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News and Events Archive 2007 News and Events 2007 ArchiveDeclaration of Solidarity and Support to the Journalist Iso Rusi
We, the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, declare solidarity and full support to Iso Rusi, journalist and president of the Helsinki Committee, in his freedom of expression right.
The hate speech in Macedonia does not begin now, but achieves culmination of the xenophobia and hatred towards non-like-minded and every single one with no “pure blood”.
The statement of the Democratic Party of Albanians (DPA) is an infringement to the freedom of speech with direct threat to the life and safety.
The seriousness of this statement is even bigger since DPA is a parliamentarian party participating in the Government of the Republic of Macedonia and has access to the state power.
According to the European Convention on Human Rights, the State i.e. the Government is indirectly responsible for cases in which human rights are violated and when are done by a third party, establishing that the Government could have intervened to prevent that.
Since DPA is part of the executive power, the Government is both directly and indirectly called to react.
Therefore, we demand from DPA to demonstrate its democratic capacity, to dissociate itself from the statement and apologize for it. Furthermore, we request the Government of the Republic of Macedonia to deplore the infringement of the freedom of expression and take protective measures for the life and safety of the journalist and citizen Iso Rusi.
Association for Democratic Initiatives (ADI) - Gostivar
Center for Institutional Development (CIRa) - Skopje
Doverba – Skopje
First Children’s Embassy Megjashi - Skopje
Forum CSRD - Skopje
Foundation Open Society Institute - Macedonia (FOSIM) - Skopje
Humanitarian and Charity Association of Roma
Mesecina - Gostivar
Macedonian Center for International Cooperation (MCIC) - Skopje
NGO Info center - Skopje
OXO - Skopje
Polio Plus - Skopje
Union of Women’s Organizations of Macedonia (UWOM) – Skopje
Youth Alliance - Tetovo
Youth Cultural Center – Bitola | | | | DPA ON THE REACTIONS FOR SUPPORT OF ISO RUSI
Reactions come from the Anti-Albanian Parties
Regarding the support given by several NGOs, FOSIM among them, to Iso Rusi after the statement of the Democratic Party of Albanians (DPA) that infringes the freedom of speech with direct threat to the life and safety of Rusi, DPA's reaction has been published in the newspaper Koha.
In the first official statement, DPA’s vice-president and vice-president of the Assembly of RM, Besim Dogani, on behalf of his party repeated the messages of his party, and extended the qualifications towards all those who expressed discontent with the reaction of DPA’s informative service.
Read the article published in Koha >>>, (.pdf, 100 KB) | | | | | | | | WHAT IS CHACHIPE?
Cháchipe means truth, reality or right in Romanes
The Open Society Institute and OSA Archivum announce an international photography contest under the Decade of Roma Inclusion.
The Roma Decade began in 2005 with the participation of nine governments (Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Slovakia), the World Bank and numerous nongovernmental organizations. Its aim is to fundamentally improve the socio-economic status and social inclusion of Roma. In keeping with that broader goal, this contest aims to help combat visual stereotypes associated with Roma and to present Roma people and Roma culture sensitively and artistically.
The contest is open to all, regardless of citizenship, residence or ethnic affiliation, but submissions by photographers of Roma origin are especially encouraged. The contest is open to professional and amateur photographers alike.
After voting by an international jury of professionals and the public, a prize of 1,000 will be awarded in each of four categories. Photos taken in the nine Decade countries can be uploaded from June 1 to July 31, 2007, at http://photo.romadecade.org.
More information:
Ilona Nagy: tel. +36-20-669-3248;
OSA Archivum: +361-327-3250
E-mail: photo@romadecade.org
Read more >>>
| | | | CREATIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING
Seminar on New Teaching Methods and Techniques
Second part of the Seminar on introducing new teaching methods “With reading and writing to critical thinking” will be held in Ohrid on June 3-5, 2007. Professors and assistants teaching at the Faculty of mathematics and natural sciences, Skopje and Faculty of philosophy, Skopje will attend the seminar.
The aim of the seminar is to introduce participants to the new active teaching methods and techniques focused towards students that incite critical thinking and create conditions for more active involvement of students in teaching process. Lecturers at the seminar will be Elena Achkoska-Leshkoska Ph.D. and Vesna Janevski M.A.
| | | | | | | | ASSESSMENT OF THE GOOD GOVERNANCE POTENTIAL IN MACEDONIA
Workshop on ICT Standards in State Institutions
Foundation Open Society Institute - Macedonia (FOSIM) organizes workshop on ICT standards in state institutions. The workshop will be held in Club of Parliamentarians in Skopje starting at 11:30.
Document containing recommendations for ICT standards in state administration will be presented at the workshop. The document is prepared by the IT working group of the Assessment of Good Governance Potential in Macedonia project implemented by FOSIM. ICT component, that is implemented in cooperation with Metamorphosis Foundation, is part of the signed agreement between General Secretariat of the Government of RM and FOSIM.
In order to achieve wider discussion FOSIM invited the following institutions: General Secretariat of the Government of RM, Secretariat for European affairs, Secretariat for judiciary, SOZR, all ministries, Committee for information technology, State office for geodesy, State archive of RM, Center for crisis management, Direction for protection and rescuing, Institute for standardization of RM, MASIT, Macedonian Chambers of Commerce, Economic chamber of Macedonia and Free Software Macedonia.
| | | | REGIONAL WORKSHOP
Improving Housing Microfinance Services for Roma
The regional workshop “Exploring Opportunities for Improving Housing Microfinance Services for Roma” took place in Skopje, 12-13th April. The initiative was financially supported by the network East-East Program: Cross-Border Partnerships. The project holder was Habitat – Macedonia in partnership with the Foundation Open Society Institute-Macedonia and the Foundation “Horizonti”. More than 35 representatives from 16 cross-border partner organizations and representatives from local organizations working in the field of Roma issues attended the event.
The aim of the event was to connect the three areas - micro-financing, housing and Roma. For the purpose of attaining the aim, researches carried out in the region, successful stories and best practices in terms of micro-financing for improving housing conditions in Roma settlements were presented.
More >>> | | | | | | | | Retender II
Supply procurement notice
1. Publication reference
EC/FOSIM/07031IT-OE&F2
2. Procedure
Negotiated procedure withouth publication
3. Programme
EIDHR
4. Financing
Grant Contract No. DDH 2006/118-417, External Actions of European Community
5. Contracting authority
• Foundation Open Society Institute-Macedonia
CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS
6. Description of the contract
The subject of the contract shall be delivery, installation, commissioning, maintenance and aftersales service, by the Contractor, of the following supplies in 2 lots, at the Project Management Office, blvd.Jane Sandanski 26-2/1, 1000 Skopje
7. Number and titles of lots
Lot 3: Communication Equipment
Lot 4: Heating and Conditioning Equipment
Read the complete text | | | | BEST BOOK DESIGN AWARDED
Blesok’s Blues Tribune won the Award
publication with best visual and graphical design
FOSIM’s award for best visual and graphical design of the printed book in the past 12 months was given to Blues Tribune by publishing house Blesok, Skopje. The award was given in the NGO Infocentre premises in Skopje on June 19, 2007.
This is the fourth year as FOSIM gives the award. Blues Tribune was selected from the 17 applications. The independent jury commission was consisted of the following members: Gordana Duvnjak – chair, Andon Davchev – member and Petre Dimov – member. The award is $1.000 US.
| | | | | | | | ASSESSMENT OF GOOD GOVERNANCE POTENTIAL IN MACEDONIA
Good Governance Portal Presented
Assessment of Good Governance Potential in Macedonia project presented good governance portal www.gg.org.mk.
The aim of the portal is to introduce the public and institutions with the concept, definitions and principles of good governance. The portal offers content with domestic and international expert opinions, publications, links to institutions and events from this area.
A poster that will be distributed to all public and state institutions, as well as nongovernmental organizations has been designed in order to promote the portal.
| | | | CREATIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING
Seminar on New Teaching Methods and Techniques
Second part of the Seminar on new teaching methods and techniques “With reading and writing to critical thinking” was held in Ohrid on June 21-23, 2007.
20 professors and assistants from the teaching institutes at the Faculty on mathematics and natural sciences and Faculty for humanitarian arts, Tetovo.
Certified trainers Elena Achkoska-Leshkoska Ph.D. and Vesna Janevski M.A. introduced the participants with the new active methods and techniques focused on the students that incites critical thinking and creates conditions for more active involvement in the teaching process.
| | | | | | | | REGIONAL NGO FAIR IN NEGOTINO
Series of Regional Forums Finished
FOSIM organized the fifth regional NGO fair in Negotino on June 14 and 15, 2007 following the previous four fairs in Strumica, Gostivar, Debar and Delchevo.
Sunchica Kostovska-Petrovska, Civil Society program coordinator, opened the fair stressing that regional fairs are very well accepted by the citizens and civil society organizations. Juta Bulling, European Agency for Reconstruction (EAR) representative and Gjorgji Kjimov, mayor of municipality of Negotino, also participated in the opening ceremony.
About 40 organizations from Negotino, Skopje, Kavadarci, Veles, Gevgelija, Resen, Prilep, Strumica, Shtip, Demir Kapija, Kratovo, Valandovo, Delchevo and other towns participated in the fair. By promotion of the programs at the fair, the organizations had the opportunity to achieve their goals and activities easier. Social and cultural events illustrated the cultural and traditional values. Official opening of the new premises of the Center for local development Antigonea (former NGO support center Negotino) was also part of the agenda.
Regional NGO fairs are organized in the realms of the “Support to a National Civil Society Forum/Platform” – an EU funded project, managed by the European Agency for Reconstruction, and organized on behalf on the civil platform of Macedonia. | | | | Second and Third Work Meeting for Improvement of the Laws' Implementation
 The second and the third work meetings on the “Improvement of the implementation of the Law on free access to information of public character, the Law on safety of classified information and the Law on protection of personal data” were organized on the 10th and the 11th of July 2007.
The target group of the Second Meeting media represenatives and it was expected their direct participation in the discussions to contribute towards exchange of experience regarding eventual problems and questions emerging from the practice. Representatives from banks, insurance companies, mobile and fixed-telephony companies, and internet and cable providers were invited at the Third Meeting to discuss the privacy and the policies for privacy.
Presenters at the meeting included:
►Mrs. Marijana Marushic, Director of the Directorate for protection of personal data;
►Mrs. Lidija Kostovska, Director of the Directorate for safety of the classified information;
►Mr. Janko Nikolovski, President of the Commission for protection of the right on free access to information of public character;
►Mrs. Olga Pesheva, member of the Commission for protection of the right on free access to information of public character;
►Mr. Borche Davitkovski, PhD, Faculty of Law, Skopje;
►Mrs. Ana Pavlovska Daneva, PhD, Faculty of Law, Skopje;
►Mr. Filip Stojanovski from the Metamorphosis Foundation and
►Mrs. Danche Danilovska from the FOSIM.
Organizers and supporters of the meetings were FOSIM and Metamorphosis Foundation in cooperation with the Commission for protection of the right on free access to information of public character, the Directorate for safety of the classified information and the Directorate for protection of personal data. | | | | | | | | New Tutorials for NGOs Posted in MaNGO Resources
MaNGO Resources are updated with a series of tutorials for the NGOs prepared by the World Bank's Small Grants Program.
The documents contain useful advices for the nongovernmental organizations and citizens' associations in various areas: preparing project proposals; project implementation; financial systems; budgeting; monitoring and evaluation; and reporting.
Presenting the outlook of the donors, these short guidelines can contribute to strengthening of the fundraising capacity of the civil society organizations.
| | | | CHACHIPE
Photo Competition Deadline Extended Till August 15
The organizers of Chàchipe - the Decade of Roma Inclusion Photo Contest, Open Society Institute and OSA Archivum, announce extension of the deadline till August 15, 2007.
Decade of Roma Inclusion started in 2005 with participation of the Governments of nine states (Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia), the World Bank and a number of NGOs. Their goal remains fundamental improvement of the socio-economic status of the Roma and their inclusion in the social life. In line with the goal, this contest aims to overcome visual stereotypes connected to Roma and represent them and their culture in a sensitive and artistic manner.
The contest is open to all, regardless of citizenship, residence or ethnic affiliation, but submissions by photographers of Roma origin are especially encouraged. The contest is open to professional and amateur photographers alike.
After voting by an international jury of professionals and the public, a prize of 1,000 will be awarded in each of four categories. Photos taken in the nine Decade countries can be uploaded from June 1 to August 15, 2007, at http://photo.romadecade.org.
More information:
Ilona Nagy: tel. +36-20-669-3248;
OSA Archivum: +361-327-3250
E-mail: photo@romadecade.org
Read more >>>
| | | | | | | | LAW PROGRAM
Monitoring the free access to public information
 On Sunday, September 16th, 2007, training was conducted for 100 applicants in Skopje, who will submit requests to the owners of central level information by using the right from the Law on free access to public information. The goal is to test the implementation of the law during the year 2007. The Macedonian Association of Young Lawyers is the implementing partner of FOSIM in its project activities.
Please visit www.spinfo.org.mk for more details on the activities of the entire project, which also encompasses a component for free legal assistance (also supported by the Swedish Helsinki Committee).
| | | | CIVIL PLATFORM OF MACEDONIA
Conference on legal framework
The Foundation Open Society Institute Macedonia and the Macedonian Center for International Cooperation are organizing a Regional conference on legal framework on behalf of the Civil Platform of Macedonia on the 24th and 25th of September.
The conference will be held in the Alexander Palace Hotel in Skopje, starting from 9.30 am.
The conference is part of the project “Support for the national civil forum/platform” financed by the EU and managed by the European Agency for Reconstruction, and it is organized in cooperation with the European Center for Non-Profit Law (ECNL) from Budapest.
Representatives of the central level institutions have been invited to attend the conference, the members of CPM, other citizens’ organizations, the media etc.
Agenda of the Regional NGO Conference (.DOC, 115KB)
| | | | | | | | FORMAL OPENING
Youth Business Incubator
On the 27th of September, 2007 (Thursday) the Youth Business Incubator which is part of the project Youth Entrepreneurial Services will be formally launched.
At the formal opening, there will be an address by:
A representative of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, H.E. Carl Schiøtz Wibye - Norwegian ambassador to Macedonia, Koce Trajanovski - mayor of the Gazi Baba municipality, Anders Stolan – Research director of SINTEF Norway, Slobodanka Markovska - President of the Executive Board of FOSIM, as well as one of the tenants of the incubator - Jovan Petrov from the company “Malina net”.
Invitation (.PDF, 382KB)
| | | | Roma Pavilion
International Award for Young Curators and Art Critics
The OSI Arts and Culture Network Program, based in Budapest, announced The Roma Pavilion International Award for Young Curators and Art Critics on the theme “Paradise Lost – The First Roma Pavilion” through its Roma Cultural Participation Project. The award is part of this year’s Venice biennale, where the Roma pavilion is displayed. The prize of 1.500 euros will be awarded to the most constructive critical review of this pavilion. Applications will be accepted until November 30, 2007.
For more details on participating you can download the announcement and the application
here (.DOC, 529KB) | | | | | | | | REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON LEGAL FRAMEWORK
Promoting the need for upgrading the legal and fiscal framework for the nongovernmental organizations
The Foundation Open Society Institute - Macedonia and the Macedonian Center for International Cooperation organized a Regional conference on the legal and fiscal framework of the NGOs on behalf of the Civil Platform of Macedonia on the 24th and 25th of September in hotel Alexander Palace.
The project was financially supported by the European Agency for Reconstruction, and it was realized in cooperation with the European Center for Non-Profit Law (ECNL) from Budapest.
Representatives of the associations - members of the Civil Platform of Macedonia as well as representatives of other foreign and domestic citizens’ associations attended the conference.
The conference was opened by Vladimir Milchin and Sasho Klekovski - executive directors of FOSIM and MCIC, Numan Limani and Nikolcho Lazarov from the Ministry of Justice.
Experts from the government institutions in the country elaborated laws that are quintessential for the activities of the civic sector in the Republic of Macedonia; and the steps for overcoming certain legal ambiguities and upgrading the legal provisions were mutually suggested.
The representatives of the government institutions committed to take into consideration the conclusions derived from the conference in the preparation of the amendments of the Law on Citizen’s Associations and Foundations.
For further information about the conference and the entire project, please visit www.gpm.net.mk. | | | | LAW PROGRAM
Reaction to the violations by the members of the special police forces ALFA
The Foundation Institute Open Society – Macedonia reacts to the events of this week, during which the members of the special police forces Alfa exceeded their authorizations and violated the human rights of reporters of Alsat TV. We are particularly concerned by the fact that the Ministry of Interior was waiting for criminal charges to be pressed against the persons involved in order to instigate an investigation. Once again, we would like to remind that the Republic of Macedonia as a member of the Council of Europe and signatory of the European Convention on Human Rights is obliged to promptly investigate these events and on its own initiative. We are expecting the investigation to be thorough and efficient, and that the persons responsible will be appropriately sanctioned.
The citizens can report cases of police abuse on the free phone line of the Human Rights Support Project: 0800 11 333.
You can read the full text of the announcement to the media here (.DOC, 116KB)
| | | | | | | | UN REPRESENTATIVE FOREWARNS
The Government is not guaranteeing the access to information
After visiting Macedonia, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on Human Rights Defenders – Ms. Hina Jilani, emphasized that although progress has been achieved - especially in the legislation which guarantees respect and protection of the human rights, there is still a low level of implementation of the new legal solutions. She called on the Government to immediately set up mechanisms with which the implementation of the laws will be monitored and the protection of the victims whose rights have been violated will be guaranteed.
You can read the special representative’s announcement to the media here (.DOC, 33KB) | | | | CREATIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING
Promotion of the completely renovated amphitheatre at the Faculties of Philology and Philosophy in Skopje
On the 15th of October, 2007, starting from 12 a.m., a formal promotion of the completely renovated large amphitheatre of the faculties of Philology and Philosophy will be held.
A total of 81.000 USD were allocated for the renovation and technical equipping of the large amphitheatre which were conducted as part of the activities of the Creative Teaching and Learning Project implemented by the Foundation Open Society Institute - Macedonia. The amphitheatre will be officially inaugurated by H.E. Gillian Milovanovic, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Macedonia, and the Rector of the University “Sts. Cyril and Methodius” – Skopje, Prof. Dr. Gjorgji Martinovski.
At the formal promotion, there will be an address by Mr. Vladimir Milcin, Executive Director of FOSIM; Prof. Dr. Trajan Gocevski, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy; and Prof. Dr. Maksim Karanfilovski, the Dean of the Faculty of Philology.
| | | | | | | | LAW PROGRAM
Free legal assistance to the citizens for the realization of their right to free access to public information
On the 29th and 30th of September, 2007, the Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia (FOSIM) in cooperation with the Macedonian Young Lawyers Association (MYLA), organized the second advanced training for the lawyers that will be providing free legal assistance to the citizens for the realization of their right to free access to public information. The 16 lawyers - members of the MYLA, provide assistance to the citizens (information seekers) in preparing appeals to the Commission for Protection of the Right to Free Access to Public Information, and represent the citizens in the court of law, in cases when they are denied access to the desired information. The component for free legal assistance is financed by FOSIM and the Swedish Helsinki Committee.
Aside from the lawyers, who were elaborating the issues from the Law on administrative disputes and the Law on general administrative procedure with the domestic lecturers - Mr. Borche Davitkovski, PhD, Faculty of Law, and Mrs Ana Pavlovska – Daneva, PhD, Faculty of Law; foreign experts on free access to information also had their presentations at the meeting - Helen Darbishire, Access Info Europe (Spain) and Milena Deletic, MANS (Montenegro).
Please visit www.spinfo.org.mk
and www.foi.org.mk for further information on the realization of the right to free access to public information. | | | | INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FREE ACCESS TO PUBLIC INFORMATION
Marking September 28th
On the 28th of September, 2007, the Commission for Protecting the Right to Free Access to Public Information in cooperation with the Foundation Open Society Institute - Macedonia and the Macedonian Association of Young Lawyers will appropriately mark the International Day of Free Access to Public Information - “Right to Know Day”. The event will take place in the MP’s club in Skopje, starting from 11 a.m.
On the occasion of the International Right to Know Day, the Commission for Protecting the Right to Free Access to Public Information, Foundation Open Society Institute - Macedonia and the Macedonian Association of Young Lawyers will publish pertinent information in the Macedonian daily newspapers “Vest”, “Vreme”, “Dnevnik” and “Utrinski vesnik”, as well as in the Albanian-language newspaper “Lajm”.
For further information, click
here (.JPG, 412KB)
| | | | | | | | NGO SUPPORT CENTER – GEVGELIJA
Formal opening of the new premises
On the 28th of September, 2007, in Gevgelija, the new premises of the Regional Center for Sustainable Development – Gevgelija (former NGO Support Center – Gevgelija), which the local self-government of the Municipality of Gevgelija provided for use free of charge for a five-year period, were formally opened.
The new premises are located in the building of a former day nursery (Marshal Tito 60). The renovation of the premises was financially supported by FOSIM with 8.000 euros.
The welcoming speech on the work of the Center in the new premises was held by Mr. Dragi Delev, Mayor of the Gevgelija Municipality, Mrs. Sunchica Kostovska – Petrovska, director of FOSIM’s civil society program and Mrs. Snezhana Mancheva, representative of the Secretariat for European Affairs of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia.
| | | | WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT
Public health functions evaluation
On October 19, 2007, a workshop will be held on the topic “Evaluation of the public health functions”, organized by FOSIM’s project “Evaluation of the potential for good governance in Macedonia” and the project workgroup for evaluation of good governance in the area of health.
The first phase of the project research in the area of health encompassed the survey of representatives of the Ministry of Health and its constituting institutions (Bureau of Medicines, State Sanitary and Health Inspectorate and the Food Directorate) and the Republic Institute for Health Protection. The second phase comprises issues relevant to the nongovernmental organizations that will be the subject of discussion at the workshop.
Thirty NGOs working on health-related issues have been invited.
Workshop Agenda (.DOC, 77KB)
| | | | | | | | FOSIM AND THE WORLD BANK
Youth combating social exclusion
Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia (FOSIM) and the World Bank Office in Skopje awarded a total of 32.300 USD to seven NGOs for projects related to the social exclusion of the youth in the Republic of Macedonia. On Friday, the 19th of October 2007, a small ceremony was held in the MP’s club in Skopje during which FOSIM’s Executive Director - Vladimir Milchin and the director of the World Bank Office in Skopje - Evgenij Najdov, signed the grant agreements with the representatives of the seven organizations.
ERA from Gostivar will open a resource Center for Youth Employment and promote informal education; the Youth Action and Diversity Center from Strumica will promote activities (preparation of photographs, ornaments etc.) for the disabled persons and lobby before the authorized entities for greater inclusion of the disabled in the community; The association of disabled persons - Shpresa from Skopje will organize a theatre performance that will speak and in a way lobby for the integration of disabled children in the schools; Primus from Skopje will work on setting up a ramp in the Youth Cultural Center in order to provide access for the children with wheelchairs and organize fun activities for the youth; the Red Cross of the City of Skopje will prepare a Guide for good manners towards disabled persons and organize trainings on the approach to the disabled and fostering this approach; Rekanski biser from Rostushe will conduct a campaign for raising the awareness among the young, especially the girls from Mavroro and Rostushe about the importance of education; Blue Sky from Skopje will organize education for its members regarding the problems of the socially excluded youth, particularly the young disabled persons. Blue Sky and the Red Cross of the City of Skopje will carry out several activities together, among which is also the training and event “Let’s touch the Sky”.
With this joint project, while promoting the principle “youth for youth”, FOSIM and the World Bank are aiming at raising the awareness and visualization of the social exclusion of the young, defining the frames, stakeholders, as well as supporting the active participation of the young in making changes in the social exclusion reduction process.
| | | | 15th Anniversary
FOSIM Month of the Open Society
1888 institutions and 4061 individuals, $89.506.177 dollars (provided by George Soros and 119 financial and program partners), 18 initiatives for passing laws and politics at central and 4 at local level, 600 scholarships for students abroad, 2600 scholarships for Roma students, technical and other equipment for 11 cultural institutions, 161 primary schools, 90 high schools, 36 faculties, 52 kindergartens… These are only part of the achieved results during the 15th years of working of the Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia (FOSIM).
On the occasion of the 15th anniversary FOSIM held a press conference in the Multimedia Center Mala Stanica on November 5th, 2007. The President of the Executive Board, Slobodanka Markovska, and the Executive Director, Vladimir Milcin, informed us about the celebration and the activities that FOSIM will organize during the ‘Month of the Open Society’ - November 2007.
Its anniversary FOSIM will celebrate in a working atmosphere by organizing number of events such as debates, promotion, exhibitions and conferences.
In the Multimedia Center Mala Stanica from November 6th to November 12th, 2007, the exhibition Revealed Testimonies - Soldiers’ Letters from the Great War 1914-1918 will take place. On November 7th, the book Bubble of American Supremacy by George Soros will be promoted at the Skopje Fair (12 o’clock). The next day, on November 8th, in Holiday Inn Hotel, at 13 o’clock, the debate on the books After the War was Over by Mark Mazower and The Children of the Bird Goddess by Kita Sapurma and Pandora Petrovska under the name The Other Face of the History will be held.
On Friday, November 9th, at 16 o’clock, at the Children’s Theater Center, under the title The Young People and the Open Society several events will take place such as exhibition of youth actions, debate on the youth activism, promotion of the Directory of Macedonian citizens who have studied abroad, and at the end a round table on the subject Brain Drain.
On November 13th, at the Children’s Theater Center, at 11 o’clock, the campaign Under the Same Sun will be promoted and the following day at the Faculty of Philosophy and Faculty of Philology promotion of the edition of 4 chrestomathies will be held under the name Theories of Otherness.
On November 15th, at 19 o’clock in the Multimedia Center Mala Stanica the photo exhibition Life – All Inclusive by Damir Fabijanik will be opened. On November 17th, at the Skopje Fair (11:00h) the results of the survey How Inclusive is the Macedonian Society will be presented. The report on the implementation of the Law on Free Access to Information will be presented on November 26th, at 12 o’clock, in Holiday Inn Hotel. FOSIM Month of the Open Society will end on November 29th with the conference Inclusive E-Government in Holiday Inn Hotel starting at 12 o’clock.
| | | | | | | | FOSIM 15th Anniversary
Promotion of the book "Bubble of American Supremacy" by George Soros
Prof. Ljubomir Frchkovski and Prof. Mersel Biljali were the promoters of the book Bubble of American Supremacy by George Soros. The promotion took place in the premises of the Skopje Fair on November 7th, 2007. It was organized by Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia (FOSIM).
The translation from English to Macedonian and the publishing of the book was supported by FOSIM. Euro Balkan Press is the publisher. The book presents the author’s dispute on the administration of the current president of the USA, George Bush, and at the same time he is defending the real values of the American society. It is a critical analysis of the American external politics especially the War against terrorism.
The promotion is part of the many events organized by FOSIM celebrating its 15 years of establishment and operation.
| | | | FOSIM 15th Anniversary
Revealed Testimonies
Touching testimonies for the events of the Great War 1914-1918, seen through the eyes of the ordinary people and written on 227 letters and 59 postcards sent from and to the Macedonian soldiers, who were captives of the great powers confronted in the war. The collection, which beside the postcards and letters has also 3 documents and 29 banknotes, will be exhibited in the Multimedia Center Mala Stanica in Skopje from November 6 to November 12, 2007. The exhibition titled Revealed Testimonies – Soldiers’ Letters from the Great War 1914-1918 is organized by Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia (FOSIM) as part of the activities celebrating the 15th anniversary of FOSIM’s establishment and operation. The Executive Director of FOSIM, Vladimir Milcin, opened the exhibition and spoke about the whole project. The two young historians, who decoded, processed and transcribed the letters - Ms. Jasmina Najdovska, Master of Historical Sciences, and Ms. Dijana Petreska, an archivist, also addressed the audience. On the opening of the exhibition were present 25 descendants of the soldiers - their children, grandsons and grand-grandsons.
This rare collection FOSIM purchased with the help of Mr. Dushko Aleksovski – an archeologist from Kratovo, after it was posted for sale on Internet. The collection belonged to a Bulgarian citizen of Macedonian origin, who kept it in a can buried in the ground. The collection of letters and postcards is significant archive documentation which is enriched with the personal testimonies of the descendants of the soldiers with whom FOSIM came into contact with, and documented their oral history. The soldiers and their descendants came from Kratovo region and Probishtip region. The testimonies of the descendants are recorded in a form of short documentary film projected as part of the exhibition.
| | | | | | | | PUBLIC DEBATE
The Situation of the Minority Ethnic Communities
On October 25, 2007, in Delchevo a public debate on the subject The Situation of the Minority Ethnic Communities in Delchevo, Pehchevo, Berovo, Makedonska Kamenica, Vinica and Kochani was held. This is first of the public debates planed within the project Living in Multiethnic Environment – Citizens with Equal Rights, Opportunities and Protection financed by the European Commission and the Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia (FOSIM).
Representatives of the local self-governments, institutions and non-governmental organizations from the region participated in the debate. The key participants on this debate were Anifa Demirovska (Administration for Development and Promotion of Education in Languages of Members of Communities), Lenche Bajkova (Ministry of Transport and Communication), Kircho Ivanov (Council of Municipality of Delchevo), Zekir Abdulov (Humanitarian and Charity Association of Roma Kham, Delcevo) and Zaklina Paunovska Angjelkovik (Civic Association Equal for All, Kochani).
At the debate, it was discussed about the small percentage of people of the minority ethnic communities working in the institutions, the problems in the education and the housing of the Roma community.
The debate was organized by FOSIM in cooperation with the Regional Advocacy Center in Delchevo (former NGO Support Center – Delchevo).
| | | | FOSIM 15th Anniversary
George Soros’ Congratulation Letter
On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia, the founder George Soros sent us a congratulation letter. In the letter addressed to FOSIM, Soros says:
“On this occasion of the 15-year anniversary of the Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia, I would like to congratulate the Foundation, its staff, and the Board of Directors for their creativity and innovation in responding to the numerous challenges Macedonia has faced as an independent country in its recent history. Your approach embodied both a critical perspective on Macedonian reality and a critical self-evaluation of your many activities. I support your efforts to further define Macedonia as a modern civil and democratic state, whose future is membership in the European Union.
The role of civil society in this regard is crucial, and I am convinced that the Foundation has reached a level of maturity that guarantees it will continue to serve as one of the pillars of Macedonian civil society.
Sincerely,
George Soros”
| | | | | | | | FOSIM 15th Anniversary
Under the Same Sun
The campaign titled Under the Same Sun conducted within the project Living in Multiethnic Environment – Citizens with Equal Rights, Opportunities and Protection was promoted on November 13th, 2007, at the Children’s Theater Center in Skopje’s OId Bazaar. The project was financed by the European Commission and the Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia (FOSIM). The ambassador of the European Union in Macedonia, Ervan Fuere, and the Executive Director of FOSIM, Vladimir Milcin, were the promoters of the campaign.
The purpose of this campaign is to raise the public awareness about the rights of the minority groups and promote the idea of respect and protection of the minority groups. Beside the campaign, also the activity Lobbying, Advocating and Raising the Public Awareness will be conducted within the project. This activity includes publication and promotion of international conventions and declarations, as well as, the national legislation on minority rights, and also number of public events such as debates, meetings, workshops, multiethnic happenings, etc. will be organized.
| | | | FOSIM 15th Anniversary
Promotion of the Edition of 4 Chrestomathies Titled Theories of Otherness
Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia promoted the 4 chrestomathies of the edition Theories of Otherness on November 14th, 2007, in the Big Amphitheater of the Faculty of Philology and Faculty of Philosophy. At the beginning, the Executive Director of FOSIM, Vladimir Milcin, spoke about the importance of this edition of chrestomathies. The book was promoted by Prof. Dr. Slobodanka Markovska and Prof. Vladimir Davchev. The authors of the chrestomathies also briefly addressed to the guests: Dr. Ivan Dzeparoski for The Aspects of Otherness – Chrestomathy in Cultural Studies, Dr. Sonja Stojmenska Elzeser for Comparative Literature, Dr. Ljupcho Risteski and MA Ilina Jakimoska for Otherness in Ethnology and Dr. Hasan Jashari for The Other – Man and Woman in Contemporary Society. This edition is a result of the final phase of the project The Other in the Higher Education Curricula in Republic of Macedonia, which FOSIM initiated in year 2001. The main purpose of the project was to help the modernization of the studying programs at the faculties for social and humanistic sciences by including contents for the Other (ethnical, religious, lingual, gender), and contribute to sensitizing and fighting the stereotypes and prejudice related to the Other. | | | | | | | | FOSIM 15th Anniversary
The Young People and the Open Society
On November 9th, 2007, in the Children’s Theatre Centre, the Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia (FOSIM) and the Youth Educational Forum (YEF) organized the event The Young People and the Open Society.
The event contained several events. There was opening of an exhibition of youth projects, actions and campaigns supported by FOSIM under the title Most Influential Youth Actions. After the opening of the exhibition, there was a public debate on the subject Youth Activism Should Be the Main Protagonist and Moving Force of the Open Society (on this subject Ljupka Bakardzieva, Petar Maldenovski and Vasko Karangelevski share their views). Afterwards, the Directory of Macedonian Citizens Who Have Studied Abroad with Financial Support of FOSIM, OSI–New York and OSI–Budapest was promoted. The round table titled Brain Drain was next (Borjan Jovanovovski, Darko Pavlovski, Fatmir Besimi, Rilind Kabashi, Aleksandar Sekulovski and Ivan Bimbilovski were the speakers).
| | | | FOSIM 15th Anniversary
Life – All Inclusive
Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia (FOSIM) organized the photo exhibition by the Croatian photographer Damir Fabijanik titled Life - All Inclusive. The exhibition is open from November, 15th till November, 22nd, 2007 in the Multimedia Center Mala Stanica.
The exhibition contains series of photos concerning the Croatian experience with the inclusion of the people with mental disabilities in the community. FOSIM wanted to incite the inclusion of the people with mental disabilities in Macedonia following the concept of “saving” them from the hospitals and institutions and integrating them in the society. Therefore, FOSIM invited Bozo and Milica Chichik, a married couple from Croatia, to come in Skopje and share their experience, including their life in the institution and out of it.
The exhibition is financially supported by FOSIM in cooperation with the Mental Health Initiative of OSI - Budapest.
| | | | | | | | FOSIM 15th Anniversary
How Inclusive is the Macedonian Society
On the occasion of its 15th anniversary, FOSIM presented the results of the public opinion survey How Inclusive is the Macedonian Society, within the NGOs Fair, on November, 17th, 2007, at the premises of the Skopje Fair. The results point to the fact that the larger part of the Macedonian population has prejudice towards the Roma people, the homosexuals, drug users and other marginalized groups. These results are product of the high percentages of positive answers on the questions such as: “Do you think that Roma people (homosexuals or commercial sex workers) should have separate café bars?” or “Would you mind to have Roma person (homosexual or drug user) as a superior?” etc. After the presentation of the results, there was a debate in which the team of researchers, the representatives of the NGOs and of the competent state institutions participated.
FOSIM will announce the results of the survey later on when it will be completed. The survey was delivered by the Institute for Social and Political Juridical Research and financed by FOSIM.
| | | | CREATIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING
Seminar on Assessment Standards in Primary Education and the Implications for Teacher Education in Macedonia
The seminar on School-based Assessment Standards in Primary Education and the Implications for Teacher Education in Macedonia will be held in the period from 13th to 15th December, 2007 in Skopje, within the activities of the project Creative Teaching and Learning implemented by the Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia.
Lecturers of the seminar are the experts from Ireland, Prof. Gerry Shiel and Dr. Damian Murchan, Principal of Teaching and Learning (Undergraduate) School of Education, Trinity College - Dublin.
The professors and assistants who work on the school-based assessment standards within the implementation of the university programs for teacher education will participate in this seminar. They are coming from 8 higher educational institutions in which the project Creative Teaching and Learning is implemented, such as: Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Faculty of Pedagogy, Faculty of Philology and Faculty of Philosophy in Skopje, Faculty of Pedagogy in Bitola, Faculty of Pedagogy in Shtip, Faculty of Humanist Sciences and Arts and Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in Tetovo.
| | | | | | | | FOSIM 15th Anniversary
A Year Later: How the Law on Free Access to Information of Public Character Was Implemented
On November 26th, 2007, Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia (FOSIM) organized a round table titled A Year Later on the occasion of the one-year monitoring the implementation of the Law on Free Access to Information of Public Character.
The opening speech was made by the Executive Director of FOSIM, Vladimir Milchin, and afterwards Dr. Nikola Tupanchevski, member of FOSIM Executive Board, promoted the report Wall of Silence. It is a one-year research (September 1st, 2006 – September 1st, 2007) of the implementation of the Law on Free Access to Information of Public Character in Macedonia. Neda Korunovska and Danche Danilovska presented the results and recommendations of the research. Afterwards there was an open discussion on the next steps for surpassing the identified problems.
The research shows that larger part (40%) of the submitted requests by the citizens to the public institutions, which were filed within the research, faced the “wall of silence” and did not get any answer. After filing a complaint because of the ignorance, in 65% of the cases the administration answered immediately. This only proves the previous ignorant and indifferent attitude towards the citizens’ requests of information of public character. These examples and many other are presented in the report (.PDF, 1,74MB).
| | | | FOSIM RECEIVED A CERTIFICATE OF HONOR FROM PORAKA
Certificate for contribution in developing centers for persons with intellectual disability
On December 3rd, 2007, the International Day of Disabled Persons, FOSIM received a certificate of honor from the State Center for Support of Persons with Intellectual Disability - Poraka.
The certificate of honor was awarded to FOSIM for its contribution and support in developing network centers for intellectually disabled persons in the period from 2001 to 2007. In the name of FOSIM, the certificate was accepted by Slavica Indzevska, the Deputy Director for Joint Programs. | | | | | | | | REVEALED TESTIMONIES
Exhibited in Kicevo, Debar, Struga and Ohrid
The exhibition Revealed Testimonies – Soldiers’ Letters Form the Great War 1914 – 1918, which was organized on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia (FOSIM), in November and December this year will be in Kichevo, Debar, Struga and Ohrid, on request on the city museums.
The staging of the exhibition was organized by FOSIM in collaboration with the city museums and the local NGO support centers. The exhibition of the soldiers’ letters is a result of FOSIM’s efforts to enrich the records of the past with the history of the ordinary people. FOSIM was the only interested organization to purchase this significant archive from a physical entity from Bulgaria.
First the exhibition was in Kichevo, in the museum Western Macedonia in the National Liberation Struggle (from November 22 to November 26, 2007) and provoked a great deal of interest among the citizens, especially the young ones who were the most regular visitors. The exhibition was opened by Aco Nestorovski, the Director of the Museum, and Gjoko Sajkoski, the Director of the Cultural Center.
Afterwards, the exhibition was in the Turkish Bath in Debar from November 29 to December 3, 2007. Jamina Najdovska, Master of Historical Sciences who is engaged by FOSIM as an expert, addressed the visitors and talked about the importance of the exhibition and the research which helped to find the descendants of the soldiers and make the documentary material with their narrations.
On December 7th, 2007, the exhibition will be in the gallery The House of Robevci, and after that it goes to Struga.
| | | | METAMORPHOSIS FOUNDATION ORGANIZED THE THIRD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE E-SOCIETY.MK
The Third International Conference Inclusive E-Government was held on November 29th and 30th, 2007 in Skopje. It was organized by Metamorphosis Foundation within the project Western Balkans Network for Inclusive e-Government. Over 200 representatives of the governmental, non-governmental, educational and business sector from 15 countries took part in this conference.
“Although the inclusion is characteristic for countries with more advanced information society, it doesn’t mean that we should not work on this issue in Macedonia, since our aim is becoming part of the European society”, said Goran Manchev, Counsellor in the Cabinet of the Minister without Portfolio in charge for Information Society Ivo Ivanovski.
The Executive Director of the Foundation Open Society Institute - Macedonia (FOSIM), Vladimir Milcin, emphasized that the people working in the central and the local administration should advance their knowledge in order to enable users to increase their influence in the society and structuring the public policies by using ICT. “This means succeeding in having an open government and accessibility for citizens, i.e. a certain level of inclusion without which any democratic or open society can be imagined, said Milcin addressing the participants in the conference.
Marjan Gushev, an Executive Board member of the Metamorphosis Foundation, emphasized the fact that in near future there would be not only inclusion of people but as well inclusion of machines as part of the society. “Knowledge and skills are prerequisites for establishing inclusive e-government in the information society. The digital divide is getting bigger. The difference between people using ICT technology and those who don’t is increasing. Therefore is important to bridge the gap and enable inclusion. We are aware that if Macedonia does not perform well in this area, we will fall behind the European countries”, stressed Gushev. According to him, the ‘e’ in ‘e-Government’ stands more for efficient Government rather than electronic Government.
| | | | | | | | PUBLIC DEBATE
The Situation with the Protection of the Rights of the Minority Ethnic Communities in Debar and Centar Zupa
On December 12th, 2007, a public debate on the subject The Situation with the Protection of the Rights of the Minority Ethnic Communities in Debar and Centar Zupa was held in Debar. This is the second public debate planned within Living in Multiethnic Environment – Citizens with Equal Rights, Opportunities and Protection project financed by the European Commission and the Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia (FOSIM).
Fifty representatives of the local self-governments, institutions and non-governmental organizations from the region participated in the debate. The key participants on this debate were Kamer Imeri (State Counselor in the Ombudsman Office in Kichevo), Nizamedin Papraniku (President of the Council of the Municipality of Debar), Ilir Iseni (representative of the Civic Association Tolerant Youth from Debar), Ivanka Ivanovska (representative of Women Organization from Debar), and Fehmi Skender (representative of the Civic Association Zupa Turkleri from Centar Zupa).
At the debate, it was discussed about the small percentage of people of the minority ethnic communities working in the institutions, the practice of bilingualism on local level and also the issue of not including the people of the minority ethnic communities in the Debar Cultural Summer 2007.
The debate was organized by FOSIM in cooperation with the Center for Sustainable Development of Debar Municipality (former NGO Support Center Debar).
| | | | ICT STANDARDS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE
The publication Recommendations for ICT Standards in the Civil Service was publicly presented on The Third International Conference e-Society.mk held on November 29th and 30th, 2007 in Skopje. The participants on the conference were presented with the technical and informative standards and recommended policies for achieving interoperability within the work of the civil service in Republic of Macedonia.
The implementation of these recommendations for the ICT standards would produce better efficiency and effectiveness in the work of the civil service, strengthened intra/intro communication between institutions, the citizens and the surrounding, that would improve the service delivered to the citizens and other involved parties by the state institutions.
IT professionals working in the civil service and independent experts and consultants were part of the preparation of this publication which is part of the cooperation agreement signed between FOSIM and the General Secretariat of the Government of RM. It is implemented in partnership with Metamorphosis Foundation.
The publication Recommendations for ICT Standards in the Civil Service is available for download
here (.PDF, 237 KB) | | | | | | | | CODE OF CONDUCT
for Members of the Government and Elected and Appointed High Officials
On December 7th, 2007, the Government of RM adopted a document named Code of Conduct for Members of the Government and Elected and Appointed High Officials. The Document is prepared by a group of university professors (Prof. Borce Davitkovski and Dr. Ana Pavlovska – Daneva), the Ministry of Justice, representatives of the General Secretariat of the Government of RM and the Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia (FOSIM).
The adopted Document contains regulations of ethical and moral conduct for members of the government and elected and appointed high officials. The Code of Conduct intends to provide lawful, open, transparent and responsible working of the members of the Government of RM. The Document projects political and moral responsibility in case of disobeying the regulations of the Code for members of the Government and elected and appointed high officials which can be requested by the President of the Government, Member of the Parliament or the State Commission for Corruption.
The adoption of the Code of Conduct resulted from FOSIM project Assessment of Good Governance Potential in Macedonia and it is part of the signed cooperation agreement between FOSIM and the General Secretariat of the Government of RM.
The content and the regulations of the Code of Conduct prompt a great deal of interest among the political parties and the public. The final adopted version is expected to be published in the Official Gazette of RM.
| | | | CENTER FOR ROMA COMMUNITY DROM, KUMANOVO
FOSIM received Certificate of Gratitude
On December 18th, 2007, FOSIM received a Certificate of Gratitude from the Center for Roma Community Drom from Kumanovo.
On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of establishment and operation of Drom, the Certificate of Gratitude was awarded to FOSIM as acknowledgment of the successful cooperation and support in the years of their existence.
| | | | | | | | ASSOCIATION OF THE RESERVE CONSCRIPTS
FOSIM received a Certificate of Honor
The Association of the Reserve Conscripts - participants in the 2001-2002 events from Prilep awarded FOSIM with the Certificate of Honor as acknowledgment of their gratitude for the support and successful cooperation. The Certificate of Honor was awarded to FOSIM on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the establishment and operation of the Association. During the 5 years of existence, FOSIM awarded grants to the Association for computer trainings, English language trainings, and 4-years scholarships of its members. As a result, about 10 members of the Association succeeded in finding employment.
| | | | CREATIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING
Promotion of the New Amphitheatre at the Faculties of Philology and Philosophy, Skopje
On May 9, 2007 at 13:00 the new amphitheatre at Faculties of Philology and Philosophy, Skopje will be promoted. The restoration and equipping of the amphitheatre were financed within the Creative teaching and learning project. At this occasion certificates for participation in the intensive student training “With reading and writing to critical thinking” and “Education for social justice” will be awarded.
Certificates for participation will be awarded to about hundred students at the Faculties of Philology, Philosophy and Mathematics and natural sciences in Skopje.
| | | | | | | | NGO FAIR IN DELCEVO
40 NGOs From the Region Presented
“Your presence here sends important message to the Government – that you are a partner with who it should cooperate for development of the society,” said EU Special Representative in Macedonia, Mr. Erwan Fouéré to the citizens and NGOs at the occasion of the opening of the fourth regional NGO Fair in Delchevo on April 25, 2007.
Mr. Valdimir Milchin, FOSIM’s executive director opened the Fair. On behalf of the Macedonian Civic Platform FOSIM organized the Fair with logistic support by NGO support center in Delchevo.
Opening speeches were delivered by Mrs. Orhideja Kajljoshevska, representative of the Sector for European Affairs, and Mr. Mirko Ivanov, mayor of Delchevo. Cabinet of the President of the Republic of Macedonia was represented by Mr. Stevo Pendarovski, counselor for foreign policy to the President.
This is two-day Fair and about 40 organizations from the region – Delchevo, Vinica, Kochani, Makedonska Kamenica, Pehchevo – are presented. Also, there are guest organizations from Bulgaria.
Forums and social and cultural events were organized at the Fair.
The NGO Fair is part of the project “Supporting national forum/Civic society platform” funded by EU, and governed by the European Agency for Reconstruction. The Fair is also supported by the municipality of Delchevo.
| | | | CREATIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING
Conference
Creative Teaching and Learning Project organizes conference "Challenges of Teacher's Vocation" on April 12-13, 2007. Representatives of faculties, schools, educational projects implementers, Ministry of education of the Republic of Macedonia as well as the Independent union for education,l science and culture will participate in the conference.
Participants will discuss about initial trainings and upgrade of teachers in primary and secondary schools and faculties, quality providing and controlling, as well as about treatment, place and role of the teachers in Macedonian legislation.
Presentations will be followed up by workshops where participants would be able to define key points for intervention, to identify opportunities for better coordination as well as future guidelines for efficient interventions in the above-mentioned areas of educational process in the Republic of Macedonia.
| | | | | | | | LAW PROGRAM
Fighting Organised Crime – Strategies and Policies for Prevention and Elimination
Foundation Open Society Institute - Macedonia published Newsletter Number 2 within the project “Fighting Organised Crime – Strategies and Policies for Prevention and Elimination”. The newsletter is a result of the continuous debate and expert forums initiated in the time period between June 2006 and March 2007. Just like the previous number, this newsletter is also intended for employees in the institutions in charge of discovering, eliminating and preventing organized crime, as well as for those dealing with this topic. The newsletter has been distributed to all of them hoping that they will find it useful. In this newsletter special attention has been paid to “Measuring and assessing organized crime” and “Criminal intelligence and analysis”, but the experts elaborate on the following topics “Defining organized crime” and “Draft Law on Public Prosecution’s relation with the Police”. | | | | COORDINATION OF ROMA NGOs ROMA 2002
8th of April Award for FOSIM
FOSIM is one of the three winners (together with Mrs. Esma Redzepova and South East European University, Tetovo) of the 8th of April Award awarded by Coordination of Roma NGOs Roma 2002 on the occasion of 8th of April, International Roma Day. Award ceremony was held in Holiday Inn Hotel in Skopje on April 18, 2007.
As stated in the explanation of the award, FOSIM is awarded in the category institutions with special contribution to Roma. Mrs. Slobodanka Markovska, president of Executive Board received the award on behalf of FOSIM.
| | | | | | | | VENICE BIENNALE
Paradise Lost - The First Roma Pavilion
Paradise Lost - The First Roma Pavilion will be presented at the 52nd Venice Biennale with the support of Open Society Institute, European Cultural Foundation and Allianz Kulturstiftung. The Pavilion will be open for visitors from June 10, 2007 to November 21, 2007. The Roma Pavilion will present International selection of Roma contemporary artists.
We are presenting you the Pavilion’s catalogue and the leaflet, as well as selection of works.
Catalogue >>>, (.doc, 53 KB)
Leaflet >>>, (.pdf, 670 KB)
Gallery >>> | | | | REGIONAL NGO FAIR IN DEBAR
Promotion of Handbook of NGO Governance
FOSIM’s executive director Vladimir Milchin promoted the handbook of NGO Governance in the auspices of the Regional NGO Fair in Debar on March 30, 2007. FOSIM translated and published the Marilyn Wyatt’s handbook into Macedonian and Albanian.
Implementation of the handbook’s guidelines will help nongovernmental organizations to enhance the work of their boards and to work more efficient, more transparent and more accountable. The handbook is published in 1.000 copies in Macedonian and 500 copies in Albanian language. Organizations interested in obtaining a copy of the handbook should call the office of the FOSIM’s Civil Sociaty Program (tel. 02/ 2403010).
Download the Handbook in Macedonian >>> (.pdf, 900 ĘB)
Download the Handbook in Albanian >>>(.pdf, 900 ĘB)
| | | | | | | | MAKFAKS
USAID suggests training of teachers for quality education
Training of teachers seems to be a logical starting point to introduce higher standards in the high education in Macedonia, USAID Mission Director Patricia Rader said on Wednesday.
While making an address at the opening of the conference on the theme "Challenges of Teacher's Vocation", USAID Mission Director Patricia Rader stressed that she was aware of Macedonia's aspirations for higher-standards in the high education.
She praised the country for accepting innovations in education as essential factor.
According to Vladimir Milcin, director of the Foundation Open Society Institute - Macedonia (FOSIM), the students' success depends on how much the teachers are trained to encourage the students.
Teachers should not say they know enough and give up studying, Milcin said, alluding that teacher's vocation requires persistent progress.
Today's conference was co-organized by the FOSIM and the Rectorate of St. Cyril and Methodius University. The event is in the framework of USAID's Creative Teaching and Learning Project.
The highlights of the conference include initial training and professional upgrade of teachers at all education levels in Macedonia. | | | | LAW PROGRAM
How to Achieve Transparency and Greater Accountability of the Government
From 19th to 23rd of March a study program on “Freedom of information: How to achieve transparency of the government” organized by PAI–Public Administrational International took place in London, Great Britain. Many participants from governmental institutions and non-governmental organizations that work on implementation of the Law on free access to information in Macedonia, Nigeria, Republika Srpska, Zambia, Kyrgyzstan, Bahamas, Malaysia, Botswana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico and Ghana took part in this five-day workshop.
The speakers coming from Canada and Great Britain had several presentations during the program among which the interest was biggest for the presentations on the following topics: “Short review and purpose”, “Freedom of information and accountability”, “The Great Britain, freedom of information – Act 2000” and “Freedom of information in the London’s municipality Camden: the perspectives of the local government”.
Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia (FOSIM) supported participation of two employees of the Foundation as well as the participation of the President of the Commission for protection of the right on free access to information of public character. The purpose of their participation was to present the first experiences from the implementation of the Law on free access to information of public character in Macedonia from the aspect of the activities of the Commission as well as the activities of the FOSIM in monitoring of the implementation of the Law.
| | | | | | | | WORKSHOP
Assessment of Good Governance Potential in Eight Areas
On March 24-25, 2007 in Kochani a two-day workshop was organized about analysis of good governance potential in Macedonia in eight areas: judicial reforms, economy, education, local self-government, social issues, health care, human rights and monitoring allocation and spending of state money.
The aim of the workshop was to present the previous three months work of the eight working groups that worked on the analysis, challenges they are facing, as well as methodology that will be used during the assessment process. This activity is within the Assessment of good governance potential in Macedonia project implemented by FOSIM.
| | | | Creative Teaching and Learning Project
ECTS Seminar – Renewing Teaching Curricula
Seminar on European credit transfer system “Renewing Teaching Curricula” will be organized on March 28-31, 2007 in Belvedere Hotel in Ohrid. The seminar is intended for teaching and management staff at the Faculty of mathematics and natural sciences, Skopje, Faculty of mathematics and natural sciences, Tetovo, Faculty of Philology, Skopje and Faculty for humanitarian sciences and arts, Tetovo.
The participants will be introduced to the need of modification and adaptation of the current subjects according to the standards of Bologna Declaration and ECTS. Within the workshop the participants should define competences and expected results of the learning at the universities in Macedonia, as well as to be trained for preparing new curricula for the faculties. The lecturers at the workshop are professor Jozhe Rugelj and professor Irena Nanchovka – Sherbec from the Faculty of Pedagogy at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | | | | | | | Panel Discussion
Religious Education in Public Schools
On March 14, 2007 in Skopje FOSIM organized panel discussion on “Introducing religious education in public schools”.
After opening address delivered by Mr. Vladimir Milcin, FOSIM’s executive director, results of two researches funded by FOSIM were presented.
Dr. Petar Atanasov, Institute for social and political research from Skopje presented the results from the research “Public opinion on religious education”, while Dr. Suzana Simonovska, department for humanitarian studies at the Faculty of Philosophy, Skopje, presented the results from the research “Frequency of religious lessons within designated social and humanistic subjects in primary and secondary education”. Dr. Zdenko Kodelja, Institute for educational research, Ljubljana, lectured on “Religious education in carious national educational systems – comparative overview”. The presentations were followed by interesting discussion in which participated teachers, scientists, politicians, representatives of religious communities and other interested entities.
Researches are the first step towards formulation of public policies related to this complex issue. In this manner FOSIM supports the process of policy creation which are in the interest of the Republic of Macedonia.
| | | | Law Program
Project: Monitoring Free Access to Information of Public Character
100 information requestors were trained in Skopje on March 10, 2007. They will submit requests for information to information holders on central level using the Law on free access to information of public character. The aim is to monitor the implementation of the law in 2007. FOSIM’s partners in implementation of the activities are Macedonian young lawyers association and Swedish Helsinki Committee.
For more information about the project that also includes a component for free legal help, please visit www.spinfo.org.mk.
| | | | | | | | INTERNATIONAL POLICY FELLOWSHIPS, 2006-2007
Call for proposals | | | | Law Program
Fighting Organized Crime in RM
The 10th expert meeting within the “Fighting organized crime in Republic of Macedonia” project implemented by FOSIM held in Ohrid on March 9-10, 2007. Draft final report on activities implemented last year, situation with measuring and monitoring organized crime and cooperation between institutions with the accent on the role of Public prosecutor’s office were presented and reviewed at the meeting. In addition, future activities a bout screening the situation in the fields of justice, freedom and security were planned, and current legal projects for prevention and eradication of organized crime were discussed. Newsletters 2 and 3 with project activities in the second half of the last year and the final project report will be published additionally. | | | | | | | | Community Support Centre in Resen
Official Opening of the New Premises
New premises of the Community support centre in Resen (former NGO support centre) within the Youth cultural centre (Hristo Gerasovski St.) were officially opened on March 7, 2007. Community support centre in Resen is allowed to use the new premises by municipality of Resen that decided to give premises to the Community support centre in Resen for minimum four years. The renovation of the premises was financially supported by FOSIM with 552,000 denars.
Work of the Community support centre in the new premises was welcomed by Mr. Dimitar Buzlevski, mayor of Resen, Ms. Slobodanka Markovska, president of the FOSIM’s executive board, and Ms. Snezhana Manchevska, representative of the Secretariat for European affairs of the Republic of Macedonia.
In October 2006 Community support centre has been transformed from the NGO support centre that worked as part of the project “NGO Support Centers in Socially and Economically Deprived Regions of Macedonia” funded by European Commission and implemented by FOSIM.
| | | | Supported by FOSIM
Municipal Educational Portal in Veles
FOSIM in cooperation with Microsoft Macedonia, cable operator Sprint and local self-governance unit of municipality of Veles promoted the start of the “Implementing municipal educational portal” project that is to be realized from autumn 2007 in five primary and four secondary schools in Veles by signing the Memorandum of Cooperation.
About 5.500 primary school pupils and 3.100 secondary school pupils, as well as 530 teachers and professors will be encompassed with the project. Apart from communication, they will have opportunity to distance learning, testing and creating knowledge base.
Vladimir Milcin, FOSIM’s executive director, Ilijancho Gagovski, director of Microsoft Macedonia, Ace Kocevski, mayor of municipality of Veles and Zhivko Tufekchiev, director of the cable operator Sprint, representatives of the project supporters participated at the presentation.
| | | | | | | | In Project School Strasho Pindzur, Skopje
Roma Education Program Promoted
Celebration on the occasion of the patronage was organized in primary school Strasho Pindzur in Novoselski Pat settlement on March 5, 2007. On the same event Roma Education Program that has been implementing for three years in partnership with Roma education center Dendo Vas was publicly presented.
Zhivana Trajkovska, director of the school, Patricia Rader, USAID Mission Director for the Republic of Macedonia, Anifa Demirovskam director of the Directorate for enhancing education in native language for representatives of ethnic communities, Zhaklina Durmish, director of Dendo Vas and Spomenka Lazarevska, director of FOSIM’s Roma education program addressed the guests.
| | | | Workshop Organized by FOSIM
Workshop on Law on Civil Society Organizations and Foundations
FOSIM organized Workshop on Law on civil society organizations and foundations in Skopje on February 26-27, 2007. Over 20 participants-representatives of Civil Platform of Macedonia attended the workhop. Among participants were drafters of the legal framework: Natasha Gaber, Institute for social and legal research, Katerina Hadzi-Miceva, European center for non-profit law, Zagorka Tnokovska and Jonche Veskoski, Ministry of Justice, Aleksandar Nikolovski, MP, Muho Vladimirov, Department for cooperation with NGO, etc.
This time, representatives of the civil sector and representatives of the Government and the Parliament had similar opinions and suggestions regarding locating problems and solutions offered. Conclusions were reached at the end of the workshop.
Follow the link to read the conclusions >>>, (.pdf, 200 KB) | | | | | | | | Agreement between FOSIM and World Bank Signed
Youth Against Social Exclusion
During 2007 and 2008 Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia (FOSIM) and World Bank’s Mission in Macedonia will provide US $68.000 for implementation of “Youth against social exclusion” project. Partnership agreement for implementation of the project was signed at the ceremony with journalists on February 28, 2007 by Ms. Sandra Blumenkamp, the World Bank's resident representative in Skopje, and Mr. Vladimir Milcin, FOSIM’s executive director.
The aim of the project is raising awareness and visualization of youth social exclusion, defining framework and stakeholders, as well as supporting youth active participation in decreasing the social exclusion. The project will be implemented in two phases: (1) building capacities (training of trainers for youth activists – multiplicators) and (2) supporting youth NGO projects targeted against social exclusion out of which concrete results are expected.
With this partnership FOSIM and World Bank continue the traditional cooperation and joining resources that started in 2005 with the project “Civil participation in Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005-2015” and continued in 2006 with the project “Youth in Action: Financial and Technical Assistance for Youth NGOs for Community Oriented Projects”.
| | | | Assessment of Macedonia’s Good Governance Potential
Survey for uslugi.gov.mk
Citizens are asked to provide their opinion about www.uslugi.gov.mk - the e-service by the Government of Republic of Macedonia. The survey is conducted for the citizens to express their opinions on the most used services from the portal: issuing of travel documents, issuing of personal ID card, issuing of birth certificate, information on where to apply to obtain visas from foreign embassies, and governmental scholarships for university students. The feedback received from the citizens will be used as a basis for further development and upgrading of the portal.
The survey is part of the FOSIM’s Assessment of Macedonia’s Good Governance Potential project and is implemented in cooperation with the General Secretariat, the Metamorphosis Foundation, and experts from appropriate government bodies, such as the Agency for Civil Servants, the Secretariat for European Affairs, Official Gazette etc.
 | | | | | | | | Law Program, Ministry of Justice and Metamorphosis
Debate on First Draft Version of the ICT Strategy for the Judiciary
FOSIM’s law program, Ministry of justice and Metamorphosis Foundation organized debate on first draft version of the ICT strategy for the judiciary prepared by Metamorphosis Foundation in the British Council in Skopje on February 15, 2007.
Sasho Vasilevski, deputy minister of justice of the Republic of Macedonia opened the debate, while Nikola Memov, representative of the Ministry of Justice moderated the debate. Zoran Janevski, the author of the strategy, presented the ICT strategy which represents the intentions of the Ministry of Justice and the other institutions of the judiciary system in the Republic of Macedonia regarding the application of ICT in the period between 2007 and 2010.
Representatives of Ministry of Justice, Supreme Court, Public Prosecutor’s Office, Court Council, primary courts, Penitentiary system, Academy for judges, as well as representatives of the business sector participated in the debate.
The debate produced concrete advices and suggestions which will be incorporated in the next version of the strategy.
| | | | Press-conference of FOSIM and Commission for Protection of Right to Free Access
Experiences from the Implementation of the Law
On the press conference organised by FOSIM and Commission for protection of right to free access to information of public character presented the initial experiences, challenges, dilemmas and achievements from the five-month implementation of the Law on free access to information.
Commission presented information about its functioning so far, and the current situation with the information holders, while FOSIM’s representatives informed the media about the results of the one-year monitoring of implementation of the Law on free access to information. Representatives of Pro Media and OSCE spillover monitor mission to Skopje participated in the press conference.
Download the FOSIM’s press release >>> (.pdf, 100 KB)
| | | | | | | | Assessment of Macedonia’s Good Governance Potential
Workshop on Survey on Needs of IT Trainings for Civil Servants
On January 26, 2007 assessment of Macedonia’s Good Governance Potential team organized one-day workshop for way of conducting the survey on needs of IT trainings for civil servants, which is the activity from the Agreement for cooperation signed between Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia (FOSIM) and Government of Republic of Macedonia.
Aim of the survey is to determine the needs of IT trainings for 8.000 civil servants. The needs assessment will be oriented towards General Secretariat and Civil Servants Agency for setting priorities for ICT training, module design, training time scheduling, as well as harmonization of resource with the foreign resources.
Participants at the workshop were focal representatives of 10 ministries, Directorate for protection and saving, State geodetical directorate, State archives of the Republic of Macedonia, Service for general and common matters within the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, and Judicial secretariat.
Results of the survey as well as recommendations for further policy making towards strengthening IT capacities of the civil servants will be submitted to the General secretariat and all state institutions that participated in the survey.
| | | | Creative Teaching and Learning
Seminar on New Teaching Methods and Techniques
Seminar on introducing new teaching methods “With reading and writing to critical thinking” was organized in Skopje on February 5-9, 2007. 51 professors and assistants form Faculty of mathematics and natural sciences, Skopje, Faculty of mathematics and natural sciences, Tetovo, Faculty of Philosophy, Skopje and Faculty for humanitarian sciences and arts, Tetovo attended the seminar.
The aim of the seminar was introducing new active teaching methods and techniques focused on students that incite critical thinking and create conditions for more active participation of students in teaching process. Elena Achkoska – Leshkoska PH.D. and Vesna Janevski M.A. were lecturers on the seminar.
| | | | | | | | Creative Teaching and Learning
Intensive Student Trainings on Social Justice
Intensive student trainings on “Education for social justice” were organized in Ohrid from January 23 to February 1, 2007. 138 students from third and fourth year at Faculty of philology, Faculty of philosophy and Faculty of mathematics and natural sciences, Skopje, Faculty of mathematics and natural sciences, Tetovo, Faculty of Philosophy, Skopje and Faculty for humanitarian sciences and arts, Tetovo attended the seminar.
Through practical examples participants acquired techniques for identifying and handling the emergence of ethnical, racial and sexual prejudices towards implementing the experience in the teaching process and in everyday life. Meri Boshkova Ph.D., Dimitar Bonevski Ph.D., Darko Marchevwki, Atina Tasevska, Petra Ristikj, Eleonora Chabukovska and Matilda Bajakova were lecturers at the trainings.
| | | | Traditional NGO Meeting
Presentation of the Project “Living in Multiethnic Community”
Ambassador of the European Union in Republic of Macedonia, HE Erwan Fouere, and executive director of Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia, Vladimir Milcin, addressed the NGO representatives at the traditional annual meeting that was held in the cultural centre “Mala Stanica” in Skopje on February 8, 2007.
FOSIM’s Civil society program coordinator, Sunchica Kostovska, presented the project “Living in Multiethnic Community – citizens with equal rights, opportunities and protection” that will be implemented in the following 30 months by FOSIM in cooperation with the civil society association Common Values from Skopje and 12 NGO support centers (that are in the phase of registration into separate legal entities).
The project is supported by European initiative for democracy and human rights (EIDHR) that provides 70% of the resources, whole the remaining 30% are provided by FOSIM. The aim of the project is improving the status of minorities and strengthening capacities for active participation in policy creation both on local and national level. The project encompasses three components: building capacities and networking; advocacy and lobbying and awareness raising; and monitoring of local administration.
| | | | | | | | Certificates for Trainers for Local Self-Government Awarded
11 Trainers Certified
Certificates awarding ceremony for 11 trainers for local self-government marked the end of the three-year project “Advanced training of trainers for local self-government” implemented by the Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia (FOSIM) in cooperation with Partners for local development foundation (FPDL), Bucharest. Slavica Indzevska, FOSIM’s deputy director for joint programs and Ana Vasilache FPDL’s executive director awarder the certificates on the ceremony organized in FOSIM’s premises on February 8, 2007.
As Indzevska stressed, the aim of this program is to create domestic human capacities for trainings related to local administration in order to decrease the dependence of foreign resources.
The training started in January 2004. 14 candidates were selected by open competition. 11 of them that constantly attended the two-year training were certified. The modules of the training were:
1. Chosen leaders
2. Conflict management
3. Inclusion of citizens in planning process on local level
4. Local self-government management
5. Public service management
Series of manuals were translated and distributed to the local self-government units. The training encompassed advanced training methodology and techniques: training needs assessment, training design, training delivery and evaluation. | | | | FOSIM and Ministry of Interior
Agreement for Cooperation for Technical Assistance
Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia (FOSIM) and Ministry of Interior (MI) of Republic of Macedonia signed Agreement for cooperation. With the Agreement FOSIM obliged to provide technical assistance of about 40.000 euros to the Ministry of Interior. The Agreement was signed in the premises of the Ministry of Interior on January 30, 2007.
Technical assistance will be intended for strengthening capacities of the Ministry for the needs of approximation of the Macedonia’s legislation to the acquis communautaire. Five legal experts elected at public competition will work in the MI and will assist the working groups that work on approximation of over 100 laws and by-laws with the new Law on police. The Agreement was signed by Ms. GOrdana Jankulovska, minister of internal affairs and Mr. Vladimir Milchin, FOSIM’s executive director.
| | | | | | | | Living Heritage Program
Open Market for Local Products in Smolare
On January 26, 2007 mayor of municipality of Novo Selo, Nikola Andonov and FOSIM’s executive director, Vladimir Milcin officially opened the market for local products in Smolare village. The market is one of the activities undertaken by the municipality for development of ecological and village tourism. The market is located besides the path the leads to the Smolare waterfall, above the village, and the following local products will be offered at the market: handicrafts, vegetables, fruits and processed products – homemade jams, juices, honey etc. Among the features that attract this type of tourists is Smolare waterfall that became available to the public through the Living Heritage program supported by FOSIM and King Baudouin Foundation from Belgium.
The market is part of a project financed by the municipality and FOSIM. It is fourth project supported by FOSIM through within this program in Municipality of Novo Selo (apart from paths for Koleshevo and Smolare waterfalls and Mokrino springs). Because of the FOSIM’s contribution for development of the municipality, the mayor Andonov made FOSIM’s director, Vladimir Milcin for honorary citizen of municipality of Novo Selo.
| | | | Metamorphosis Foundation
Employees from 22 Municipalities Trained to Use OpenOffice.org
74 employees from 22 municipalities were trained to use OpenOffice.org within the training prepared by Metamorphosis Foundation and USAID’s project for successful decentralisaiton - Make Decentralisation Work Project. The training was held in Riviera Hotel in Ohrid, from 15 to 20 January, 2007.
The training was conducted within six days, while participants were grouped into three groups. The training for the first two groups was in Macedonian language, while the training for the last group was in Albanian. Each group attended two-day training.
Representatives of the following municipalities attended the training (municipalities with blue colour on the map): Arachinovo, Berovo, Bogovinje, Valandovo, Vinica, Dojran, Zhelino, Karbinci, Kratovo, Krushevo, Lipkovo, Mavrovo and Rostushe, Makedonska Kamenica, Mogila, Novaci, Novo Selo, Plasnica, Saraj, Sopishte, Studenichani, Tearce and Centar Zhupa.
Curriculum of the training was dedicated to Writer (text processor) and Calc (spreadsheets). Each of participants received OpenOffice.org tutorial , as well as Get your job done CD.
| | | | | | | | Creative Teaching and Learning Project
Free Access to Internet Databases
Presentation of opportunity of free access to great number of internet databases was held in the NUL “St. Clement of Ohrid“on January 17, 2007. The access to this rich source of internet academic articles, journals and scholarly works is provided through annual subscription that will be available until October 2008 and is financed by USAID within the Creative Teaching and Learning Project implemented by the Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia (FOSIM).
Free access to internet databases will be made available to all educational institutions in the Republic of Macedonia – primary and secondary schools, faculties, libraries, as well as dormitories.
The presentation was accompanied with short workshop about access and use of the system moderated by Miodrag Dadasovic, coordinator of Macedonian Consortium of e-libraries, and Dragan Nikolic, representative of EBSCO information service (one of the available databases).
Apart from access to EBSCO databases, Macedonian educational institutions have access to GAGE and IOP databases, and access to Cambridge University Press (CUP), Oxford University Press (OUP) databases is expected to become available soon. | | | | Law Program
Comment on Law on Free Access to Information of Public Character
Law program within the Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia (FOSIM) published Comment on Law on Free Access to Information of Public Character (Official Gazette of RM Number 13/2006). Authors of the Comment are Borche Davitkovski Ph.D. and Ana Pavlovska – Daneva Ph.D., Faculty of Law, Skopje. The Comment is available in Macedonian, Albanian and English language and it will be distributed to all information holders, public officials and to the citizens via the civil sector.
FOSIM promotes the right to free access to information of public character since 2004, a makes efforts to enhance its implementation via continuous observance of the implementation of Law on Free Access to Information of Public Character. The procedure for free access to information of public character is brought closer to the citizens via the website www.spinfo.org.mk.
Download the Comment on Law on Free Access to Information of Public Character >>>, (.pdf, 500 KB)
| | | | | | | | Forum
Article: Youth in Action
The article Youth in action by Todor Stojchevski was published in the last issue of the Forum Plus magazine published on January 5, 2007. The article presents youth initiatives in Macedonia and on the Balkans and the regional conference Defining strategies for youth lobbying organised by FOSIM.
Follow the link to read the article >>> (.pdf, 1 MB)
| | | | FOSIM – OPERATIONAL PROGRAM 2007
FOSIM – OPERATIONAL PROGRAM 2007 (.pdf, 2 MB) |
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