Welcome to the fourteenth issue of the Macedonia Schools Project (MSP) Newsletter, which brings together some memories of the past with grant activities in the present. Our president, Blazo Mitasev, visits his home country each year, making personal contact with our liaison teachers and facilitating MSP grants. He reviews for us his experience this year. Marguerita Ruvinova Nicheska, our long-time liaison teacher in Struga and current Board member, tells us about her fourteen-year experience with MSP. Two teachers from Stip, Cvetanka Nikolova and Hristina Kostadinova, describe the impact of an MSP grant on their school, as does Dobrinka Laskova, our liaison teacher in the village Vatasha, Kavadarci. Our founding president, Tom Lineham, shares a fond memory from 2012.
MSP TRIP TO MACEDONIA IN MAY, 2026
By Blazo Mitasev, President of the Macedonia Schools Project
This year, we had a compressed schedule in our quest to fund all of the approved 2026 grants, mainly due to four public holidays within the two-week period of our trip. At each stop we were warmly welcomed and informed about the shortcomings in municipal funding that MSP is able to help with our grants.
We visited all four of the 2026 pilot schools, and 13 of the 17 schools that received funding from MSP. A total of $14,619 in cash was delivered to 10 schools and four summer teaching participants, $7,584 in direct purchases from local vendors, and $18,693 negotiated with favorable pricing from Davka, to supply 10 schools with desks, chairs, lockers, white boards and interactive smart boards.
I am pleased to introduce you to the four pilot schools. Here are photographs and quotes from the teachers:
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“We are honored and pleased to be part ofyour network of collaborators” |
| Liaison Aleksandra Pavlovska, Acting Director Dejan Levkovski, Blazo, Blazo’s wife Alice, and Psychologist Mimoza Manasievska at the Hristijan Karposh school in Kumanovo | |
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“ One of our school’s missions is to become a renovated and technically well-equipped school. We are especially grateful and thankful for ‘Macedonia SchoolsProject’ (MSP) who have helped us improve our classroom conditions with new chairs and desks ensuring our students have access to safe, stable and comfortable seating and writing surfaces that support effective learning. – Thank you MSP” |
| English teacher Biljana Kitanovska, Director Emilija Nikolovska, Blazo, and liaison Janet Taskovska at the Bitola school Elpida Karamandi | |
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"Your visit to our school was more than just a stop on your journey. Your generous donation has made a real difference for our students by helping us equip our classrooms with new TVs that will enhance the learning experience. We are truly grateful for your kindness, support, and belief in education." |
| Blazo and Aleksandra Simoncevska at the oldest school in Bitola conducting lessons in Macedonian, Sv Kiril and Metodij | |
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"For our small rural schools, every investment in education makes a real difference. Thanks to the generous support of Macedonia Schools Project, we were able to equip three of our branch schools with new televisions, creating more engaging and modern learning environments for our students. This support is more than a donation of equipment—it is an investment in the future of our children and in providing quality education for students in rural communities." |
| Director Elena Ristoska, Blazo, liaison Irena Portuger, and teacher Daniel Avramovski in the village school Debrica, Belchishta | |
The instant impact of the grants is obvious from the few photos of the teachers receiving new technology or funds for their schools:
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| Margarita Nicheska and Blazo completing purchases for the Josip Broz Tito school in Struga | Liaison Emilija Punkoska, Blazo, and IT teacher Marija Gogova with laptops for the Bratsvo Edinstvo School in Ohrid |
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| Liaison Blagica Brdarovska, Blazo’s wife Alice, and Blazo at the school Braka Miladinovci in the village Dobrushevo, Bitola | Blazo, teacher Milena Taneska, liaison Aleksandra Roshkoska, and Director Slavica Koteska at the school Kocho Racin in the village Dolno Lakocerej, Ohrid |
A wonderful, memorable and touching visit during our visit to the school Todor Angelevski in Gorno Orizari, Bitola! We were welcomed by the children and teachers in the courtyard with a specially made thank you poster to MSP, then a well-executed dancing and singing performance.
This trip confirmed that MSP is having a very important positive impact on the education in the participating schools. Both students and teachers were extremely appreciative of the funding for their top priority items that are not otherwise possible, such as new chairs and desks, lockers, heating and cooling, or technology items including smart panels or computers. A total of 21 schools were enriched this year to better the environment for the children and teachers, which is our mission and goal.
We no longer need to be on the search for new pilot schools. The word is out throughout the country, and we are now receiving requests for help from more needy schools.
Our recognition and gratitude to all the volunteers and donors that are engaged in making MSP an extremely impactful organization dedicated to help many children with improved learning environments.
Please continue your tireless support and be an ambassador in spreading the word about MSP, the work we are doing, our accomplishments, and the need for our help.
Fourteen Years of a Shared Mission – Supporting Education in Macedonia
By Margarita Ruvinova Nicheska
When I first became involved with the Macedonia Schools Project (MSP) fourteen years ago, I could never have imagined how meaningful this journey would become—not only for me as a teacher, but also for the hundreds of students and colleagues who have benefited from the organization’s generous support over the years.
As a teacher at Josip Broz Tito Primary School in Struga, I have always believed that quality education depends not only on the curriculum but also on the opportunities we provide for our students. That is why the Macedonia Schools Project is a remarkable example of how compassion, trust, and a shared vision can make a real difference.
Throughout these fourteen years, I have had the privilege not only to collaborate with MSP but also to become part of its extended family. As a member of the Board, I have been closely involved in planning and coordinating numerous donations, always with one goal in mind—to create better learning conditions for students in Macedonia.
Our school has received a wide variety of educational resources, computers, interactive boards, TVs, chalkboards, books, sports equipment, sound equipment, and teaching materials that have significantly enriched the learning environment. Yet, the greatest value has never been the donations themselves. It has always been the smiles on our students’ faces when they discover new opportunities to learn, the enthusiasm of teachers who can deliver more engaging and creative lessons, and the reassuring feeling that people thousands of miles away genuinely care about the future of our children.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting extraordinary donors, volunteers, and friends of Macedonia who generously dedicate their time, resources, and energy to supporting schools across my country. Their commitment is a powerful reminder that education knows no borders, and that kindness always finds its way to those who need it most. Tom Lineham is the first president of MSP, with whom I started my adventure with this organization in 2012. The first donation was a new microscope, a ping-pong table, acrylic paints and school supplies for Biology and Physics. We exchanged many letters, with a lot of conversation and an exchange of ideas of how to improve the best way of helping Macedonian schools. In the year 2018 I was honored to take part in an annual Board meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA, at Leon Speroff’s house. That moment was special in my life as I met wonderful people as Leon Speroff, Vasja Jordanova, Blazo Mitasev, and their families, in new places, and I realized that all this work is so precious.
Founding President Tom Lineham and Margarita
For me, the Macedonia Schools Project has never been just an organization that provides donations. It is a community that builds friendships, connects people from different cultures, and demonstrates that values such as generosity, respect, and solidarity are truly universal.
I am especially proud to have been part of this inspiring story for the past fourteen years and to have contributed, even in a small way, to improving the educational opportunities for students in Macedonia. Every completed project, every delivered donation, and every new partnership represent an investment in the future of our children.
I truly believe that the greatest achievement of the Macedonia Schools Project is not only the thousands of educational resources donated to schools, but also the trust, friendships, and hope it has fostered among people. These are the values that will continue to inspire future generations of teachers, students, volunteers, and supporters.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to every donor, volunteer, and member of the Macedonia Schools Project for their dedication, generosity, and unwavering support. Thanks to their commitment, many schools in Macedonia have received much more than educational materials—they have been given opportunities, encouragement, and the confidence that together we can build a brighter future through education.
I look forward to many more years of successful cooperation because every child deserves access to quality education, and every act of kindness today helps shape a better tomorrow.
Creating a Better Learning Environment Through the Macedonia Schools Project Grant
By Cvetanka Nikolova and Hristina Kostadinova
We are teachers at Primary School "Dimitar Vlahov" in Štip, and we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Macedonia Schools Project and its donors for the generous grant awarded to our classroom.
This grant has brought meaningful and lasting improvements to our learning environment. With the financial support we received, we were able to renovate and modernize our classroom, making it a brighter, safer, more comfortable, and more inspiring place for our students.
The grant enabled us to purchase new chairs for our students, providing them with comfortable and functional furniture that supports better learning every day. We also installed new zebra blinds, which allow us to control the natural light and create a more pleasant atmosphere for teaching and learning.
In addition, we replaced the old classroom cabinets with new storage cabinets, giving us better organization of teaching materials and classroom resources. We also installed educational wall panels, creating attractive learning corners where students can display their work, participate in interactive activities, and feel proud of their achievements.
The transformation of our classroom has had a remarkable impact on our students. They are excited to learn in a modern and welcoming environment that makes them feel valued and motivated. The new classroom encourages creativity, collaboration, active participation, and respect for the learning space.
As teachers, we have also noticed that the improved classroom environment has increased students' concentration, engagement, and enthusiasm during lessons. A pleasant and well-organized classroom truly supports better educational outcomes and helps children to enjoy coming to school every day.
This grant has been much more than financial support—it has been an investment in our students' future. Every improvement made possible through the Macedonia Schools Project contributes to creating a positive educational experience that our students will remember for years to come.
We sincerely thank the MacedoniaSchools Project and all its generous donors for believing in teachers and supporting schools across North Macedonia. Your kindness and commitment have made a real difference in the lives of our students, and we are proud to share the positive impact of your support.
Macedonia Schools Project Grant Impact Report
By Dobrinka Laskova, a Teacher in the Dimkata Angelov Gaberot School
ElementarySchool “Dimkata Angelov Gaberot,” located in Vatasha, Kavadarci, serves students from a rural area and provides education for approximately 264–265 students from grades 1–9, ages 6 to 14. The school is supported by 41 staff members, including 1 director, 11class teachers, 18 subject teachers, 1 pedagogue, 1 psychologist, 1 special education teacher, 1 administrative worker, and 7 technical staff members.
As a rural school that depends almost entirely on funding from the Municipality of Kavadarci, our school faces significant financial limitations. Municipal support covers basic operational costs but does not allow for larger investments in modernizing classrooms or replacing old, dilapidated school inventory. One of the school’s greatest needs is the gradual renewal of furniture and classroom equipment in order to provide students with a safer, more comfortable, and more effective learning environment.
Through the support of the Macedonia Schools Project, the school has already made meaningful progress. The first MSP grant funded the purchase of 32 yellow plastic school chairs. These chairs replaced old and worn-out furniture in 4 out of the school’s 18 classrooms. The impact was immediate and visible: students are now able to sit more comfortably and safely, which has positively influenced their concentration, posture, and engagement during lessons. Teachers have also reported smoother classroom management and an improved classroom atmosphere.
A second MSP grant, currently in progress, will provide 18 student lockers. These lockers will allow students to safely store textbooks, notebooks, and learning materials, reducing the physical burden of carrying heavy school bags every day. This is especially important for younger students and directly supports their health, comfort, and well-being.
In addition to the practical benefit of storage, the lockers will help create a more organized and structured classroom environment. By minimizing clutter and distractions, they will support better focus, responsibility, and independence among students. The grant represents another important step toward improving the quality, safety, and functionality of the school’s learning spaces.
Although the school has begun renewing its inventory, progress remains slow and uneven. Out of 18 classrooms, only a small number have been partially equipped with new furniture, while the majority still lack essential storage solutions and modern classroom equipment. Without external support such as the Macedonia Schools Project, purchases like classroom chairs and student lockers would not be possible in the near future.
The support received through the Macedonia Schools Project has had a meaningful and lasting impact on the daily school life of the students at Elementary School “Dimkata Angelov Gaberot.” These grants are not only improving classrooms; they are improving students’ comfort, safety, motivation, and overall learning experience. Each donation brings the school closer to its goal of providing a dignified, organized, and welcoming learning environment for every child.
The staff and students of Elementary School “Dimkata Angelov Gaberot”express sincere gratitude to the Macedonia Schools Project for its continued support and understanding of the needs of rural schools.The assistance provided through these grants is deeply appreciated and represents an important contribution to the education and well-being of the school community.
2012 Art Happening at Dedo Lazor Cirkoski Primary School in Vraniste, Macedonia
A Memory by Tom Lineham, MSP Founder
One of my favorite memories when first establishing the Macedonia Schools Project occurred inSeptember 2012. It involved painting murals on walls of a small primary school, Dedo Lazor Cirkoski, in the village of Vraniste, north of Struga. At first, I was skeptical about the proposal to sponsor artwork.
I felt the idea didn’t seem like the best way the MSP should spend its limited grant money. Back then we were more interested in such things as replacing the older, terribly dilapidated chalkboards in the schools. We replaced dozens. But after much coaxing from MSP Board member Margarita Nicheska and others, I broke down my resistance, and I finally opted to cover the $50 for the paint. I’m glad I did. It turned out to be one of the best investments we made in those early MSP days. I still have great memories from that day reminding me of the wonderful Macedonian spirit that the young artists exuded. Their energy and passion greatly impressed me.
The Art Teacher, Ace Mladenoski, now retired, organized the art happening. When I arrived in the morning, he had already organized all the art supplies needed for the event including the paint the MSP supplied, brushes, and other paraphernalia needed for the job. About a dozen or so young people stood ready nearby. Earlier some had drawn the images on the walls with pencil. Wearing his artist’s frock, Ace assigned each group to a wall.
The school had seen better days. It probably dated to the1950s. I reckon it had about a dozen classrooms. But this day I felt some electric energy surge as the children began the work. It was a work of great pride especially as a strange American joined them, taking pictures and occasionally lifting a brush.
After several hours of work, we stood back to admire how much the murals brightened the hallways of the old school. In the end, I’m glad that I gave way to my original doubts because so many children, teachers, and visitors benefited by the small expenditure. After 14 years of the Dedo Lazor Cirkoski mural painting, all the student participants have become adults.
Margarita recently reported that some have gone to become teacher, programers, and some run their own businesses in the community; some are engaged in sports. I hope they remember this experience as fondly as I do.
Postscript: I learned the murals disappeared about four years ago when the school underwent a much-needed renovation. I’m told new drawings now grace the walls.
DONATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
Please become a member of the Macedonia Schools Project by making a donation to help the youth of Macedonia. Your tax-deductible contribution will enhance the growth and impact of our program. Check out our website, send us an email, or join us on social media for more information.
Website:https://msp.charity/index.php/donations
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LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/macedonia-schools-project/
non-profit tax-id: EIN 27-4007777
