Volunteer in North Macedonia

Macedonia is a south country that is located in the heart of the Balkan. It became independent in 1991 as one of the successor states of Yugoslavia. The population estimates approximately 2,077,132 people.

Here are some interesting facts about this country:

1. • In Macedonia, there are 34 mountains, 53 lakes from which three are natural. Amazing natural parks and a wide range of options for activities that you can do in nature

   • The first Slavic school was established in Ohrid.

   • Warning: Here the sidewalks are used for parking instead of walking. But we are working on that.

   • Macedonian wine is popular for having amazing taste and quality and it is cheap as well!

   • The people from this country are famous for being very hospitable and friendly. Skopje is the capital, above it towers a mountain called Vodno and it is split into two parts by a river called Vardar. Skopje is full of restaurants and bars that are affordable and provide amazing food and experiences. The old stone bridge takes you from the city square to the old part of the town, where you can see much of the tradition. Skopje is also good for shopping and getting around.

Another city in Macedonia that offers amazing vibes is Ohrid. It is one of the natural lakes that had an amazing history. It is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. The city of Ohrid once had 365 churches, one for every day of the year and in the past, it has been referred to be the Jerusalem of the Balkans.

 

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A post shared by Villa Natali Ohrid (@villanataliohrid) on May 19, 2020 at 11:19am PDT

2. Volunteerism in North Macedonia

Here you can volunteer in government organizations and other none profits. You can find your place in a variety of branches. Such as activism, culture, business, ecology, animals, health, sports, student organizations, technology and humanity.

There are laws that protect volunteers. The rights include:

1. • Compensation of all expenses connected with the program.

   • Protection of personal information.

   • Using protection gear according to the activity.

   • You can ask to get a list of all of your activities and tasks.

   • Professional training for the particular activity.

   • To be consulted and informed about the way that the activity is going to be executed.

   • To be acquainted with the general acts of the organization.

By law, foreign volunteers need to have permission from the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, this is part of the organizations’ duties.

 

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A post shared by @skopjepost.mk on May 4, 2020 at 3:22am PDT

The main language that is spoken is Macedonian. The Albanian language is the largest minority language and has some official status. There are a further five national minority languages: Turkish, Romani, Serbian, and Bosnian.

However, almost every person speaks English and is happy to help.

The Macedonian weather includes all four seasons, proportionately placed all around the year. We have cold and snowy winters, green springs, hot summers and golden autumns.

The Macedonian Denar is the currency of Macedonia. It is fixed at about 62 denar to the euro. Major items (hotel rooms, long taxi rides, BMWs) are often priced in euros, and you can pay in euros or denar.

There are ATM all over the city and all internationally accepted credit cards are accepted here.

 

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A post shared by Enlighten Thru Travelen !!! (@titaamezcua) on Sep 22, 2018 at 11:34pm PDT

The week starts on Monday. The time zone is the central European Summer Time (GMT+2). The shops and malls are open from 8 am until 9 or 10 pm. The bars and restaurants are open until 11 or 12 at night during the week and untill1 am or later on the weekends. There are regular busses thought the day and few night busses.

The locals here are extra friendly that is one of the main impressions that this country leaves. Everyone will treat you as their personal guest, every person that is asked for directions will make small talk and happily even tell you some of the history or act as a tour guide.

There are markets in every city and on every corner in the capital. From big grocery stores to open bazaars. There are markets for every budget and a wide range of local and foreign products.

 

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A post shared by Branislav (@branislav_photography) on May 14, 2020 at 9:44am PDT

The Macedonian cuisine reflects Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences and shares characteristics of other Balkan cuisines. The relatively warm climate of the country provides excellent growth conditions for a variety of vegetables, herbs and fruits. Macedonian cuisine is also noted for the diversity and quality of its dairy products, wines, and local alcoholic beverages, such as rakija.

Tavče gravče and mastika are considered the national dish and drink of North Macedonia. Many traditional restaurants serve traditional cuisine. Although you can find restaurants for any type of food all around the city.

 

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A post shared by Hrana Pice Price (@hrana_pice_price) on Nov 21, 2018 at 1:27pm PST

The main transport here is busses. There is a bus line to every part of the capital and every city in the country. There is a train line to some of the cities as well. The price of one bus ticket is 35-40 denars (, but there are some deals for buying ten tickets or more.

Finally, there are taxies and cars for rent.

Healthcare is divided into two parts, public and private.

There is a good number of hospitals and clinics, but asking for a recommendation from the locals before going to one is the best option.