NORTH MACEDONIA – The RYCO Local Branch Office in North Macedonia in cooperation with the OSCE Mission to Skopje and the Agency of Youth and Sport (AYS) of North Macedonia, organized eight info sessions with more than 150 young people coming from different towns and regions. The events took place from 11 November to 7 December in Veles, Kichevo, Tetovo, Gostivar, Ohrid, Struga, Gevgelija, Valandovo, Kochani and Sveti Nikole, bringing together youth of diverse backgrounds.
During the info sessions, the young people were acquainted with the current projects and the work of RYCO, as well as with the numerous volunteering and youth engaging opportunities. The support of the establishment and proper functioning of the Local Youth Councils in each municipality was once again emphasized by the OSCE Mission to Skopje. The Local Youth Councils represent the legitimate body for young people to address their needs and requests in the local communities.
The representatives of the Agency of Youth and Sports of North Macedonia encouraged young people to identify and address their needs to local bodies and institutions in aim to create environment that will enable them to fully develop their potentials. On the other hand, young people present at the info sessions noted the need for a wider offer of different youth, sports and cultural programs that would contribute to their personal development.
Throughout the events, a safe environment was created as an open space for young people to discuss challenges and also to share experiences among each other. These events are part of the efforts of RYCO and partners to reach to all of the young people living in different communities, giving them the equal chance to information on youth opportunities as their peers in bigger cities.
Young people were encouraged to visit the social media pages and the website of RYCO, where they can be timely informed on all open calls and project so they can become active young citizens within their communities. We are staying devoted in working for and with youth, thus creating our new programs and projects based on the needs expressed by the young people.