On 27 February, marking the International Day of Non-Governmental Organisations, the Civic Resource Centre (CRC) organised four parallel events in different cities across the country, bringing together civil society organisations, youth, activists, and representatives of local authorities around a shared goal – strengthening civil society as a driver of positive social change.
CRC Skopje: Training on Developing Project Ideas Using the Logical Framework Approach
At the Civic Resource Centre in Skopje, a training session was held on “Developing Project Ideas Using the Logical Framework Approach,” aimed at strengthening the capacities of civil society organisations to create clear, sustainable, and well-structured project ideas based on real needs.
Participants worked on problem analysis and developing problem trees; goal analysis and selection of intervention strategies; stakeholder analysis; as well as developing a logical framework and intervention logic. Through practical group work and discussions, they connected project ideas with broader social changes and examined risks and assumptions in implementation.
Regarding the practical applicability of the acquired knowledge, Sanjica Miloševska Danevska from the Association HOPS – Options for a Healthy Life Skopje shared: “I decided to participate in this training because I want to improve my skills in developing quality and sustainable project ideas. I believe that the knowledge gained will enable us to apply more confidently to calls and contribute more effectively to community development.”
The training also contributed to expanding knowledge on systematic project planning and better understanding of cause-and-effect relationships between problems, objectives, and results, which is key to developing effective interventions.
“With today’s training, I expanded my knowledge regarding project ideas based on the logical framework approach. At the same time, networking with participants from other organisations and associations was very positive,” said Jovan Damjanoski from NGO Prerodba Kičevo.
RC Štip: Youth Info Day – “Get Involved, Make a Change!”
At the Resource Centre in Štip, a youth information day was held under the motto “Get involved, make a change!”, gathering around 60 children and young people. The event was organised in three sessions and offered practical information about the role of civil society organisations and opportunities for active participation.
Young participants discussed how civil society organisations function, how associations are established and contribute to society, as well as volunteering, activism, and initiating community actions.
Through a simulation of a meeting of an imaginary organisation, they proposed solutions to specific challenges – from lack of resources in schools to community safety and the impact of artificial intelligence on natural resources.
Evgenija Doneva from the Association Admeliora Štip shared: “The event was extremely useful and inspiring, with clear and practical information about the role of the civil sector and opportunities for youth engagement through volunteering and activism. I especially appreciate the open discussion and direct communication with representatives of civil society organisations, who highlighted the importance of active civic participation through their own experiences. I believe that such events play a significant role in motivating young people to become drivers of positive social change.”
RC Gostivar: Public Debate – “The Role of Civil Society Organisations in Community Development”
The Resource Centre in Gostivar marked the International Day of NGOs with a public debate attended by around 20 long-standing activists from the region.
Participants first reflected on the beginnings of the NGO sector in the country, shared their experiences from that period and the challenges they faced, and then drew parallels with today’s challenges. The discussion focused on achievements so far and areas that still require significant work. Participants agreed that civil society organisations need support, and proposed ideas such as initiating cross-sector platforms with the business community, providing financial support for small local organisations from the state, and creating local advocacy coalitions.
Renata Nackovska Smilkoska, a representative from the Youth and Community Centre, stated:
“Almost all of us face the same challenges, which is why together we can achieve more.”
“This debate reflected the challenges we face as a civil sector, the positive achievements, and the solidarity needed to overcome difficulties,” said Lorik Idrizi from BIRC Institute in Tetovo.
Visit to the Mobile Resource Centre in Demir Hisar
Regional experts from the CSRC for the Polog and Southwest planning regions conducted a visit to the Mobile Resource Centre in the Municipality of Demir Hisar. In addition to local civil society organisations, representatives of the municipal administration, as well as young activists and volunteers from the Red Cross Municipal Organisation in Demir Hisar, attended the meeting.
Participants were informed about current national developments, funding opportunities, mentorship support, and the services offered by the project “EU Support to the Civil Society Resource Centre – Phase 2.”
“We received detailed information about the work of CRC and the opportunities it offers for informing and networking civil society organisations. We discussed the challenges faced by CSOs at the local level through an open discussion. We also agreed on some future joint activities that will benefit the community we live in. I believe we marked the World NGO Day in a meaningful way,” said Zoran Stevanovski from the Red Cross Municipal Organisation of Demir Hisar.
“At the meeting, we learned about the mentorship support opportunities offered by CRC to improve our work and develop our association. My message is: walk the mountains so you don’t have to walk to pharmacies,” said Peco Despotovski, representative of the Mountaineering Association Bigla from Demir Hisar.
Through these four parallel events, the Civic Resource Centre reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening capacities, networking, and supporting civil society organisations and youth across the country. Participants emphasized the importance of a strong, active, and influential civil society as a voice of the citizens and a driver of progress—one that recognizes community needs, initiates concrete solutions, and contributes to improving the quality of life.
The project “EU Support to the Civil Society Resource Centre – Phase 2” is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Civic Resource Centre Foundation, the Macedonian Centre for International Cooperation, the Association for Democratic Initiatives – Gostivar, and Media Plus – Štip.
