Success Stories
A ground-breaking initiative raises philanthropy in Macedonia to new heights A ground-breaking initiative raises philanthropy in Macedonia to new heights (April 16, 2008)

The Center for Institutional Development (CIRa) – one of the key implementing partners of the USAID-funded Civil Society Strengthening Project – undertook a ground breaking program to encourage philanthropic activities from Macedonian companies and individuals .click here.

Macedonian wine-makers learn from their South African colleagues (April 16, 2008)

Macedonian wine-makers learn from their South African colleagues (April 16, 2008)

With financial and technical support from the USAID Agribusiness Project, representatives of Macedonia’s five leading table grape businesses visited Cape Town, South Africa to learn from the owners of the best table grape vineyards in the world .click here.

USAID brings 6,000 computers to all primary and secondary schools in Macedonia USAID brings 6,000 computers to all primary and secondary schools in Macedonia

In modern society, computer technology goes hand-in-hand with education and child development. Interactive educational software, online libraries, virtual chat-rooms where teachers and students can exchange ideas and methodologies – all these are effective tools that help our children learn better, faster .click here.

Tuberculosis Day USAID Commemorates World Tuberculosis Day

On March 24, 2008, USAID joins the Government of Macedonia and international and local partners in commemorating World Tuberculosis (TB) Day. Worldwide, deaths from TB have gone down since 1990, but the disease continues to claim more than 1.6 million lives each year.click here.

schools USAID helps schools and local governments find common language (March 20, 2008)

The USAID Civil Society Strengthening project celebrated the achievements of its supported NGO, Macedonian Civic Education Center (MCEC), in the implementation of the “Improvement of Education in the Municipalities” project. click here.

award_m USAID project awards leaders in Corporate Social Responsibility (February 28th)

On February 22nd, the USAID Business Environment Activity co-organized the first ever Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) “Oscars” to recognize CSR leaders in Macedonia. TINEX, a major food chain company, received the top award for its program of offering employment to orphaned young adults.click here.

USAID-supported Center for Economic Analysis develops world-class economic forecasting model (February 22, 2008) USAID-supported Center for Economic Analysis develops world-class economic forecasting model (February 22, 2008)
The Center for Economic Analysis (CEA) is an independent and unbiased think-tank that plays a key role in public policy debates and generates high quality macroeconomic analysis. Read more
USAID helps Macedonian firms learn from leading Turkish food processors (February 15, 2008) USAID helps Macedonian firms learn from leading Turkish food processors (February 15, 2008)
With support from the USAID AgBiz project, eight Macedonian firms, members of the Macedonian Association of Processors (MAP) participated in a study tour to Turkey, including the 2008 Food Technology Fair in Istanbul. Read more
The new Public Procurement Law, prepared with USAID assistance, increases the transparency of the Government’s tendering procedures Children play a central role in USAID’s efforts to promote a cleaner environment (February 6, 2008)
Understanding the importance of a litter-free environment comes from an early age. That is why children are the centerpiece of the USAID Plastic Recycling Project’s outreach campaign. Read more
USAID supported Macedonian Institute for Media (MIM) recognizes the strongest supporters of civil society USAID supported Macedonian Institute for Media (MIM) recognizes the strongest supporters of civil society
On January 30th, the USAID Civil Society Strengthening Project joined the Macedonian Institute for Media (MIM) in presenting the winners of the 2007 Civil Society Media Awards. Read more
USAID-funded survey reveals strong public support for EU and NATO despite pessimism over the future USAID-funded survey reveals strong public support for EU and NATO despite pessimism over the future
The USAID Political Party Support project, implemented by the International Republical Institute (IRI), carried out a comprehensive public opinion survey measuring the level of public support of Government institutions, political parties and key issues for Macedonian citizens. Read more
The new Public Procurement Law, prepared with USAID assistance, increases the transparency of the Government’s tendering procedures In 2007, USAID helped 370 Roma to claim their basic rights through citizenship
For years, USAID has worked with Macedonia’s Roma community to claim their basic rights through citizenship. Citizenship allows this highly marginalized minority to access a number of basic rights, including the right to legal employment or unemployment registration, basic free health care, social welfare, and access to public education.. Read more
The new Public Procurement Law, prepared with USAID assistance, increases the transparency of the Government’s tendering procedures The new Public Procurement Law, prepared with USAID assistance, increases the transparency of the Government’s tendering procedures
USAID Business Environment Activity and e-Government Project played a key role in the development of the new Law on Public Procurement in the Republic of Macedonia. Read more
USAID invests over $300,000 in school renovations all over Macedonia – and it’s just the beginning! USAID invests over $300,000 in school renovations all over Macedonia – and it’s just the beginning!
USAID Primary Education Project has completed the first round of school renovations, during which eight schools received approximately $300,000 from USAID and $44,000 from their municipalities for major infrastructural projects. Read more
Domestic violence affects every second woman in Macedonia, says a new study released by a USAID partner Domestic violence affects every second woman in Macedonia, says a new study released by a USAID partner
Association of Emancipation, Solidarity and Equality of Women (ESE), an NGO supported by the USAID Civil Society Strengthening Project, has released a comprehensive study on the state of domestic violence in Macedonia. According to the research, half of all women in Macedonia have experienced psychological violence, and one out of five has experienced physical violence. Read more
Macedonian agribusinesses enter new markets at the fine foods trade fair Anuga in Cologne, Germany Macedonian agribusinesses enter new markets at the fine foods trade fair Anuga in Cologne, Germany
In October 2007, Macedonian firms joined participants from 95 other countries at the fine foods trade fair Anuga in Cologne, Germany. This leading agribusiness show is of high importance to domestic food processors in Macedonia since it represents a major opportunity to market their products to significant international buyers. Read more
USAID completes the project that helped over 40 victims of human trafficking find their way back to normal life USAID completes the project that helped over 40 victims of human trafficking find their way back to normal life
USAID and the OSCE Mission in Skopje have concluded a 3-year project that marked one of the leading initiatives in combating human trafficking in the region and established the first NGO-managed shelter for victims in Macedonia. The Residence project, funded by USAID and administered by the OSCE Mission in Skopje, was implemented by the local NGO Open Gate - La Strada. Read more
“Ecological islands” will help clear the streets of recyclable plastic waste “Ecological islands” will help clear the streets of recyclable plastic waste
USAID Plastic Recycling project, through public-private partnerships, has been setting up a program to collect and process recyclable plastic waste, specifically plastic bottles, and to turn recycling into a viable business in Macedonia. This process is complicated and involves multiple partners, but the results are starting to come in. Read more
Minister of Finance Slaveski speaks at the BEA conference on October 25, 2007 Obtaining credit becomes a reality for Macedonian municipalities
Veles becomes the first municipality to apply a state-of-the-art credit assessment model, developed by the USAID-funded Business Environment Activity (BEA). The model will make it possible for municipalities to analyze their creditworthiness and apply for loans from domestic and international financial institutions. Read more
USAID-supported SEE University establishes an endowment USAID project that made Macedonia the first wireless country in the world comes to an end
This month, the Mission brought to an end one of its most successful and highly-visible projects of all time. The Macedonia Connects (MK Connects) project led Macedonia to become the first wireless country in the world of its size, and provided free broadband internet access to 550 schools, research institutes, universities and dormitories throughout the country. Read more
USAID-supported SEE University establishes an endowment USAID-supported SEE University establishes an endowment
On October 18, Macedonia’s South East European University (SEEU) and Indiana University (IU) signed an agreement to establish an ongoing relationship between the two universities. SEEU was established in 2001, with nearly $20 million of US Government investment. Read more
“Cvet” Craftworks Decorate Paris Catwalks and US Artisan Shops Watermelons
linija
Dragi Stojmirovski has never seen so many watermelons—it’s a bumper year in the Balkans. The glut has caused the price of melons to skydive, and farmers are leaving the fruit to rot in their fields.  But Stojmirovski, with the help of USAID, has turned a crisis into a triumph.
Read more
“Cvet” Craftworks Decorate Paris Catwalks and US Artisan Shops “Cvet” Craftworks Decorate Paris Catwalks and US Artisan Shops
Ms. Spasika Tasevska has been an inspiration and a driving force for a group of 240 women and 34 teenagers from the town of Krusevo in her endeavour to turn her ideas, enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit into projects that can trigger social change and improve the economy in this tiny town in the heart of Macedonia. 
Read more
USAID funded computers open the world to special people USAID funded computers open the world to special people
Miki is nearly ready to start school— and like most kids, he’s both excited and nervous. He’s also crazy about computers. But until recently, he didn’t get much chance to use one. Because this 9-year-old Macedonian boy has Cerebral Palsy, he needs special equipment and assistance.  Read more
Macedonia Wi-Fi USAID helps Macedonia become world’s first wireless country
Over the past few years the idea of connecting to the Internet without a cable in sight through Wi-Fi has become pretty standard fare in the developed world. But the technology is also offering developing nations a chance to reach remote areas without laying down expensive new telephone cables or relying on decaying old ones, as David Reid found out when he visited USAID Macedonia. Read more |
View the BBC story | Read New York Times story | Read Christian Science Monitor story
USAID modernizes financial management in Macedonian municipalities USAID modernizes financial management in Macedonian municipalities

Balancing a municipal budget can be a complex process.  Revenues that come from several different sources must be matched to the needs of the municipality. Read more.
USAID project introduces new teaching techniques Five Michiganians, MCUL Earn National Award for Macedonia

Michigan's generous assistance to the nascent credit union movement in Macedonia has earned five individuals and the MCUL a prestigious national award. Read more.
Passive Smoking Passive Smoking – There’s Nothing Passive About It
Skopje-- The Ministry of Health and USAID have launched an innovative public information campaign tackling the subject of passive smoking; that is, the effects that smoking has on other people in the environment. This is the first time in Macedonia the issue of passive smoking has been raised in an advertising campaign. Read more. View the Macedonian TV ad: “Smoking kids” | Read Balkan Insight article on Macedonian smokers.
Democracy: Women politicians stir things up
Blagorodna Mingova Krepieva is one heck of a baker. She’s proud of her ability to make delicious baked goods. “That’s because I’m a chemical engineer,” she says, with a twinkle in her eye. “And since I’m often complimented on my baking and at the same time asked if I’m still a good mother and wife even though I’m a member of Macedonia’s Parliament I explain: I am an expert at mixing things and getting good results.”. Read more | USAID's Democracy portfolio
future scientist going places Education: This future scientist is going places

Eliza is good at math.  She’s also good at science, So good in fact, that the 16 year old traveled from her native Macedonia to the International Conference for Young Scientists in Stuttgart, Germany recently. What makes this accomplishment extra special is that Eliza is one of about 250 Roma students receiving scholarships and school-based mentoring in 57 high schools across Macedonia. Read more | USAID's Education portfolio

Economic growth: Macedonian workers get to choose
The older we get, the more we worry about our pensions. For most of us, just the thought of sorting out the complexities puts us off. So imagine living in a country that has just reformed its state-owned and previously socialist era system. Imagine being told you need to make important decisions that could affect your future. Where do you turn for help? Read more | USAID's Economic Growth portfolio
Democracy: Macedonian MPs see US democracy in action

The low hum of translators reverberated through the House chamber Tuesday morning while the House Democracy Assistance Commission greeted foreign lawmakers from around the globe. Read more | USAID's Democracy portfolio
Education: Stealth marking

They didn’t even know it was happening, Ivana Bogdanovska and Irena Manasievska are seniors in a Macedonian high school. Active participants in a simulation exercise, they only found out afterwards that their instructor was observing and marking them on how much they had learned in their module on management. Read more | USAID's Education portfolio
Education: Learning to love computers

A USAID project changes the way Macedonian teachers view the world. Even though her classes are finished, Nevena Pecijarava, a chemistry teacher at a local high school, is still at work. She’s in the computer lab preparing for tomorrow’s class. Read more | USAID's Education portfolio

Democracy: No fear, no excuses
Little did Mustaf Mustafa know that just a year after finishing his University studies, he’d be in charge of a critical assignment that will have an enormous impact on his community. Read more | USAID's Democracy portfolio
Democracy: Mayors join forces
July first came and went. For Georgi Manushev, the Mayor of Bosilovo, this date represented both an opportunity and one of the biggest challenges he’d ever faced. As of the first of July, local municipalities in Macedonia took on far more responsibility for local governance, a process called decentralization.. Read more |USAID's Democracy portfolio
Economic Growth: Infinite Solutions
It was a daring move. In September 2005, Infinite Solutions and EuroNetCom, two relatively new Macedonian IT companies, decided to compete for a contract with one of the largest banks in Europe. They found themselves going head to head with an experienced and substantially larger Indian firm. Read more | USAID's Economic Growth portfolio
Democracy: an end to the “dark ages”
USAID helps a school and a home for seniors upgrade their facilities “The afternoon classes were the most troublesome,” says Aleksandra Chortanoska. “We struggled to see what was written on the blackboard, especially those of us sitting in the back of the class. There were broken bulbs and lamps out-of-order; it was sort of a murky atmosphere.” Read more | USAID's Democracy portfolio
Education: First graduating class makes Balkan history
There are over 350 reasons to believe in the future of the Balkans this summer. When the first graduating class of South East European University (SEEU)—over 350 strong—tossed their caps into the warm summer air, and blue and white balloons were released against the backdrop of the Shar Planina Mountains , new traditions were born. Read more | USAID's Education portfolio
Economic Growth: Macedonia trains its first actuaries
When Sanja Tanchevska was pregnant one thought kept going through her mind: “I loved studying mathematics and I want to use my education—I don’t want to be stuck at home.” A happily married newlywed, her husband, a mechanical engineer, said he’d support her interest in having a career and a family.
Read more | USAID's Economic Growth portfolio
Democracy: A room with a view in Krushevo
When Dimitar Chavkaraoski retired he planned to set up a “guest room” business. He had a hunch that his tidy house with its view of Krushevo’s old church, his beautiful garden and the crisp, clear air of this mountain village were a wining formula. But he had no idea how to attract visitors. Read more | USAID's Democracy portfolio
Democracy: Macedonia hosts young political leaders
Alexander Andreev came from Russia to join U.S. political analysts from both Republican and Democratic parties and over 60 political leaders from 17 countries—the “new generation” of politicians. The three day workshop was held in Ohrid. Read more | USAID's Democracy portfolio
Democracy: Volunteer firefighters save the day
It was a cloudy afternoon in May when Tane Gorgovski got the call. A large barn was on fire in a small ethnically Albanian village about seven kilometers away from the Krivogashtani volunteer fire department headquarters. But the village was not in Gorgovski’s jurisdiction.
Read more | USAID's Democracy portfolio
Democracy: Macedonia's Roma become citizens
After 50 years Ali Mira finally has a place she can call home. She hasn't moved from the Roma settlement called Klanitza on the banks of the Vardar River in Skopje , Macedonia . But because of a temporary amendment to the Law on Citizenship and the assistance of USAID she and her family are now official citizens.
Read more | USAID's Democracy portfolio
Economic Growth: Confidence in savings institutions restored
To reach out to farmers and villagers USAID has supported the establishment of the FULM Savings House, which now has close to 4,000 members, five branches, and deposits of Macedonian Denar worth over $1.8 million. The project has had to convince savers not to convert their cash to dollars or Euros and stash it in their homes. Read more | USAID's Economic Growth portfolio