Andrej Tosheski from Prilep, Nade Tasevska from Resen, and Fatime Memeti from Dolneni have been selected as the winners of the Regional Competition for Innovative Business Ideas for Young People from the Pelagonia Region, an initiative stemming from the work of the Regional Youth Platform of Pelagonia.

The competition was open to young people aged 15 to 29, with the aim of encouraging young people to transform their ideas into concrete solutions addressing the challenges, needs and opportunities of the Pelagonia Region.

A total of 18 applications were submitted in response to the public call, of which two did not meet the administrative requirements. The remaining 16 ideas were evaluated by members of the Regional Youth Platform – representatives of the municipalities, including youth officers, as well as representatives of civil society organisations.

In this way, the selection of the winning ideas was carried out through a mechanism that directly connects young people with local self-government and civil society – fully reflecting the approach of the Regional Youth Platform, through which young people’s needs and initiatives are translated into concrete measures and opportunities.

First Prize – Andrej Tosheski, Prilep

“ReLife 3D – Personalised Orthopaedic Aids Produced through 3D Printing from Recycled Plastic”

The first prize was awarded to Andrej Tosheski from Prilep for his idea ReLife 3D, which combines 3D printing technology with the use of recycled plastic to develop personalised orthopaedic aids.

The concept is based on the potential of modern 3D printing technology to produce assistive devices tailored to the individual needs of users, while simultaneously contributing to the reuse and valorisation of plastic waste.

In doing so, ReLife 3D creates an opportunity to bring together technology, innovation, sustainability and social impact within a single solution.

Second Prize – Nade Tasevska, Resen

“PELAHEAT – Revolutionising Heating through a Closed Ecological System”

The second prize was awarded to Nade Tasevska from Resen for her business idea PELAHEAT, which focuses on transforming locally available agricultural and organic residues into a resource for the production of environmentally friendly fuel.

PELAHEAT develops a closed-loop (Zero Waste) system that transforms discarded apple pomace and pruning residues into premium eco-briquettes for heating.

The added value of the concept lies in the utilisation of the final by-product of combustion: the resulting ash is commercialised as potassium-based organic fertiliser, enabling the same raw material to generate two distinct economic values while contributing to a low-waste production cycle.

The idea also builds on the potential of the Prespa and Pelagonia regions, where agricultural production generates significant quantities of organic residues that can be transformed into resources with both economic and environmental value.

Third Prize – Fatime Memeti, Dolneni

“Where Every Difference is a Strength”

The third prize was awarded to Fatime Memeti for her idea “Where Every Difference is a Strength”, aimed at improving access to specialised support for children with autism and children experiencing speech and communication difficulties.

The project envisages engaging an experienced speech and language therapist with expertise in working with children with autism and children experiencing speech and communication difficulties.

The specialist would work directly with children through individual sessions, and, where appropriate, through group sessions, depending on the assessment and specific needs of each child.

At its core, the initiative focuses on improving access to specialised support and creating opportunities for every child to develop their communication skills within an environment that recognises and respects their individual needs.

From Youth Initiative to Regional Opportunity

The Regional Competition represents another example of how the Regional Youth Platform of Pelagonia creates space for young people not only to express their needs, but also to put forward their own solutions.

From 18 applications received to three awarded ideas, the competition demonstrated the capacity of young people across Pelagonia to think innovatively and develop solutions responding to the real challenges and opportunities of the communities in which they live.

Through a prize fund provided by the nine municipalities and nine civil society organisations within the Regional Youth Platform, the three winning ideas received:

First Prize – MKD 15,000
Second Prize – MKD 10,000
Third Prize – MKD 5,000

The competition represents a continuation of the approach developed by Pro Local and its partners through the Regional Youth Platform: listening to young people, recognising their ideas, and creating mechanisms through which they can become active contributors to local and regional development.

By supporting initiatives of this kind, Pelagonia is recognising young people not only as beneficiaries of policies, but also as creators of solutions and active stakeholders in the development of the region.

The Regional Competition for Innovative Business Ideas is a measure proposed within the framework of the Regional Youth Platform of Pelagonia and implemented with the support of the municipalities and civil society organisations participating in the Platform.

The project “Youth Policies Tailored to Young People” is implemented by Pro Local together with eight partner civil society organisations from the Pelagonia Region. The project is financially supported by the Government of Switzerland through the Civica Mobilitas programme.

Twenty-four regional measures adopted, 13 of which have already been implemented; a Regional Youth Platform bringing together all nine municipalities in Pelagonia and civil society organisations; and the first national assessment of how the Law on Youth Participation and Youth Policies functions in practice. These are among the key results with which the project “Youth Policies Tailored to Young People” concludes, but they also represent the foundation upon which Pro Local, its partner organisations and municipalities will continue to build.

The results were presented to more than 100 participants at the project’s closing event held at the Officers’ House in Bitola, attended by Minister of Social Policy, Demography and Youth Gjoko Velkovski, mayors and representatives of local self-government, national and local institutions, civil society organisations, and young people from across the region.

Why Do We Need Youth Policies Tailored to Young People?

Over the course of two decades, between the two population censuses, Pelagonia has lost more than 16,000 young people aged 15 to 29.

Behind this figure lies one of the most important questions concerning the future of the region: what do young people need in order to be able to build their personal and professional lives here?

The answer cannot be the same for every young person or every municipality. Opportunities available to young people in larger urban centres are not always accessible to their peers living in smaller and rural communities. It is neither realistic nor necessary for every settlement to have all the infrastructure, services and opportunities required for education, employment, culture, sport and personal development.

What is possible, however, is to bring resources together.

This is precisely why the project sought to establish a different approach: first, to listen to young people; then to bring their needs to the table together with those who have the authority to make decisions; and finally, to connect the resources of municipalities, institutions and civil society around concrete solutions.

Nine Municipalities, Nine Civil Society Organisations and One Regional Platform

At the heart of this approach is the Regional Youth Platform of Pelagonia – a mechanism through which all nine municipalities and civil society organisations in the region jointly discuss youth priorities and work towards translating them into concrete measures.

Pro Local developed the model together with eight partner civil society organisations from the region: Empowering Youth Association – Kruševo, URBANO GNEZDO – Krivogaštani, PELAGONCI ETHNOS – Debrešte, Dolneni, VOLVOX – Bitola, EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE – Gorno Orizari, Bitola, YOUTH COUNCIL – Prilep, EKO GERILA PRESPA – Resen CIVIC ACTION ICARUS – Demir Hisar.

Together with Pro Local, these nine civil society organisations work with the nine municipalities of the Pelagonia Region.

The mechanism is straightforward in its logic: young people identify needs and propose solutions; civil society organisations ensure that their voices reach decision-making processes and monitor implementation; while municipalities participate in adopting measures and provide the financial and institutional support required for their implementation.

In this way, youth participation does not end with a survey, workshop or public discussion.

The needs identified by young people have so far resulted in 24 measures adopted at regional level, 13 of which have already been implemented.

When Young People Propose, Institutions Respond

The measures have also demonstrated how different needs can be from one community to another.

In Bitola, for example, young people identified mental health as one of the areas requiring greater support. Their input led to activities involving young people and psychologists from all seven secondary schools in the municipality.

At the closing event, the Mayor of Bitola, Toni Konjanovski, highlighted this example as an indication that meaningful youth participation can lead to concrete local measures.

Other initiatives have raised issues that extend beyond the boundaries of a single municipality – such as mobility and the ability of young people from smaller communities to access educational, cultural, professional and other opportunities available throughout the region.

This is precisely the essence of the regional approach: not every municipality needs to have every resource on its own. Municipalities can instead connect the resources that already exist and make them more accessible to young people across the entire region.

From Pelagonia to National Youth Policy

The project, however, did not remain limited to the local and regional levels.

Alongside the development of the Regional Youth Platform, Pro Local conducted the first national assessment of the impact and practical implementation of the Law on Youth Participation and Youth Policies.

The objective was not merely to examine what the Law provides for, but to understand what actually works in practice, what does not, and where the main obstacles to implementation lie.

More than 60 relevant stakeholders from across the country participated in the research, including representatives of institutions, local self-governments and civil society organisations directly involved in implementing youth policies or monitoring their effects.

Rather than relying on assumptions about where weaknesses may lie, the research brought together the experiences of those who are responsible for applying the Law in their day-to-day work, as well as those expected to experience its outcomes.

The findings indicate where existing legal provisions are producing results, where implementation remains insufficient, and which mechanisms need to be strengthened to ensure that youth participation does not remain merely a statutory obligation, but becomes a meaningful reality in practice.

For Pro Local, this represents an important next step: moving from field experience and evidence-based research towards improvements in public policy.

Based on the findings of the national assessment and the experience gained through the establishment and functioning of the Regional Youth Platform in Pelagonia, Pro Local will formally submit proposals for amendments to the Law on Youth Participation and Youth Policies to the competent institutions.

In this way, the experiences of more than 60 stakeholders from across the country, together with the practical lessons emerging from Pelagonia, will be translated into concrete recommendations for strengthening the legal framework.

A Model with Potential Beyond Pelagonia

The connection between local experience and national policy was also one of the important themes discussed at the closing event.

Minister of Social Policy, Demography and Youth Gjoko Velkovski emphasised that new policies and legal obligations do not necessarily require the creation of new institutions or additional administrative structures. Solutions can instead lie in better connecting what already exists – municipalities, institutions, civil society organisations and available resources.

In this context, he highlighted Pro Local’s role in identifying the real needs of citizens, connecting relevant stakeholders, and transferring experience and evidence from the local to the national level.

Alexander Krzhalovski, Executive Director of the Macedonian Center for International Cooperation, noted that “Youth Policies Tailored to Young People” is among the most successful projects supported through the programme’s more than 500 grants. According to him, its value lies precisely in the fact that its results do not end with the project cycle, but that the cooperation established and the effects generated through it can continue to be observed over the longer term.

The potential for the Regional Youth Platform to be applied more broadly has also been recognised. The next step is to test, adapt and validate the approach developed in Pelagonia in other regions across the country, in order to determine how it can function under different local conditions and whether it can evolve into a broader mechanism for meaningful youth participation in policymaking.

The Next Step in Pelagonia – the Regional PELO Hub

While the model is opening up to other regions, cooperation in Pelagonia is continuing to evolve.

With the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the nine municipalities, Pro Local and the Regional Chamber of Commerce, the development of the Regional PELO Hub is now underway.

Through the Hub, the existing cooperation between young people, municipalities and civil society will be further strengthened through the more active involvement of the private sector.

The objective is to make it easier for young people across the region to access opportunities for practical work experience, employment, mentoring, entrepreneurship, and personal and professional development – regardless of whether they live in a larger urban centre or a small rural municipality.

“We cannot have all the infrastructure and all the opportunities young people need in every settlement. But we can bring together the resources available across the region and make those opportunities accessible to young people, regardless of where they live. To achieve this, we first need to listen to young people – what they lack, what matters to them, and what would make them see their future here,” said Emilia Gjeroska, President of Pro Local.

The project “Youth Policies Tailored to Young People” is implemented by Pro Local together with eight partner civil society organisations from the Pelagonia Region. The project is financially supported by the Government of Switzerland through the Civica Mobilitas programme.

As part of the PELO – From Youth Empowerment to Institutional Ownership project, Pro Lokal successfully delivered the “POWER UP: Activate Your Potential” training, bringing together 55 representatives of civil society organizations from the Pelagonia Region.

Through interactive exercises, collaborative group work, and practical personal development tools, participants explored the difference between resourceful and non-resourceful states, learned how conscious breathing and body physiology can positively influence their mindset, identified what lies within their sphere of control, and transformed their ideas into concrete, achievable steps toward their personal and professional goals.

A key focus of the training was the practical application of these concepts, reinforcing the idea that meaningful personal growth begins when knowledge is translated into action.

As part of the programme, participants also took part in the “CAREER CHALLENGE: From a Real Business Challenge to an Internship Opportunity” session, led by Bujar Drala, Human Resources Manager at Mint Fintech Group – Bitola. Drawing on a real organizational culture challenge faced by the company, participants engaged in a practical assignment that simulated the internship selection process, providing valuable insight into employers’ expectations and the competencies most sought after in today’s labour market.

Pro Local was awarded third place in the audience vote at the 4th WeBER Regional Citizens First Conference, receiving recognition for “Best Project” among civil society organizations from across the Western Balkans.

The project was presented by Rubin Nikoloski, who showcased its activities, achievements, and impact on local communities. Particular emphasis was placed on innovative approaches that foster citizen participation in decision-making processes and contribute to the improvement of public services.

The WeBER Regional Citizens First Conference is recognized as one of the most significant regional platforms for the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices in the fields of public administration reform, civic engagement, and public policy development. This year’s conference brought together representatives of civil society organizations, public institutions, experts, and practitioners from across the region, providing a valuable forum for constructive dialogue and the sharing of innovative approaches to more effective and inclusive governance.

The recognition awarded to Pro Local serves as a strong affirmation of the relevance, quality, and impact of initiatives developed in response to the genuine needs of citizens. It also highlights the importance of participatory approaches in shaping policies and services that are more responsive, accessible, and aligned with the priorities of local communities.

This achievement represents a significant regional acknowledgment of Pro Local’s work and provides additional motivation to further advance initiatives aimed at strengthening citizen participation, transparency, accountability, and good governance at both local and regional levels.

The conference was organized within the framework of the WeBER 3.0 project, an initiative that has, for more than a decade, played a key role in monitoring and supporting public administration reforms throughout the Western Balkans.

Pro Local was awarded third place in the audience vote at the 4th WeBER Regional Citizens First Conference, receiving recognition for “Best Project” among civil society organizations from across the Western Balkans.

The project was presented by Rubin Nikoloski, who showcased its activities, achievements, and impact on local communities. Particular emphasis was placed on innovative approaches that foster citizen participation in decision-making processes and contribute to the improvement of public services.

The WeBER Regional Citizens First Conference is recognized as one of the most significant regional platforms for the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices in the fields of public administration reform, civic engagement, and public policy development. This year’s conference brought together representatives of civil society organizations, public institutions, experts, and practitioners from across the region, providing a valuable forum for constructive dialogue and the sharing of innovative approaches to more effective and inclusive governance.

The recognition awarded to Pro Local serves as a strong affirmation of the relevance, quality, and impact of initiatives developed in response to the genuine needs of citizens. It also highlights the importance of participatory approaches in shaping policies and services that are more responsive, accessible, and aligned with the priorities of local communities.

This achievement represents a significant regional acknowledgment of Pro Local’s work and provides additional motivation to further advance initiatives aimed at strengthening citizen participation, transparency, accountability, and good governance at both local and regional levels.

The conference was organized within the framework of the WeBER 3.0 project, an initiative that has, for more than a decade, played a key role in monitoring and supporting public administration reforms throughout the Western Balkans.

Over the past few days, Pro Local organised and led a study visit to the Netherlands, bringing together seven mayors from the Pelagonia region, a representative of the business sector, and members of the organisation’s team. The visit was conducted within the framework of the PELO Project, supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in North Macedonia through the MATRA Programme.

The study visit included the mayors of the municipalities of Bitola, Prilep, Resen, Novaci, Mogila, Krivogashtani and Dolneni, as well as Mr Nikola Marinoski, President of the Regional Chamber of Commerce in Prilep. The visit was organised and coordinated by Pro Local as part of its commitment to fostering sustainable models of cooperation among young people, local governments, and the business sector across the Pelagonia region.

The purpose of this visit was not to seek ready-made solutions. Rather, it was to explore how local communities, young people, businesses, universities, and civil society organisations can work together to create a higher quality of life, generate new economic opportunities, and build a more sustainable future.

Our journey began in Amsterdam with a visit to De Ceuvel, one of Europe’s most renowned examples of transforming a neglected and polluted industrial site into a vibrant, functional, and sustainable hub for work, innovation, and community engagement. We witnessed firsthand how the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle can be translated into practical solutions that restore the environment while creating new value for citizens.

In The Hague, in cooperation with the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) and the Local Government Academy in The Hague, we had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the Dutch model of local governance and intermunicipal cooperation. Particularly inspiring was the manner in which young people are involved in shaping local policies—not merely through formal mechanisms, but through direct collaboration with municipalities, universities, civil society organisations, and the private sector.

A special highlight for the delegation was the meeting with the Mayor of The Hague, who shared fond memories of his visits to Skopje and Ohrid and emphasised the importance of cooperation between local communities. Discussions focused on the circular economy, waste management, and the role of young people in implementing local policies. One of the most significant messages we took away was that a successful circular economy is not solely an environmental objective—it must also be underpinned by a functional economic model in which waste becomes a resource and sustainability generates new opportunities for growth and development.

At Titaan Hub in The Hague, we observed how meaningful connections are built between young innovators and businesses. There, student ideas do not remain confined to paper; they are provided with opportunities for testing, mentorship from the business community, and the potential to evolve into new products, services, or start-up ventures. This model of directly linking young people’s creativity and skills with labour market needs emerged as one of the most valuable lessons for the future development of a regional youth innovation and circular economy hub in Pelagonia.

In Delft, at one of Europe’s leading technical universities, we visited The Green Village—a unique living laboratory where researchers, students, companies, and local authorities collaboratively develop and test solutions to address climate change. From innovative construction materials and energy systems to advanced solutions for heating, cooling, and sustainable infrastructure, every initiative is driven by a common goal: creating more resilient and liveable cities for the future.

What impressed us most, however, were not the buildings, technologies, or investments. It was the mindset.

In the Netherlands, we witnessed that the most effective solutions emerge when municipalities do not work in isolation; when young people are not merely beneficiaries of policies but active co-creators; when businesses are recognised not only as employers but as partners in shaping the future; and when universities and civil society actively contribute to solving real challenges within their communities.

This is precisely the vision we aspire to cultivate in Pelagonia—a region where young people, businesses, municipalities, and civil society organisations work together to develop practical solutions, foster new skills, create green jobs, and drive innovations that improve the quality of life for all citizens.

We are not returning from the Netherlands with models to simply replicate. We are returning with new ideas, strengthened partnerships, and an even stronger conviction that collaboration, vision, and local commitment can bring about meaningful and lasting change.

Pelagonia holds tremendous potential. Our shared responsibility is to transform that potential into opportunities.

The project “Civic Circles – From Institutional Silence to Youth-Led Dialogue” was successfully concluded with a final event held at the Officers’ Hall in Bitola, marking the culmination of a process that created meaningful opportunities for dialogue between young people, institutions, and local communities.

During the event, participants were presented with the outcomes of the Local Democratic Circles, the youth-led activities implemented throughout the project, and the recommendations outlined in the Regional Policy Paper on Youth Participation. These recommendations represent a concrete contribution towards strengthening the meaningful involvement of young people in decision-making processes at the local and regional levels.

In his address, Stevche Stevanovski, Mayor of the Municipality of Novaci and President of the Council of the Pelagonia Planning Region, emphasized the importance of empowering young people as active contributors to local development and to the processes that directly shape their future.

Bojan Bojkoski, President of the Council of the Municipality of Bitola, highlighted the need to establish sustainable mechanisms through which the voices of young people are not only heard, but effectively integrated into institutional action and policy development.

Kevin Maas, Head of Culture at the German Embassy in Skopje, underlined the importance of supporting initiatives that foster democratic culture, dialogue, and youth participation as essential foundations for sustainable and inclusive communities.

Special attention was also given to the model of Local Democratic Circles, which, as noted by Vladimir Gjorgjevski, Head of the RYCO Local Branch Office in Skopje, serves as an important tool for building trust, cooperation, and direct communication between young people and institutions, creating spaces where youth are not merely participants, but agents of change.

The project “Civic Circles – From Institutional Silence to Youth-Led Dialogue” was implemented in partnership between the Youth Cultural Center – Bitola (MKC Bitola) and Pro Lokal.

The activity was supported through the RYCOgnizing YPS grant scheme, funded by German Cooperation and implemented by RYCO.

Bitola, 13 May 2026 – The Regional Youth Platform (RYP) continues to establish itself as a significant mechanism for the development of youth policies, inter-municipal cooperation, and participatory democracy in the Pelagonia region.

On 13 May, the 5th session of the Platform was held at Club Utopia in Bitola, bringing together seven mayors and representatives of municipalities from across the region, alongside eight civil society organisations that are members of the Platform.

The session once again reaffirmed that the Regional Youth Platform functions as an active space for dialogue, coordination, and the joint creation of regional initiatives and policies that arise directly from the needs and priorities of young people.

A particularly important moment during the session was the opening and discussion of initiatives and regional policy proposals being developed beyond the direct project scope of the Civica Mobilitas programme. This process clearly demonstrates that the Platform is evolving into a functional and sustainable mechanism through which young people, institutions, and civil society organisations jointly initiate solutions and policies that respond to the real needs of the community.

During the session, participants reviewed the ongoing activities of the Platform, as well as sectoral analyses and recommendations in the fields of culture and tourism. Discussions focused on concrete measures aimed at improving youth policies and increasing youth participation in local and regional development processes.

In the field of tourism, participants highlighted the need to promote the Pelagonia region as an authentic and sustainable tourist destination through greater youth involvement. The analyses demonstrated that the region possesses considerable potential, yet requires improved organisation, coordination, and a more unified approach among municipalities, local tourism stakeholders, and young people themselves. In this regard, discussions were initiated on the development of promotional tours, enhanced digital visibility of the region’s tourism offer, the creation of integrated tourism packages, and stronger support for youth entrepreneurship in tourism. Furthermore, the importance of educational programmes and mentorship support for young people was emphasised, with the aim of enabling their more active involvement in the development of the local tourism economy and the creation of new local businesses.

In the area of culture, participants stressed the necessity of a systematic and long-term approach to local cultural development, particularly in smaller municipalities where cultural infrastructure and opportunities remain limited. It was emphasised that municipalities should develop local cultural strategies, ensure a more balanced allocation of resources, and create modern and accessible cultural spaces for young people. At the same time, participants underlined the importance of stronger cooperation among institutions, civil society organisations, and educational institutions, so that young people are engaged not only as audiences, but also as creators and organisers of cultural content and events.

Special attention was drawn to the initiative proposing the introduction of a dedicated budget line entitled “YOUTH” within the municipal budget circular — an initiative emerging from the joint work of young people and youth officers from across the Pelagonia region. This initiative was likewise discussed beyond the direct project scope of Civica Mobilitas, further confirming the Platform’s capacity to generate practical and sustainable mechanisms for meaningful youth participation.

Through continuous dialogue, the opening of important regional issues, and the joint formulation of recommendations, the Regional Youth Platform is increasingly positioning itself as an example of meaningful youth participation and successful regional cooperation.

The organisation of the 5th session represents yet another confirmation that young people are actively claiming their place within local and regional policymaking processes, while the Platform continues to grow as a space where their voices gain genuine influence and institutional recognition.

Pro Local attended the event “Just Energy Transition in Pelagonia – New Skills, Innovation and Sustainable Economic Development”, organized by MKC Bitola and Eco-Svest Skopje, in cooperation with the Local Economic and Social Council of the Municipality of Bitola.

The event brought together representatives of institutions, local authorities, the business sector, civil society organizations, and educational institutions, with the aim of fostering constructive dialogue on the future of the Pelagonia region and the process of just energy transition.

In their addresses, the Mayor of Bitola, Toni Konjanovski, the Ambassador of Sweden, Ola Sohlström, and the other speakers emphasized the importance of creating new green jobs, developing new skills, and implementing sustainable economic policies that will contribute to local development and a better future for citizens.

Pro Local strongly supports the importance of cooperation among all stakeholders within the community and remains actively committed to monitoring and contributing to processes that promote sustainable development, innovation, and greater opportunities for young people and the local community.

Pro Local was part of the event dedicated to the theme “Sustainable Partnership”, organized by the Swedish-Macedonian Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club “Shirok Sokak”, the Swedish Alumni Network, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden in Skopje.

The event brought together distinguished representatives from the business community, civil society sector, and local self-government, including the Mayor of the Municipality of Bitola, Toni Konjanovski, the Mayor of the Municipality of Novaci, Stevche Stevanovski, as well as His Excellency Ola Sohlström, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to North Macedonia.

Throughout the event, important discussions were initiated regarding the cooperation between institutions, the private sector, and civil society organizations, with a strong focus on building long-term and sustainable partnerships that contribute to local and economic development.

The President of Pro Local, Emilia Gjeroska, emphasized that young people are the key driving force behind every new investment and an essential factor in the success of every business. She highlighted that investing in youth, their skills, ideas, and potential represents the foundation for creating a sustainable economy and a resilient local community.

Pro Local remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster collaboration, innovation, and the creation of new opportunities for young people and the wider community.

On March 27, 2026, at the Officer’s House in Bitola, the final event of the sub-project “Mental Health Among Youth” was successfully held, as part of the project “Youth Policies Tailored to Youth”.

From October 2025 to March 2026, Pro Lokal, in cooperation with all high schools in Bitola, continuously worked with young people through monthly events dedicated to various aspects of mental health. Through open discussions, interactive workshops, and joint activities, young people had the opportunity to share experiences, learn, and actively contribute to creating a supportive and safe environment.

The final event served as an opportunity to summarize the achieved results, amplify the voices of young people, and highlight the importance of continuous care for mental health. The event was attended by representatives of the local government, including the Mayor, as well as young participants who were actively involved in the project activities over the past six months.

As part of the event, a panel discussion titled “Youth and Mental Health – What Happens in Practice” was held, bringing together professionals in the field of psychology. Through open dialogue, practical experiences from working with young people were shared, along with everyday challenges and recommendations for improving mental health support within the education system and the wider community.

The event was further enriched by an artistic program prepared by students from SOU “Taki Daskalo” Bitola. Through the dramatization “The Silence That Screams”, the recital “The Voice of Silence”, and a musical performance, young people expressed their perspectives on mental health in an emotional and authentic way, highlighting the importance of understanding and support.

This event once again confirmed the need to create safe spaces where young people can be heard, understood, and supported. At the same time, it sent a strong message – when young people are actively involved, change is possible.

The project “Youth Policies Tailored to Youth” is supported by the Government of Switzerland through the Civica Mobilitas program.

The first part of the programme was dedicated to mechanisms for youth participation at the local level. Together with Jovana Jordanovska and Martin Krstić, Youth Officer at the Municipality of Kumanovo, participants discussed the ways in which young people can actively engage in decision-making processes and become drivers of positive change within their communities. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of creating spaces where the voices of young people are heard, valued, and translated into meaningful action.

The programme continued with a strong focus on field findings and the implementation of practical tools and mechanisms for youth engagement. Rubin Nikoloski presented the role and impact of ZMUMP at the local level, while Emilia Gjeroska shared the experiences and practices of Pro Local in the field of youth engagement and active participation. Through real-life examples and practical tools, participants gained valuable insight into successful models of youth participation and local action.

During the second day of the training, Prof. Dr. Shiret Elezi introduced participants to the topic of the anatomy of local finances and the role of ZMUMP as a powerful tool for inclusive youth budgeting. The session opened important discussions on how local budgets function, where opportunities for youth influence exist, and how young people can actively participate in planning and allocation processes.

The third day focused on the development of concrete youth policy proposals and collective advocacy. Together with Jovana Jordanovska, participants worked on creating practical youth policy recommendations, while discussions with Prof. Dr. Shiret Elezi addressed the initiative for introducing a dedicated budget line “YOUTH” as a mechanism for stronger support and inclusion of young people within local policies and governance processes.

The training concluded with a shared understanding that youth participation is a key pillar in building more inclusive, democratic, and sustainable local communities. The three days were filled with knowledge exchange, practical work, discussions, and innovative ideas, leaving participants with new perspectives, strengthened partnerships, and even greater motivation to create meaningful change within their communities.

The project “Civic Circles: From Institutional Silence to Youth-Led Dialogue” culminated in the Regional Youth Exchange Forum, held from 26 to 29 March 2026 at Hotel Millenium Palace, in Ohrid. The forum brought together approximately 30 young participants from North Macedonia and Albania, who, through a series of interactive sessions, workshops, and discussions, actively contributed to advancing youth participation in democratic processes.

The forum served as a significant platform for networking and partnership-building among young people from both countries, fostering an environment conducive to open dialogue, exchange of ideas, and sharing of experiences related to civic engagement. Through a carefully structured programme, participants engaged in identifying key challenges faced by youth at the local level, while collaboratively developing innovative and sustainable solutions.

Particular emphasis was placed on joint work within a multicultural setting, enabling participants to enhance their communication and teamwork skills, while simultaneously building mutual trust and understanding. Throughout the forum, concrete proposals and recommendations were developed, aimed at improving youth policies, strengthening transparency and accountability of local institutions, and encouraging more active youth involvement in decision-making processes.

Furthermore, the forum contributed to strengthening cross-border cooperation between North Macedonia and Albania, underscoring the importance of a regional approach in addressing shared challenges. By exchanging best practices and experiences, participants laid a solid foundation for future joint initiatives and long-term collaboration.

The regional project “Civic Circles: From Institutional Silence to Youth-Led Dialogue” is implemented by the Youth Cultural Centre – Bitola, in partnership with Pro Local – Bitola and the nine municipalities of the Pelagonia region.

The activity is supported through the RYCOgnizing YPS grant scheme, funded by German Cooperation and implemented by the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO).

The second cycle of the Local Democratic Circles, held during the month of February, represents a significant step forward in the continuous strengthening of youth participation in local decision-making processes. Through this cycle, young people from all nine municipalities of the Pelagonia region had the opportunity to actively engage in a structured dialogue with local institutions, within a safe, open, and inclusive space for exchanging ideas and co-creating solutions.

During the first cycle of the Local Democratic Circles, young participants openly shared their experiences, perspectives, and the challenges they face within their communities, as well as their visions for the changes they consider necessary to improve quality of life. These contributions served as a foundation for the continuation of the process, enabling a deeper understanding of youth needs at the local level.

In the second cycle, these ideas were further reviewed and elaborated in direct consultation with representatives of local self-government units. Within this process, one priority issue was identified for each municipality, emerging as the most significant based on local context and youth perspectives. Through a transparent and democratic voting process, young people themselves determined the most urgent need in their communities, thereby strengthening their role in decision-making processes.

Following the selection of priorities, participants worked collaboratively to develop concrete, realistic, and actionable initiatives aimed at addressing the identified challenges. The elaborated proposals were formally prepared and submitted to the relevant municipal institutions for consideration and further integration into local policies and measures.

Approximately 150 young participants and representatives from all nine municipalities of the Pelagonia region took part in the second cycle, further confirming the regional importance of the process and the shared commitment to enhancing youth participation, dialogue, and cooperation between young people and institutions.

The regional project “Civic Circles – From Institutional Silence to Youth-Led Dialogue” is implemented by the Youth Cultural Center – Bitola, in partnership with Pro Local – Bitola and the nine municipalities of the Pelagonia region.

Within the framework of the project “Youth Policies Tailored to Youth,” and as part of the activities aimed at enhancing the mental well-being of young people in Bitola, a creative and educational workshop titled “Shopping and Mental Health” was held on 6 February 2026 at the premises of Bliss Mall.

The activity took place in a setting that naturally brings young people together — a space where they socialize, spend their free time, and make everyday purchasing decisions. It was precisely in this environment that an open discussion was initiated on conscious consumption, the emotional value often attributed to shopping, and the question of whether material possessions truly provide lasting happiness, or whether a sense of fulfillment stems from inner stability and self-awareness.

The workshop commenced with an introductory presentation by M.A. Marija Magdalena Petkovska Mikarovska on the topic “Shopping as Therapy for Mental Health.” The discussion addressed the impact of purchasing behavior on mood, the distinction between impulsive and mindful consumption, and the short-term effects of so-called “retail therapy.” Particular emphasis was placed on sustainable habits and the potential of thrift shopping as a responsible and environmentally conscious practice.

This was followed by the interactive exercise “My Happy Market – Buy Without Money,” facilitated by M.A. Marija Mladenovska Dimitrovska. Through this creative activity, participants were encouraged to symbolically “purchase” values and emotions rather than material goods, reflecting on what they genuinely need in order to feel fulfilled. The exercise fostered sincere dialogue and created space for personal reflection on individual habits and priorities.

The workshop concluded in a pleasant atmosphere with light refreshments at Aurum Bliss, where discussions continued informally, allowing for further connection and deeper exploration of the topic.

This activity reaffirmed that care for mental health can begin within everyday spaces, through conversations that resonate with the real-life habits and experiences of young people. Conscious consumption, critical thinking, and personal responsibility represent essential steps toward psychological resilience and a more sustainable way of living.

The project “Youth Policies Tailored to Youth” is supported by the Government of Switzerland through Civica Mobilitas.

As part of the project “Youth Policies Tailored to Young People,” and within a sub-project addressing the challenges of youth mental health in Bitola, on 30 December 2025 Pro Local, in cooperation with students and teachers from the Secondary School “Taki Daskalo” – Bitola, paid a visit to the Elderly Care Home “St. Spas” in the village of Kravari.

The activity took place in the spirit of the upcoming New Year holidays, yet with a deeper purpose: to create a safe and humane space for connection, conversation, and the exchange of experiences, as a response to the growing pressures, doubts, and inner struggles faced by young people today.

The students and teachers arrived with homemade cookies—a small but heartfelt gesture of attention and respect. The visit soon evolved into a warm gathering filled with smiles, care, and genuine closeness. Through simple acts of kindness such as conversation, presence, and attentiveness, a true intergenerational bond was formed.

In these quiet and sincere conversations, the residents of the home shared their life stories, memories, and lessons—words rich in experience and perspective, which for the young participants served as encouragement and a reminder that very few things in life are final, and that even the most difficult moments eventually pass.

The encounter was reciprocal: the young people came to offer care, and left with a renewed outlook on life. At the same time, the residents felt heard, valued, and reassured that their wisdom holds an important place within the community.

On the eve of the New Year, this initiative stood as a powerful reminder that care for mental health does not always begin with words, but with human connection, understanding, and shared time. Small gestures can create meaningful change—for those who give them, and for those who receive them.

Pro Local, together with its partners and the psychologists from the city’s secondary schools, will continue to implement activities that actively involve young people in the creation of policies and initiatives designed according to their needs, with a particular focus on mental well-being, social responsibility, and the strengthening of the local community.

The project “Youth Policies Tailored to Young People” is supported by the Government of Switzerland through Civica Mobilitas.