PROGRAMS

Program 1

Education

Poor housing and economic conditions, parental illiteracy, the lack of citizenship status, as well as discrimination, marginalization and poverty are reasons for causing limited access of Roma to public education even from preschool. Recognizing these problems MIR constantly works on including of bigger number of Roma people in the educational process and providing continuity in their education. The educational continuity begins with preschool children and their involvement in pre-schools institutions, continues with additional teaching curricula in primary education up to help and support of Roma students for successful transition from primary to secondary education.

Multiculturalism

The activities of the humanitarian organization MIR are mainly aimed towards realizing the rights of the Roma population from settlement Topaana and municipality of Chair and decreasing the level of their discrimination and social exclusion. Related to the educational program the social inclusion and children’s participation is especially emphasized that can only be accomplished in a multicultural and multiethnic environment. The educational institutions are the main places where a relation could be establish among children from different nationality. In order to overcome cultural prejudices and negative attitude which are often shown by teachers, MIR will contribute towards better understanding of the multiethnic collaboration and cohesion in the elementary schools and public kindergartens through implementing workshops for intercultural education and cultural mediation. Within the MIR centre, for educational work are being organized activities for development of interethnic relations among Roma children and children from other ethnic group during the school year and at the summer camp.

Program 2

Health and social care

The activities of health and social protection program will be implemented trough the introduction of health education on various topics, organising regular medical examinations for children of pre-school age, immunisation, educating pregnant women about motherhood, as well as helping them maintain a regular schedule of medical examinations.

Regarding social protection, MIR will secure information for the citizens on how to realise their right of social protection and use government’s benefits. Another aspect of this program will be linking the organisation - vulnerable families - and regional unit for social care in charge of solving the problems that these families encounter.

Program 3

Institutional Support of Roma and other ethnic communities through good governance of local governments and institutions as public services for all citizens (this program includes):

Citizenship

Many Roma people can not enjoy their basic rights as Macedonian citizens because they do not possess the basic documents. People without personal identity card cannot access social or health insurance or apply for jobs. Children without birth certificates cannot be enrolled at school or receive free textbooks. Poor people often do not even know what their rights are. MIR makes efforts to help them obtain all personal documents.

Good governance

Understanding the need for better information access for the citizens and service of higher quality, MIR, takes actions to improve the openness and transparency of the local government and its institutions and improving the quality and efficiency of the services offered by these institutions to citizens.

For that purpose, will be carried a survey of citizens, so that is provided information on the moment condition of services quality provided from institutions in the municipality

Program 4

Philanthropy (in this program will be two subcategories: beginnings and news

In the past 4 years, MIR has been working actively on gathering financial and material recourses from local sources. The assets are primarily used for the needs of the educational centre.

Philanthropy does not only mean donating money, but also time, effort and experience. Anyone can be a philanthropist if their actions are useful to the community.

MIR will work on developing philanthropy by promoting volunteerism in the community including the Diaspora and the business sector as well as involvement of young Roma volunteers.

On July 11 2011 the organisation MIR for third time has received Award for outstanding contribution in philanthropy development in Macedonia in 2010.

Beginnings

MIR has been successful in collecting donations through philanthropic initiatives such as concerts, charity lottery, and agreements with private donors.

Moreover the organisation is well inserted in the community and already has established good relations with public health services, the public educational centres in the Topaana area, local government agencies and agents, and with NGOs and other relevant entities connected with Roma issues.

In 2007, 2008, 2009 the Centre for institutional Development – CIRa acknowledged MIR special Award for its work in promotion of philanthropy in Republic of Macedonia. The Centre for institutional Development – CIRa is organisation which from 2007 for the first time in Macedonia started to promote and develop philanthropy.