The British Council and the British Embassy in Macedonia have marked the end of the first stage of the “Active Citizens” project. This project is focused on activities that motivate and train young people from various Western Balkan countries to better understand the needs of their local communities and their position in the region and to actively work on their development. The “Active Citizens” project also strengthens young people’s employability skills on the modern labour market and ensures they understand better the responsibilities of institutions in terms of the needs and aspirations of young people.

The event for sharing the experiences and results of the trainings with young people and youth organisations, with discussions on youth policies, activism and youth engagement was held on 15 March in Skopje. There was also a presentation of recent research on young people in Macedonia as well as proposals for actions and initiatives by and for young people in their local communities. The event was attended by the British Ambassador to Macedonia, Charles Garrett, the director of British Council in Macedonia Eleonora Zaprova, mayors and representatives of local administrations from the City of Skopje, the municipalities of Bitola and Kumanovo, as well as representatives of partner organisations and civil associations.

The key partners of the British Council in the implementation of the project are the National Youth Council of Macedonia (NYCM) and its associate members from Skopje, Bitola and Kumanovo.