Solunska 151
7000 Bitola
North Macedonia
- Youth and education
Structure of the Organization Organization Name: SFERA International (Здружение за одржлив развој СФЕРА Интернешнал) Legal Status: Non-governmental organization (NGO), non-profit. Established: 2007 (informally) and registered as an NGO in July 2009. Location: Bitola, North Macedonia. Staff: The document mentions key staff members involved, such as: Milcho Duli: President, with over 15 years of experience in youth work and project management. Katerina Popovska: Project Manager and General Secretary, with 7+ years of experience working with youth. Evgenija Geramitchioska: Project Assistant, active since 2021. Budgetary Resources Available in a Year Annual budget of 150 000 euro, the organization participates in various funded programs, including Erasmus+, Creative Europe, and Europe for Citizens, which implies a diverse source of funding and substantial budgetary support for its projects. Sources of Funding European Programs: Erasmus+ (Youth KA1, KA2, Capacity Building) Europe for Citizens Creative Europe IPA Cross-border Cooperation European Solidarity Corps Local and International Networks: Partnerships with local TV, radio stations, and international NGOs. Modalities of Action Concrete Projects: Environmental protection, recycling, and ecology projects. Youth empowerment, leadership, and employability initiatives. Art and creativity workshops. Crisis management education (floods, earthquakes, fires). Non-formal education programs focusing on equality, tolerance, and democracy. Youth exchanges, volunteering, and capacity building through Erasmus+ and other EU programs. Exchanges and Seminars: Participation in over 600 Erasmus/youth-in-action projects. International seminars and training courses focused on democracy, digital skills, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Scholarships: Facilitating participation in international youth exchanges, training courses, and voluntary programs, often with full or partial funding for participants, especially for those with fewer opportunities. Main Partners Involved in the Organization's Projects/Activities National Partners: National Youth Council of Macedonia ZEMI ZDIV Platform Center for Environmental Democracy FLOROZON International Partners: European NGO "World at Our Home" (Latvia) EPA Network (Germany) Interalia Youth Network (Greece) Associazione JOINT (Italy) Various other European organizations and universities
SFERA International’s mission is to educate the population in North Macedonia on the protection of the environment and cultural and natural heritage through non-formal education. Their goal is to raise awareness among all age groups about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the benefits that come with it, contributing to both national and international development. Objectives of SFERA International: Protection of the environment: Focusing on the preservation of cultural and natural heritage. Promoting sustainable development: Encouraging the use of alternative sources of energy. Healthy lifestyle: Promoting sports and healthy diets. Youth development: Developing professional and leadership skills among young people. Crisis management education: Educating youth on handling natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, fires, and erosion. Non-formal education: Promoting non-formal education and creating support systems for youth on local, national, and international levels. Youth activism and citizenship: Encouraging active citizenship and informing youth of opportunities. Equality, tolerance, and democracy: Raising awareness among young people about these values and introducing human rights concepts. European integration: Supporting the Europeanization of North Macedonia. Legal aid: Providing free legal aid to vulnerable citizens.
Main Projects / Activities: Youth Empowerment and Leadership: Organizing youth exchanges and training courses focusing on leadership, democracy, self-development, and entrepreneurship. Development of professional and leadership skills among young people through various activities and training sessions. Environmental Protection and Sustainability: Organizing activities related to environmental awareness, recycling, and sustainability. Hosting cleaning actions, workshops for creating art from garbage, and educational workshops in schools. Hiking and biking activities to promote outdoor engagement and respect for nature. Promoting the use of alternative energy sources and sustainable living practices. Non-Formal Education: Workshops, seminars, and educational events focused on human rights, democracy, digital skills, and employability. Providing educational opportunities for young people facing economic or geographical obstacles, particularly those with fewer opportunities. Workshops on crisis management (natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and fires). Promoting Health and Sports: Activities promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports and nutrition, encouraging young people to engage in physical fitness and balanced diets. Art and Creativity: Projects such as Artattack events that involve painting and creativity, photography workshops, and music nights. Engaging youth in creative activities that promote cultural heritage and personal expression. Youth Work and Social Inclusion: Hosting workshops and youth projects addressing issues of social inclusion, discrimination, and prejudice. Providing primary legal aid to vulnerable groups and helping marginalized communities. Projects addressing youth unemployment, counseling, and employability. Erasmus+ and International Cooperation: SFERA International has been actively involved in over 600 Erasmus+ projects, sending more than 5500 young people to international youth exchanges. Hosting European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteers and organizing various training courses to build youth capacities. Community Engagement and Local Impact: Monthly meetings and follow-up workshops where participants share their experiences from projects with local communities. Engaging local media (TV and radio) for wider dissemination of projects and their outcomes. Crisis Management: Educating youth on crisis management, preparing them to respond to natural disasters, and equipping them with survival skills for emergencies
As SFERA International, we can contribute to the Anna Lindh Foundation Network in North Macedonia by bringing over 15 years of experience in youth empowerment, environmental protection, cultural exchange, and community development. Our organization has successfully implemented over 100 local and international projects, engaging more than 5000 youth annually through non-formal education, leadership training, and environmental initiatives. Specific Contributions: Expertise in Youth Engagement: SFERA International has vast experience in mobilizing youth and promoting active citizenship, which aligns with the foundation’s goals of fostering dialogue and building intercultural understanding. We can bring innovative programs, especially those focused on social inclusion, tolerance, and democracy, to the network. Environmental and Cultural Projects: We actively promote environmental sustainability and cultural heritage protection, engaging youth in activities like recycling workshops, environmental awareness campaigns, and creative arts events. This could contribute to the foundation’s mission of fostering understanding through culture and sustainability. Cross-Border Collaboration: With our extensive network of international partners through programs like Erasmus+, Creative Europe, and Europe for Citizens, we can facilitate collaboration between North Macedonia and other Mediterranean countries. This experience in cross-border exchanges will enhance the network's ability to work on shared challenges in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Media and Dissemination Expertise: SFERA has a strong presence on social media platforms and maintains close connections with local media outlets. We can leverage these networks to disseminate the foundation's activities, increase visibility, and promote intercultural dialogue through media channels. Inclusive Focus: Our work prioritizes marginalized groups, such as youth facing economic or geographical obstacles, promoting their inclusion in all programs. This focus on inclusivity can enrich the foundation’s approach to ensuring diversity in its programs across the Mediterranean. By joining the Anna Lindh Foundation Network, I aim to further promote intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and sustainable development in North Macedonia, while creating strong connections with other network members.
We want to join the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) Network because its mission to promote intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding across the Euro-Mediterranean region resonates deeply with the values and goals of SFERA International. By becoming part of this diverse network, I aim to expand our reach in promoting youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, cultural exchange, and social inclusion—all areas where we have significant experience. Key Reasons for Joining Shared Vision: The ALF Network’s commitment to fostering tolerance, respect, and collaboration through intercultural dialogue aligns perfectly with the projects and activities we implement. Being part of a network that champions these same values will strengthen our efforts to build a more inclusive society in North Macedonia. Opportunities for Collaboration: The ALF Network offers a unique platform for collaborating with like-minded organizations across the Mediterranean, allowing us to exchange best practices, build partnerships, and co-create impactful projects. This cross-border cooperation is essential for addressing shared challenges like social inclusion, youth unemployment, and climate change. Broader Impact: Joining the ALF Network will enhance our ability to amplify the voices of young people and marginalized communities in North Macedonia, connecting them to a larger Euro-Mediterranean context. This membership will provide us with access to new opportunities, resources, and initiatives that can further the impact of our work. Focus on Dialogue and Peacebuilding: At SFERA International, we prioritize building bridges between different cultural and ethnic groups, particularly through youth projects on leadership, tolerance, and active citizenship. The ALF Network’s focus on peacebuilding through dialogue would help us expand these efforts and contribute to regional peace and stability. Supporting European and Mediterranean Integration: SFERA International is deeply committed to supporting Europeanization in North Macedonia, and the ALF Network would offer a critical platform to advocate for democratic values, human rights, and youth participation on a broader scale, while facilitating the integration of our country into the Euro-Mediterranean community. Joining the ALF Network is an opportunity to further enhance our impact, learn from other members, and contribute to the collective vision of a more inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful region.