Welcome to the thirteenth issue of the Macedonia Schools Project (MSP) Newsletter, which summarizes the grants we have funded in 2026. Regular grants were provided to 16 elementary schools, and pilot projects were awarded to four schools. Once again, a new monetary high was achieved for MSP, a granttotal of $45,293. These grants will improve the education of 11,663 students and assist 1,605 teachers.
Two grants were rejected because the applications were incomplete, due to not following our “Instructions and Guidelines for the MSP Request for Proposals.” Our Executive Board, reviewing the grant proposals, recognized that MSP has an obligation to our donors to do our best to produce high quality responses. The two rejected schools were encouraged to re-submit their applications later this year.
INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS AND GRANTS FUNDED FOR 2026
BRATSTVO EDINSTVO in OHRID. This school has 813 students. The school Director is Cemal Mehmed, and the MSP liaison teacher is Emilija Paunkoska. With MSP grants, the school has been developing its digital capacity. This year’s grant application poignantly said: “The only real help for the teachers and the students at our school are the grants we receive from MSP.” IT (information technology)
classrooms are becoming a necessity. The Executive Board approved a grant of $2,500 for additional digital components.
ALEKSANDAR MAKEDONSKI in SKOPJE. Last year, our MSP grant established an outdoor classroom. This year’s grant application told us: “The project strengthened the sense of community within the school. Teachers were encouraged to adopt more creative teaching methods, while students developed teamwork, responsibility, and respect for shared spaces.
The outdoor classroom. . . . continues to be a valuable resource that enhances teaching quality and supports the school’s vision for a more dynamic, inclusive, and student-centered environment.”
The school Director is Maja Bukleska, and the MSP liaison teachers are Sanja Dimitrieva and Tanja Ivanoska.
This year, the school with 705 students made an interesting and atypical request. The requested grant would enable the school to replace its traditional loud bell system with “a Mozart-based musical bell and to install speakers in classrooms where they are currently lacking.” The request pointed out that “research has shown that classical music, particularly compositions by Mozart, can help reduce stress, improve mood, and support concentration among students.” The request for speakers is aimed at more effective internal communication that would increase safety levels and provide greater inclusion of
students.
This well-written grant application reported to MSP that the school has already conducted a needs assessment, and plans are in place for the procurement of equipment, installation, a pilot testing period, and monitoring and evaluation to assess the impact on students’ behavior and environment, and to measure success and inform future improvements. Specific methods for observation and evaluation were nicely summarized. The data collected before and during implementation, and after implementation will be “analyzed to identify improvements in student well-being, reduction in noise related stress, effectiveness of communication, and overall satisfaction.”
The Executive Board was pleased to support this interesting project and approved a grant of $2,500.
BRAKJA MLADINOVCI in VILLAGE DOBRUSHEVO. “Last year’s pilot project donation of three laptops through the Macedonia Schools Project had a transformative impact on our small rural school (150 students).” Overall, it “did far more than provide equipment—it opened opportunities. It strengthened our educational programs, expanded our students’ horizons, and proved that even small rural schools can offer modern, engaging, and innovative learning experiences when given the right support.”
The school Director is Cvetanka Petrevska, and the MSP liaison teacher is Blagica Brdarovska.
This year, the grant requested support for “the transformation of an existing school library into a functional, modern, and welcoming space for students and for project activities.” The plan is to “replace old cabinets with open shelving units, refresh the flooring, and install proper window blinds. . . . We hope to dedicate a special section within the library that we plan to call the ‘American Reading Corner.’” “This donation would, therefore, have a transformative impact, helping us create a modern, functional, and inspiring library environment that reflects our school’s commitment to literacy, international cooperation, and student engagement.”
The Executive Board approved the requested grant of $2,282 for the physical items required for this
impressive transformation of the school library.
DIMITAR VLAHOV in SHTIP. This school with 904 students is in a young and rapidly growing neighborhood. Last year’s MSP grant supported the purchase of computers for the IT classroom.
The school Director is Dejan Zdravkov, and the MSP liaison teachers are Cvetanka Niklova and Hristina Kostadinova, who reported that the new computers improved the conditions for delivering computer science classes and increased student engagement, interest, and learning. The students come from different ethnic communities — Macedonian, Serbian, Turkish, and Vlach — making the classroom “an example of inclusivity, mutual respect, and cultural diversity.”
This year’s request focused on a single classroom that includes 52 students from the second and third grades. Current physical deficiencies include: large windows without curtains produce a glare that interferes with vision, students carry large and heavy backpacks containing their school supplies and PE equipment, existing damaged pinboards do not allow display of student artwork, student chairs are “completely damaged,” and the existing coat rack is non-functional. The intention is to create a better environment that will have a long-term impact on the quality of the educational process and the well being of the students.
The Executive Board approved $2,497 for various physical improvements, including chairs, shades, cabinets, pinboards, a coat rack, and an umbrella stand. The liaison teachers said: “Your support represents a significant investment in improving the conditions for learning and development of our students. We believe that through joint cooperation, we can create better, a more inclusive and stimulating environment for current and future generations.”
GORGI SUGAREV in BITOLA. Because of the school’s location near Roma settlements, 90% of the 600 students are Roma.
The school Director is Biljana Temeldova, and the MSP liaison teacher is Liljana Vasilevska, a math teacher.
Last year’s grant provided new desks and chairs for the upgrading of classrooms. This school is also a Center for Support of Children Learning with Disabilities. In past grants, MSP has helped to provide special equipment for the school’s sensory room, a therapeutic space for children with special needs.
This year’s request focused on the German Language Classroom, where “the desks and chairs are heavily worn, unstable, and unsafe, with cracked surfaces and wobbly legs, rendering then unsuitable for effective use by the students. “
“We chose the German Language Classroom as the one to be renewed, as the need for improvement was the most urgent due to the poor condition of the existing furniture. . . We sincerely appreciate the important work your organization does to uplift education, and we are confident that with your assistance, we can significantly improve the classroom experience for our students, ensuring a brighter future for all.”
The Executive Board approved $2,500 for 12 new desks, 24 chairs, and one smart TV.
KOCHO RACIN in PRILEP. The school Director is Julijana Trenkoska, and the MSP liaison teacher is Elizabeta Veleska. The school, with 710 students, named after a Macedonian poet and revolutionary, is the oldest educational institution in Prilep. In 2025, an MSP grant provided a large smart interactive board and equipment for physical education classes. “We do have financial hardships in providing teacher props and equipment regularly, but thanks to your donations, we manage to supplement them and contribute to better teaching and better experience for the children in our school.” The Executive Board approved a grant for $2,466 for another large interactive board and a visual aid whiteboard.
KOLE KANINSKI in BITOLA. In 2025, MSP equipped two classrooms, a Multimedia Library and the English language classroom, with new chairs and tabletops. The school Director is Dijana Hristovska, and the MSP liaison teacher is Mare Stojmenovska Micevska. With 762 students, the school has a large hall for classes in sports. The Executive Board approved a grant of $2,488 for the purchase of needed furniture for this hall.
TODE HADZI TEFOV in KAVADARCI. This school has 675 students in the center of the city and 22 students in a rural school.
The Director is Marija Trajkoval, and the MSP liaison teacher is Slavica Tancheva. MSP funded a pilot project last year, which was used to obtain school lockers for the students in grades 1 and 2. This year, the Executive Board approved a grant of $2,500
for 10 similar lockers in grades 3, 4, and 5.
TODOR ANGELEVSKI in BITOLA.
This is a large school, with 900 students in a central location and 70 students in the village school.
The school Director is Gordana Jonacic, and the MSP liaison teacher is Snezana Tasevska. Last year’s pilot project provided new classroom furniture. The purpose of this year’s request was to replace old, worn-out faucets and sinks in eight classrooms and five restrooms, which have been in use for 50 years.
The Executive Board approved a grant of $2,446 for this project.
VANCHO NIKOLESKI in LESKOEC. This school, near Ohrid, has 258 students; the Director is Sasho Klimoski, and the MSP liaison teacher is Vesna Terzioska. Previous MSP grants have supported the development of an IT classroom, which is available for all teachers and students. “With MSP donations over the years, the classroom was equipped with 14 new personal computers, a laptop, computer converters, new keyboards, as well as additional IT equipment, which enabled the implementation of quality and modern computer science teaching.” MSP has also provided equipment for a 3D Club.
The Executive Board approved a grant of $2,500 to complete the equipping of the IT classroom, with a smart board (the first in the school) and a desk.
“Our experience with the Macedonia Schools Project so far has been rich and positive, encompassing many years of successful cooperation and the full implementation of jointly planned activities.”
VANCO PRKE in SHTIP. The Director of this large school of 1,187 students is Kokan Radev, and the MSP liaison teacher is Jasminka Durdubakova. “The municipality of Shtip is known for its extreme temperature differences. . . Thanks to your donations, Vancho Prke has successfully completed the first phase of the project to improve classroom conditions through the purchase and installation of modern air conditioning units. . . . There is no longer a need to shorten classes or adapt the program due to cold or excessive heat. The optimal temperature has contributed to a healthier environment, reducing fatigue in both children and teaching staff resulting in greater satisfaction with their stay at school. . . . These positive changes serve as a motivation for us to continue equipping the remaining premises, so that every child at Vancho Prke will receive equal and dignified learning conditions.
Thank you for being part of our success story!”
The Executive Board approved a grant of $2,500 for seven cooling and heating units. “By completing this
project, you are leaving a lasting mark on the development of generations of young people who will grow
up and learn in an environment that caress about their well-being. Let’s complete this positive change
together!”
JOSIF BROZ TITO in STRUGA. This school of 718 students has a long history (14 years) with MSP.
The school Director is Tatjana Lazoroska, and the school liaison teacher all these years has been Margarita Ruvinova Nicheska.
First working with donations of a few hundred dollars from MSP founder Tom Lineham, then supported by recent MSP grants, the school has been able to purchase digital and other needed school supplies for the central center in Struga and three village schools in Vranista, Radozda, and Mislesevo. This year, the Executive Board approved a grant of $2,500 for seven geographic maps in two of the village schools, and a smart TV, a printer, and two laptops for the central school. “Thanks to the Macedonia Schools Project in the past 13 years, we have received the necessary and modern school supplies that have greatly helped the educational process, the work of teachers, and the knowledge of students.”
KOCHO RACIN in LAKOCHEREJ, OHRID. This school has a total of 365 students, in a central rural center and a satellite school in Lakocherej. The school Director is Slavica Koteska, and the MSP liaison teacher is Aleksandra Roshkoska. Last year’s grant provided laptops for both the urban and rural schools. However, a problem was apparent: “infrastructure constraints and insufficient network coverage in all classrooms.” There were three objectives of the 2026 request: expansion of network coverage to all classrooms to provide full Wi-Fi coverage in all classrooms for digital access for every student, replacement of lighting with energy-efficient LED fixtures, and renovation of a classroom that is in significant disrepair in a satellite school in Dolno Lakachere. The Executive Board approved a grant of $2,101 for renovations, three Wi-Fi access points, and 60 LED lights. “By investing in connectivity, physical learning space, and energy efficiency, MSP would help create a modern, equitable, and future-oriented learning environment for all our students.”
KOSTA RACIN in PODARES. In the past, this school, with MSP support, received a 75-inch interactive panel; “It has been a wonderful addition to one or our classrooms.” This is a small school, with 160 students. The school Director is Liljana Atanasova, and the MSP liaison teacher is Lejla Limanova. The impact of one interactive panel on this small school has been enormous. The 2026 request was to equip another classroom with another similar panel. “The children love the panel so much that they often like to use it even during their breaks. It also helps teachers explain difficult topics more clearly and keeps students more engaged and motivated to participate. For these reasons an additional panel would be a very valuable resource that would improve the learning experience in our schools.”
The Executive Board approved a grant of $2,245 for the purchase and installation of another interactive panel.
DIMKATA ANGELOV GABEROT in VATASHA, KAVADARCI. The Director of this village school in the Kavadarci region with 264 students is Daniela Mukaetoval, and the MSP liaison teacher is Dobrinka Laskova. With a pilot project grant last year, 32 new classroom chairs were purchased. This year’s request was for classroom lockers. “While new desks and chairs are essential, the lack of adequate storage remains a serious challenge in most of our classrooms. . . . Without external support, the purchase of classroom
lockers would not be possible in the near future.”
The Executive Board approved a grant of $2,117 for 18 new student lockers.
EDINSTVO IN VILLAGE OKTISI, STRUGA. Last year, MSP provided TVs and projectors for this rural school with 212 students.
The school director is Mustafa Kaliqi, and the MSP liaison teacher is Angelina Stojkoska.
“We have school desks, but most of them are old and worn out, and they are no longer suitable for everyday use. We also lack basic equipment like a speaker, and a printer for modern teaching.” “for school performances, celebrations, and other events, we often have to borrow equipment, which is not always reliable or available.”
The Executive Board approved a grant of $2,491 for a printer, a speaker, 10 desks, and 20 chairs.
PILOT PROJECT GRANTS
Pilot project grants are limited to $1,000 and are intended to introduce schools and MSP to each other. Our primary goal is to identify potential new partner schools for eligibility in the annual MSP Request for Proposals process.
ELPIDA KARAMANDI in BITOLA. The principal of this school with 661 students is Emilija Nikolovska Spirovska, and the MSP liaison teacher is Janet Taskova. This request focused on targeting their most worn-out and inadequate furniture. This school has about 10 students with disabilities, for whom new chairs and desks are of high importance. The application emphasized that many students “currently use furniture that is damaged, unstable, or not suited to their age and physical development.” It further pointed out that “for teachers, having functional desks and chairs helps maintain classroom organization and enables more effective instruction.” Unfortunately, “improvements to classroom furniture are often postponed. . . . Ultimately, this funding will not only provide practical support, but also a sense of caring and encouragement to our school community. It will demonstrate that the well-being of students and teachers is valued, contributing to a more positive, motivating, and productive educational experience.”
The Executive Board approved a grant of $1,000 for 15 new chairs and 10 new desks.
DEBRCA SCHOOL in VILLAGE BELCHISTA with BRANCH SCHOOLS IN OROVNIK,
GORENCI, AND IZDEGLAVJE, DEBRCA MUNICIPALITY. This school, in a rural area with one head school and ten branch schools, wishes to begin the process of modernizing its IT infrastructure. The principal is Elena Ristoska, and the MSP liaison teacher is Irena Protuger. This pilot project will install three smart TVs, one in each of the above branch schools, enabling the use of multimedia presentations, educational videos, and digital textbooks. “This is a strategic investment that lays the groundwork for the gradual reconstruction of the school, reduces the digital divide, and ensures a long-term sustainability of the modernization of the teaching process.” The Executive Board approved a $1,000 grant. “The grant from the Macedonia Schools Project differs from the customary government funding, as it represents targeted developmental support, directly aimed at improving the quality of teaching and creating
conditions for modern and inclusive education.” “In the Gorenci school, the TV set will be placed in the Albanian language class, the only one in the municipality, thus promoting multi-ethnic integration andinclusivity. . . . The grant sends a strong message that students in rural and multi-ethnic communities deserve access to modern, high-quality, and inclusive education, establishing a model for sustainable development and comprehensive educational transformation.”
HRISTIJAN KARPOSH in KUMANOVO. There are 1,029 students in this school. The Director is Slagan Spasovski, and the MSP liaison teacher is Aleksandra Pavlovska. This application pointed out that government agencies have not provided new textbooks, but instead have offered interactive electronic textbooks, the use of which is hampered by a lack of appropriate digital infrastructure. For this reason, the school needs smart television sets.
The Executive Board approved a grant of $1,000 for five smart TVs.
SV. KIRIL I METODIJ in BITOLA. The Director of this school with 420 students is Zaneta Tosheska, and the MSP liaison teacher is Aleksandra Simonchevska Nechovska.
As with other Macedonian schools, “the requested grant for smart TVs addresses a specific and urgent need that is not covered by existing government funding. . . . while government funding maintains the school’s basic operations, this grant is essential for enhancing the educational experience and supporting long-term development through innovation and digital transformation.
The Executive Board approved a grant for two smart TVs.
DONATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
We were very pleased to reach a new record in the number of schools receiving MSP grants. However, that achievement brings a significant challenge: can we match or exceed this performance in 2027? An awareness of our program is spreading in Macedonia. We anticipate that there will be more schools reaching out to us next year.
Please help us meet this challenge. 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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