Projects

May 2008 - Friends of Macedonia is at it again! We are in our fourth cycle of bi-annual funding of PCV grant proposals.

Last time around, TWO grants were made.



Project 1



The first project selected ($500) comes from Rachel Whitford, PCV in Delcevo (northeast Macedonia, 11 km from the Bulgarian border). The project proposes the production of a video DVD with accompanying booklet that presents the preparation of Macedonian food and recipes. The video will be shot in Macedonian homes, with Macedonian food, supplies and equipment of the people of Delcevo. The video will be ready by May 2008, in time for distribution and sale at a proposed Street Fair. The plan is well-designed and budgeted with in-kind donations, local participation and multi-ethnic participation. The PCV is working with an organization called Goce Delcev; that has been in existence for 33 years and promotes Macedonian cultural events, including traditional folk dancing. $500 from FOM will pay for a video camera and publication materials for a poster and the booklet as part of the overall plan with a lot of in-kind contributions from the community. FOM has added an additional $50 to the award with a request that a supply of DVDs and posters be provided to us. When ready, we can offer them to members for a donation that will keep us in the PCV grant funding business!



Project 2

The second project selected comes from Mary OConner, PCV in Krusevo (Central southwest Macedonia, between Prilep and Kicevo) working with Art-Kul, an NGO that promotes the artistic and cultural heritage of Krusevo. Vlach is one of three officially recognized languages in the Municipality of Krusevo. Fourteen Vlach childrens songs were commissioned and created last year by Art-Kul for an ethnic festival. The production version of the CD has been prepared through the work of Art-Kul. The mixing and editing have been completed through the in-kind contribution of friends of the organization in Krusevo. The graphic work for the CD sleeve, also in-kind, has been prepared. The proposal requests funds to reproduce an additional 300 copies, print CD sleeves, purchase CD packaging and print a CD booklet. The CDs will be distributed to Macedonian schools. The intent is to preserve and promote Vlach heritage and typical ethnic childrens songs to Macedonians of all ethnicities. Like the first project, FOM has added $50 to the grant so that additional copies can be supplied to FOM. We know that our members are anxious to hear the results of Mary's project!


Mary O'Connor, Hristo Hristoski-Mular and the Vlach Children's Group

EKOVITA PROJECT - In June 2007, FOM funded another project, this time in Negotino. EkoVita is an organization that works for community improvement and the improved social and economic status of its members through educational programs that focus on standards of agricultural production, environmental protection, and small business development. EkoVita was founded three years ago and is located in Negotino, Macedonia. It has over 70 members.



Like many NGOs in Macedonia and elsewhere, funding is always a problem. PCV Sofia Harwell got involved and prepared a proposal that will build a website for the organization. Sofia's project will include capacity building in a fun way...adding the capability to add images to the web site design process is part of the project.



We look forward to getting results from Sofia and will post the website as a link at our own website. Then we call all share in the progress of the organization from funds provided by the generous donations of Friends of Macedonia members and friends. For more information, please go to the EKOVITA page on the website.


EKOVITA Photograhper at Work

Reach for the Stars - Friends of Macedonia is pleased to report that the first PCV Project grant was awarded to Cheryl Calhoun in Kumanovo. Working with the NGO “Inter-ethnic Project of Kumanovo’s Youth,” Cheryl submitted a proposal for a talent competition for young Macedonians ages 6 to 21. The competition should get some media attention as it will be hosted by Sashko Kocev, a professional actor often referred to as the Macedonian “John-tra Volta.” FOM was impressed by the creativity and thoroughness of the proposal. The details of Cheryl's proposal can be found by clicking the link below. For PCVs interested in applying to Friends of Macedonia for funding, you may take a look at this as an example of what worked!


Thank You Friends of Macedonia!

Cheryl's project was successful, as expected. Check out "FOM/PCV Project - Reach for the Stars" in the link on the left to see photos!

Cheryl Calhoun's Project Proposal



Vesna Stojanovska

 

I was born on January 20th 1985 in Skopje, Macedonia.  I started swimming when I was 5 years old. By the age of 8 I already broke few national records of Macedonia for the age 10 and under. At age of 15 I participated in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.

 When I turned 16 I decided to come to America so I can be able to get a proper education and continue swimming as well. I went to Ft. Lauderdale, FL in Pine Crest High School. Two-year letter winner at Pine Crest High School under coach Jay Fitzgerald . I was: named captain in junior and senior seasons, selected as team's most valuable swimmer as a senior, coaches' Award. I was also the Florida state champion in the 200 freestyle as a senior, district and conference champion in the 200 free in junior and senior seasons. I Earned All-America, All-Broward and Sun Sentinel honors.

Mathematics and science were always my favorite subjects in high school, and that is why I decided to pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. While in college, I Became the first Tech competitor to earn All-America honors, All-ACC, and to win ACC title.  I also participated in the Athens 2004 Olympics.

While pursuing a degree at Georgia Institute of Technology I decided to do research for two professors. That opportunity made me realize that I would like to pursue a doctorate degree. I have already applied to few graduate school programs including Georgia Tech. I would like to pursue a PhD in Dynamics and Controls, Robotics, or UAV’s (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles).

I have had great deal of help from the Friends Of Macedonia. With their financial help I was able to cover many expenses including the GRE’s cost and the grad school application fees.