On 6th April 2026, the team of the Resource Centre Shtip visited local organisations from Makedonska Kamenica in order to present the services, opportunities and forms of support offered by the Civic Resource Centre, but also to discuss about the challenges, needs and positive examples in the civil society development.
During the meeting, it was emphasised that local and smaller organisations most often operate with limited human, financial and organisational capacities. In such conditions, they often look up to larger organisations, especially those that have the opportunity to act regionally, as important partners, leaders and sources of support, mentorship and connections.
The need for greater visibility and promotion of local events and manifestations, such as the international festival "Jakov od Kamena Reka" and "Babina banica", which have significance beyond the local community, but receive limited support, was particularly emphasized. Those present pointed out that the media rarely report on such positive local initiatives, which is why the activities of civil society organisations often remain insufficiently visible to the wider public.
The meeting also highlighted the need for more substantial and strategic support from the Municipality, especially in the area of culture. Although the Municipality of Makedonska Kamenica has the highest budget for culture per capita, it was pointed out that funds are often directed towards short-term and commercially popular content, instead of cultural events and initiatives that bring long-term value, international recognition and sustainable development of the local cultural scene.
Additionally, those present stressed the importance of greater support for children and young people, who are increasingly seeking opportunities for development outside their community. Investing in young talents – musicians, artists, creatives and other young people with potential – can contribute not only to their personal development, but also to their retention, active involvement and creation of a better quality of life in the local environment.
It was pointed out that the Municipality provides funding for local organisations, as well as co-financing when applying for European and other funds. However, the procedures for accessing these funds are perceived as lengthy, administratively complex and insufficiently accessible, which is a serious obstacle for smaller organisations with limited capacities.
The visit to the Mobile Resource Centre in Makedonska Kamenica once again confirmed that local organisations have a strong will and ideas to contribute to community development, but they need greater institutional and media support. With appropriate allocation of resources and attention to youth and cultural events, significant development and greater visibility of civil society organizations can be achieved.
This activity was implemented within the project "EU Support to the Civil Society Resource Centre - Phase 2", funded by the European Union, and implemented by the National Civil Society Development Foundation Civic Resource Centre, the Macedonian Centre for International Cooperation (MCIC), Media Plus, Shtip and the Association for Democratic Initiatives - ADI, Gostivar.
