The Inter-ethnic Project
Kumanovo (IPK) is a Macedonian non-governmental organization
that was formed out of a need for an establishment centered
around the needs of local youth and the promotion of ethnic
tolerance in a diverse environment. Thanks in part to the generous
support of the non-governmental organization IKV (form The Hague,
The Netherlands), as IPK strategic partner, and other national
and international partners, IPK has been able to initiate numerous
projects that focus on a wide range of civil society issues
and inter-ethnic community building in the municipalities of
Kumanovo and Lipkovo since the organization opened its doors
in April 2003.
IPK's projects do not
end at the Kumanovo/Lipkovo borders. The organization is also
very active in cross-border collaborative projects in the micro-region
of Gnjilane, Presevo, Trgoviste, and Kumanovo. The implementation
of cross border projects not only allows IPK to create important
contacts with youth NGO's outside of its municipality, but also
has the effect of constructing life-long partnerships with international
donor organizations such as the East-West Institute, Agency
for local development (ADL), OSCE, and others.
In addition to the
over 50 implemented IPK projects, the organization has also
supported around 30 projects presented by its local partners.
IPK provides a wide array of support services to the local NGO's
it assists that go far beyond funding support. The organization
also offers guidance to NGO's in the areas of grant writing,
idea development, and any other technical and or expert assistance
they might need.
Finally, IPK also caters to the needs
and wants of the youth the organization serves. IPK would not
be able to function with out the 25+ youth volunteers that help
IPK's staff members in implementing projects. To show appreciation
for all the hard work put forth by the volunteers, IPK also
provides youth with the opportunity to travel to other countries
to learn about multicultural issues and youth activism, to network
with international organizations, and to promote IPK activities.
Vision
Inter-ethnic Project Kumanovovo strives for
a society where young citizens enjoy equal access to opportunities
regardless of their ethnicity, have a voice in their community,
whose needs are addressed by the institutions that have a direct
impact in their daily lives
Mission
IPK is a local non-governmental organization
based in Kumanovo whose aim is to empower youth and to strengthen
inter-ethnic cooperation. To achieve this IPK work in and outside
schools to prepare young people for the challenges of modern
life offering schools support in developing educational alternatives
while providing youth with training, voluntary opportunities
and assistance in advocating for their interests.
Values
1) We
recognize the importance of motivations and we stimulate young
people to find solutions for problems through proactive approaches;
2) We exercise creative methods in order to achieve innovative
solutions to the issues we address;
3) We work without prejudice of any kind and we promote
the ideals of equality and multi-ethnic dialogue in every project
we initiate;
4) We strive to be accessible and actively listen to
the ideas and views of our youth constituents and the community
as a whole;
5) We are accountable to our target groups, partners
and those who support us, acting responsibly in the community
and maintaining professional standards in all our financial
dealings.
Strategic objectives for IPK work in 2007
- 2010
Objectives 1
Effective mechanisms exist in the community that enable the
participation of youth in public life and allow them a voice
in their education.
Objectives 2
New teaching methodologies and alternative subject matter are
being introduced and piloted in Kumanovo's schools:
Objectives 3
Young people in Kumanovo consider volunteering a useful means
of gaining work experience and skills training and of contributing
to community;
Strategic Plan 2007-2010 here
