellectual disability “Through DIVERSITY to EQUALITY in the society”, PORAKA Debar held public debate on 17.11.2007 under the motto: “We also have a right to speak, guve us our opportunities to be with you, that is your obligation”.
Mr. Buran Bala, president of PORAKA Debar, opened the public debate. He presented the goals and objectives of PORAKA Debar, and also discussed about the concept of the national campaign emphasizing its goals and objectives. Moreover, he presented the UN Convention on the Rights of persons with Disabilities.
In his discussion, the Mayor of Municipality of Debar, Argetim Fida MD, talked about the priorities in the changes and supplements of the Law for Health Protection and Health Insurance, as well as about the realization of the human rights of persons with intellectual disability. Mr. Atif Bajramovski explained the priorities in the process of de-institutionalization and realization of human rights for persons with intellectual disability. The Director of the primary school “Bratstvo i Edinstvo”, Mr. Resul Tolumi, discussed about the inclusion of persons with intellectual disability in regular education system, as well as the problems they encounter when being included in the education system.
The interest for this public debate was enormous. This may be evidenced by the presence of many parents of persons with intellectual disability, representatives from relevant institutions. Local self-government. The Mayor and the President of Municipality of Debar promised greater cooperation in the future in order to improve the situation of the persons with intellectual disability in the municipality.

	Activities on local level click to zoom the photos