FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES
National Network
North Macedonia
Address
ul.Krste Asenov 7/ 3-1Country
North MacedoniaCity
SkopjeProvince
SkopskiMobile Phone
+38970420705Telephone
+38970420705Telephone (other)
+389762228444E-Mail (2)
racio.erasmus@gmail.comE-Mail (3)
fahmiosmani@gmail.comE-Mail (4)
abilbaush@gmail.comWebsite
Click HereYear of Establishment
2009Contact Person1
Fahmi OsmaniJob Title 1
PresidentContact Person 2
Abil BaushJob Title 2
project coordinatorOrganisation Type
Non-Governmental OrganizationFields of Activity
Democracy and community development, Human rights, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, International/Cultural relations, Media, Youth and educationGeneral Information
C.E.C.D. “RACIO” is a youth association established on 18thMay 2009, located in Skopje, since than we have tried to organize different activities in the field of Education and Culture. We have also trained a lot of people in different topics such as communication, leadership, economy, sociology etc. Our main target for local activities is High school students and also, we are working with different age range for international projects, mostly of them are coming from minority groups who are living in North Macedonia. Most of our target group is facing social and economic obstacles and some of them even geographical obstacles as they are coming from rural areas.
The aim of our organization is to implement, protect and take care about the general common interest through organizing the citizens, especially the youth, in improving the civil and local societies as well as for conducting activities in the field of education and culture in order to develop the intellectual standards and to contribute in providing a peace environment. Our mission is to motivate the citizens, regardless of their ethnic background, gender or race, to be activated jointly as an organized society in order to build a civil society in the Republic of Macedonia and beyond; to undertake more active role in creating better future and better conditions for acting through participation in the decision taking processes; to enable direct approach towards the education and care towards the cultural values of all the citizens in our country.
We have 5 project-based people who are working in our projects, 15 volunteers who help us with different local and international projects and also, we count more than 30 members In our association.
Our organization is very active in trainings especially for youth. Since our establishment we have tried to organize different trainings in different topics with our target groups. Usually, we organize local trainings for youth and since 2016 we started organizing also European and international projects.
Mission and Objectives
Mission of C.E.C.D. “RACIO”
The mission of C.E.C.D. “RACIO” is to empower and engage youth and marginalized groups in the development of civil society by promoting active citizenship, education, and cultural awareness. Our organization strives to create opportunities for individuals, especially those from minority groups and rural areas, to overcome social, economic, and geographical obstacles. By fostering intercultural dialogue, leadership skills, and community engagement, we aim to build a more inclusive and peaceful environment for the citizens of North Macedonia and beyond.
Our commitment lies in motivating individuals from diverse ethnic, gender, and social backgrounds to actively participate in the decision-making processes of society. Through education, training, and cultural initiatives, we aim to cultivate intellectual growth and contribute to the development of a strong, democratic, and peaceful civil society.
Objectives of C.E.C.D. “RACIO”
Promote Active Citizenship:
To encourage youth, regardless of their background, to become actively involved in societal processes, contributing to the development of democratic values and community leadership.
Enhance Education and Training:
To organize and provide training sessions, workshops, and educational programs that address key topics such as communication, leadership, economy, and sociology, with a focus on equipping youth with the necessary skills to navigate the challenges of modern society.
Support Minority and Marginalized Groups:
To ensure that the voice of minorities, especially youth from rural and disadvantaged areas, is heard and respected. Our projects aim to break down the barriers they face and provide them with equal opportunities for education, training, and cultural exchange.
Promote Intercultural Dialogue and Cooperation:
To build bridges of understanding and collaboration among young people from different ethnic, cultural, and geographical backgrounds, fostering peace and solidarity through local, European, and international initiatives.
Strengthen Civil Society and Local Communities:
To contribute to the development of civil society in North Macedonia and the wider region by engaging youth in activities that enhance local community development, social cohesion, and the protection of cultural heritage.
Improve Social Inclusion and Equality:
To work towards creating a society where individuals, irrespective of ethnicity, gender, or economic status, can thrive. We aim to promote inclusivity by offering equal opportunities for participation in education, training, and social activities.
Develop International Partnerships:
To expand our impact by forming strong partnerships with other organizations, institutions, and networks across Europe and beyond. This will help us increase the scope of our projects, share knowledge, and collaborate on shared goals for youth empowerment and intercultural understanding.
Advocate for Youth Participation:
To ensure youth have a platform to voice their concerns, share ideas, and actively participate in local and international decision-making processes, fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership over their future.
Main Projects / Activities
Local Youth Training Programs
C.E.C.D. "RACIO" organizes various local training sessions targeting high school students and young people from diverse backgrounds. These trainings focus on personal development, leadership skills, communication, and practical knowledge in areas such as economy, sociology, and other relevant subjects. The objective is to equip youth with the skills and confidence to become active and responsible citizens who contribute to the development of their local communities.
International and European Projects
Since 2016, "RACIO" has expanded its activities to include European and international projects, primarily targeting young people from minority groups and disadvantaged backgrounds. These projects offer young participants opportunities for intercultural exchange, collaborative learning, and international networking. The projects are designed to promote peace, tolerance, and solidarity across different cultures and countries.
Intercultural Dialogue Initiatives
As part of our commitment to fostering intercultural understanding, "RACIO" organizes activities that bring together youth from various ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. These initiatives aim to break down cultural barriers, promote mutual respect, and create opportunities for dialogue and collaboration. This helps strengthen social cohesion and tolerance in North Macedonia and in broader European contexts.
Community Engagement and Local Development Projects
"RACIO" runs initiatives aimed at engaging local youth in community development. These projects focus on improving the living conditions of rural and marginalized communities, addressing social and economic inequalities, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility among youth for the development of their communities. Through these projects, young people are encouraged to actively participate in decision-making processes and contribute to the betterment of their neighborhoods.
Youth Empowerment and Leadership Programs
These programs are designed to identify and develop young leaders who can take on roles of responsibility in both their local communities and beyond. "RACIO" provides tools, resources, and mentorship to young individuals who aspire to become leaders in social, political, or cultural areas. The program includes training on leadership skills, decision-making, and civic engagement, helping youth to build the confidence necessary to advocate for their rights and create change.
Social Inclusion and Support for Marginalized Groups
"RACIO" prioritizes working with marginalized groups, including youth from rural areas, minority communities, and those facing social and economic challenges. We provide targeted support through workshops, mentoring programs, and educational initiatives, helping them overcome the barriers they face and empowering them to achieve their full potential.
Cultural and Artistic Projects
To promote cultural awareness and celebrate diversity, "RACIO" organizes events and activities that showcase the cultural heritage of different ethnic and social groups. These activities often include art exhibitions, cultural festivals, performances, and workshops, aimed at encouraging young people to appreciate and preserve their cultural traditions while also learning from others.
Youth Participation in Decision-Making
"RACIO" believes in the importance of youth participation in political and social processes. We create platforms for young people to voice their opinions, participate in debates, and take an active role in decisions that affect their lives. By involving youth in these processes, we aim to foster a generation of young people who are actively engaged in shaping their future.
Volunteer Projects and Exchange Programs
Through local and international volunteer programs, "RACIO" encourages youth to get involved in meaningful social work and contribute to projects that have a positive impact on both local and global communities. These projects help young people develop a sense of social responsibility and offer them hands-on experience in community development, education, and cultural exchange.
Capacity Building and Training for Youth Workers
To enhance the skills of youth workers and volunteers, "RACIO" organizes training workshops that focus on topics such as project management, youth leadership, non-formal education, and community organizing. These training sessions aim to strengthen the capacity of youth workers to support young people effectively and to ensure the sustainability and impact of "RACIO" projects.
How can you contribute to the Network in your country?
As an active youth organization in North Macedonia, C.E.C.D. "RACIO" is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the Anna Lindh Foundation’s network in the country. Our organization’s extensive experience working with diverse, often marginalized, communities aligns with the Foundation’s mission of fostering intercultural dialogue, promoting human rights, and supporting civil society development. We can contribute to the network in the following ways:
Promoting Intercultural Dialogue at the Local Level: Through our ongoing projects aimed at strengthening social cohesion, "RACIO" is deeply engaged in promoting intercultural dialogue among different ethnic, cultural, and religious groups in North Macedonia. By actively engaging with youth from minority communities and marginalized backgrounds, we can share local insights and best practices on how to bridge cultural gaps and reduce tensions. Our programs help young people from diverse groups understand each other's cultures and histories, which can contribute to a more harmonious and inclusive society.
Engaging Youth in Civil Society and Decision-Making: C.E.C.D. "RACIO" works with young people to empower them to participate in civic processes, which directly supports the Anna Lindh Foundation’s goal of fostering youth engagement and active citizenship. We can contribute to the network by sharing our experiences and strategies on how to engage youth in community development, social activism, and local governance. Our experience with youth leadership programs can provide insights into how young people can be encouraged to take an active role in shaping their communities.
Sharing Knowledge and Best Practices in Education and Training: As an organization that focuses on providing educational opportunities for youth, we can share our expertise in training young people in areas such as leadership, communication, and cultural understanding. We have a proven track record in organizing local and international training programs that empower youth, and we can offer valuable insights and resources to other organizations in the network on how to implement similar initiatives. Additionally, we can host workshops, seminars, and training sessions for other members in the region to share our knowledge on youth education and empowerment.
Strengthening Local and Regional Partnerships: By joining the Anna Lindh Foundation’s network, we will be able to foster stronger regional partnerships between organizations in North Macedonia and other Mediterranean countries. Our experience in working on international projects, as well as with youth from different backgrounds, places us in a strong position to act as a bridge for knowledge exchange and collaboration. We can help connect local initiatives in North Macedonia to broader regional efforts, enhancing cross-cultural learning and cooperation across borders.
Supporting Social Inclusion and Minority Rights: "RACIO" places a strong emphasis on social inclusion and supporting minority groups in North Macedonia, especially those facing economic, social, and geographical challenges. By collaborating with the Anna Lindh Foundation, we can share our initiatives and contribute to the network’s focus on promoting equality and social justice. Our work with marginalized communities, particularly those in rural areas or minority ethnic groups, will add valuable perspectives to discussions on overcoming social exclusion and advancing the rights of marginalized groups within the Foundation’s network.
Advocacy for Youth Issues: We actively advocate for youth issues, ensuring that the voices of young people are heard in both local and international discussions. As part of the network, we can bring forward key concerns affecting the youth in North Macedonia, especially related to education, unemployment, and social inclusion. We aim to elevate the status of youth within civil society and ensure that youth-led initiatives are supported and recognized.
Promoting Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution: Given North Macedonia's diverse demographic and history, C.E.C.D. "RACIO" has always focused on peacebuilding and conflict resolution as key aspects of our work. We aim to contribute to the Anna Lindh Foundation’s efforts in promoting peace and preventing conflict by sharing our approaches to intercultural understanding, particularly among youth who are often at the forefront of shaping the future. By organizing peacebuilding workshops and dialogues, we can be a part of the broader effort to maintain peace and foster mutual understanding in the region.
Advocacy for Education and Cultural Heritage: Education and cultural heritage preservation are key aspects of our work. As a member of the network, we can contribute to discussions and initiatives aimed at enhancing educational systems and promoting the value of cultural diversity. Our focus on cultural activities, including art exhibitions, cultural festivals, and intercultural exchanges, will enrich the Foundation's work in promoting cultural heritage and respect for cultural diversity.
Why do you want to join the ALF Network?
C.E.C.D. "RACIO" seeks to join the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) Network to strengthen our mission of promoting intercultural dialogue, social inclusion, and youth empowerment, both within North Macedonia and the broader Mediterranean region. Becoming a member of the ALF Network will offer numerous opportunities for collaboration, capacity building, and increased visibility for our projects and initiatives. Specifically, we are motivated by the following reasons:
Expanding Our Impact Through Collaboration: Joining the ALF Network will provide us with access to a wider range of organizations, institutions, and networks committed to fostering peace, understanding, and cooperation across cultures. We believe that collaboration with other ALF members will allow us to amplify the impact of our initiatives, particularly those aimed at promoting social inclusion, youth leadership, and intercultural dialogue. We look forward to sharing our knowledge and learning from the diverse experiences of other network members.
Strengthening Our Advocacy and Youth Empowerment Initiatives: "RACIO" is dedicated to empowering youth and encouraging their active participation in social and political processes. By joining the ALF Network, we can increase the visibility of youth issues in North Macedonia and beyond. The network will offer us a platform to advocate for the rights of young people, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, and to ensure that their voices are heard in discussions on regional and global matters.
Enhancing Our Educational and Training Programs: We have a strong track record of organizing educational and training programs for youth, particularly in the fields of leadership, communication, and cultural awareness. By joining ALF, we will be able to access resources, training opportunities, and partnerships that will enhance the quality of our programs. The opportunity to participate in ALF’s capacity-building initiatives will help us better address the needs of our target groups and create more sustainable, impactful educational programs.
Promoting Intercultural Dialogue and Social Cohesion: As an organization that works extensively with diverse ethnic and cultural groups in North Macedonia, we recognize the importance of fostering intercultural dialogue to strengthen social cohesion and promote peaceful coexistence. By becoming a part of the ALF Network, we will gain greater exposure to regional and international best practices for fostering intercultural understanding. We believe that this will help us design more effective programs and activities that bridge cultural divides, both locally and across the Mediterranean.
Creating New Opportunities for International Collaboration: ALF’s vast network of organizations and initiatives will enable us to expand our international outreach. By collaborating with partners from other Mediterranean countries, we can engage in joint projects that tackle shared challenges, such as youth unemployment, social exclusion, and intercultural tensions. Additionally, we hope to participate in regional dialogues and forums facilitated by ALF, where we can share our experiences and insights while learning from others.
Access to Funding and Resources: Membership in the ALF Network will give us access to funding opportunities, grants, and other resources that are essential for implementing and scaling our projects. This support will enable us to expand our work, particularly in areas such as youth development, education, and community integration. With ALF’s backing, we can create more impactful initiatives and achieve our long-term goals.
Contributing to the Foundation’s Vision: We are deeply aligned with the Anna Lindh Foundation’s mission of building a more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable Mediterranean region. By joining the ALF Network, we aim to actively contribute to the Foundation’s vision by promoting tolerance, understanding, and peace. We believe that our work in North Macedonia, with its rich cultural diversity and complex social fabric, can offer valuable insights and lessons for other ALF members working in similar contexts.
Strengthening Our Capacity to Address Regional Challenges: North Macedonia, as part of the Mediterranean region, faces unique challenges related to ethnic diversity, social integration, and regional cooperation. By joining the ALF Network, we will enhance our capacity to address these challenges by learning from other organizations that share our commitment to building resilient, cohesive communities. Additionally, we will be better equipped to collaborate with regional actors on issues such as migration, youth unemployment, and cross-cultural education.