As one of the first organizations in Macedonia that has incorporated Philanthropy and Social Responsibility and as priority area of work, starting from 2008 CIRa has initiated the first activities related to fostering philanthropic practices among the Diaspora from Republic of Macedonia. Even though in a world, philanthropy is usually seen as something thatis reserved for wealthy people, we strongly believe that this image disregards the reality of diaspora communities’involvement in philanthropic practices. Our analysis shows that giving for thebenefit of others has been part of practices of the migrants from Macedonia since the first arrivals in the countries where they continue to live. In the case of Macedonia, it was always case that our Diaspora members frequently send money and goods tofamily, friends and communities in Macedonia.

I. ANNUAL AWARD FOR INDIVIDUAL PHILANTHROPIST FROM OUR DIASPORA

In order to recognize and promote the best practices of the members of Diaspora from Republic of Macedonia, since year 2008 we have started to give “Annual Award for Individual Philanthropist from our Diaspora”. This year (2011) we are going to organize 4th “Annual Philanthropy and CSR Awards in Macedonia” and within them we have Award for “Individual Philanthropist from our Diaspora for 2010”. Until now there were two winners of that Award from our Diaspora: Kneginja Richter from Germany (for year 2008) and Blaga Petrevska from Australia (for year 2009). Nominations for last year’s Philanthropy and CSR awards would be open at the end of May 2011, and will close at the end of June 2011. The nomination forms can be found on our web site: www.cira.org.mk. We are planning from next year to add one more award in order to recognize philanthropic practices of our Diaspora for the giving in RM - “Annual Award for Philanthropic Achievement of the Organization of our Diaspora” .

II. PRIORITY PROGRAM AREAS FOR SUPPORT FROM OUR DIASPORA

Based on the annual analysis prepared with support of our partners throughout local communities in Republic of Macedonia, CIRa has defined the 3 Program areas in which we actively seek support from Diaspora from Republic of Macedonia in addressing the local community development needs and issues. In particular:

1. INCREASING YOUTH EMPLOYMENT IN REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

SITUATION ANALYSIS: Republic of Macedonia is on the first place in Europe in terms of Unemployment - 32.3% of the total labour force was without employment. The condition among youth population is even worst - youth unemployment rate has exceeded 60%.  Youth unemployment creates dissatisfaction, doubt about one’s self and the others, doubt about the social systems, institutions and values. The employment of the youth plays a crucial role in the process of their reaching independence and empowerment in each sense of these words. In such circumstances, young people are prone to further develop their potential, to take a proactive role in society or establish positive relationships with others.

OBJECTIVE: Establishing funds for addressing the issue of unemployment of youth, especially in the rural and undeveloped areas in Republic of Macedonia.

PRIORITY PROJECTS:

Youth Bank - providing micro grants (from US$ 300-US$ 2000) to young people/youth groups for starting income generating activities in rural communities (collection of herbs, agricultural activities, provision of services for elderly people etc).

- Youth Social Enterprise Development- support of the Youth non-profit organizations or youth groups in schools to start with innovative micro or small business that with enable employment of youth population

2.  DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

SITUATION ANALYSIS:  From analysis we have prepared in 25 rural/economically deprived local municipalities in Republic of Macedonia, the one of the priorities in the their strategic/development plans is development of so called alternative tourism (includes various types of alternative tourism: Village Tourism, Memory tourism, Farm Truism, Mountaineering Tourism, Caving Tourism, Cultural Tourism, Vine Tourism, Natural site-seeing tourism, Archeological Tourism, Carnival Tourism, cultural heritage tourism etc ). Considering natural beauties, historical and cultural heritage of Republic of Macedonia, we strongly believe that supporting the development of sustainable tourism in Macedonia, can help the economic growth especially in the rural communities.

OBJECTIVE: Providing support for renovation of the old traditional houses of the members of Diaspora located in the villages or rural areas of Macedonia and then offering them afterwards as accommodation for interested tourist.

PRIORITY PROJECT:
- “Be my guest in my old traditional house in Macedonia”- through donations from the members of the Diaspora from particular village/region in Macedonia, CIRa in partnership with local self governmental institutions will renovate the old houses owned by the Diaspora members, considering the traditional way of building. Afterwards CIRa or particular local nonprofit group will offer accommodation and other alternative tourism services to interested tourists. The renovated houses would be great for accommodation of the owners or for members of their families when they visit Macedonia.  

3. SUPPORTING EDUCATION OF TALENTED YOUNG PEOPLE FROM SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED FAMILIES FROM MACEDONIA

SITUATION ANALYSIS: Severe economic situation and increasing the number of social cases, causes the situation that parents cannot provide finances for higher education of their children. Having appropriate education is precondition for employment of young people. The needs for scholarship and covering the cost for text-books, materials, equipment, food and accommodation are becoming a priority for many young people. In many cases, the very talented students are not able to continue their studies abroad in the fields of education that cannot be attained in Republic of Macedonia.

OBJECTIVE: Establishing fund/s for providing financial and material support of the education process of talented young people from socially disadvantaged families from Macedonia.

PRIORITY PROJECT:

- Support talents grow- Through financial and material donations, the Fund for support of the education process of talented young people from socially disadvantaged families from Macedonia, would be established. Every year, though open and transparent competitive process, the best talents will be supported though scholarships to continue their education

4. PROTECTION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE IN R. MACEDONIA

SITUATION ANALYSIS: Macedonia and its citizens are proud of the rich historical and cultural heritage that can be found everywhere though out the country. Unfortunately very important cultural heritage sites are not well protected and are under threat to be lost. Losing the numbers of frescoesin the more than 7 centuries old monasteries is example the shows that Macedonia is losing its national treasure. Many archeological sites are being destroyed by treasures hunters, and it is obvious that as a country we need support in order to protect our heritage.

OBJECTIVE: Establishing fund/s for Protection of cultural heritage in Republic of Macedonia

PRIORITY PROJECT:

- Protection of the national treasure - Through financial and material donations, the Fund for support of cultural heritage in Republic of Macedonia, will providing grants for projects for preservation and renovation of the important cultural heritage sites in Republic of Macedonia

5. INCREASING CONNECTIONS OF THE YOUTH MEMBERS OF DIASPORA WITH MACEDONIA

OBJECTIVE: Increasing the number of activities for re-connection of the youth members of Diaspora with Macedonia

PRIORITY PROJECTS:

- Youth Diaspora Summit in Macedonia - organizing the conference with participation of the young members from our Diaspora, exploring the issue of youth development in Macedonia

- Youth Diaspora working/summer camps in Macedonia-in partnership with local communities (i.e. Bitola, Tetovo, Kicevo) the Youth Diaspora working/summer camps in Macedonia would be organized for up to 30 participants (from Macedonia and from Diaspora). On the camps participants would have working assignments (i.e. painting the local school/kinder garden/shelter, building community center, making walking paths in the mountain, etc). Afternoons would be devoted to educational session (classes in Macedonia language, or Macedonian history etc) and social events.

III. ASSISTING COMPANIES FROM DIASPORA IN THEIR INVESTMENTS IN REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

Considering our extensive experience in Corporate Social Responsibility field in Republic of Macedonia, CIRa provide support and assistance to companies in their CSR strategies to support their investments in Macedonia and the Balkan region.