Welcome to the eleventh issue of the Macedonia Schools Project (MSP) Newsletter, which highlights the MSP Volunteer Teaching Program. The reports from the two teachers who volunteered in the summer of 2025 are unusual in that their teaching was not directed to students, but to primary school teachers, first of its kind experiences for the MSP Teaching Program. We also have a discussion by Tom Lineham, the founder and director of the Teaching Program, about possible financial assistance for volunteer teachers. The issue concludes with our announcement that seeks volunteer teachers for the summer of 2026.
TEACHING TEACHERS IN BITOLA
By LIDIA ARAPOVA, ENGLISH TEACHER IN AUSTRALIA
I volunteered with the Macedonia Schools Project (MSP) in the summer of June 2025 in my hometown, Bitola. I was teaching Conversational English to a group of 12 teachers from three Primary schools in Bitola.
I had never heard of the Macedonia Schools Project nor did I know Tom Lineham, its founder. I came across a post on Facebook that described what kind of contributions the MSP makes for schools in Macedonia, and I was immediately interested. I got in touch and communicated with Tom, and I met both Tom and Blazo Mitasev online before signing all the required paperwork. 
The group was organized and led by Liljana Vasilevska, coordinator of the region and maths teacher from Gjorgi Sugarev Primary School. Preparations and the logistical side of things started early with frequent communications with Liljana on Messenger and video calls. We got to know each other, and she explained what the group of teachers would be like and what they are interested in doing. I prepared lesson plans knowing that until I met the cohort these were very “loose” lesson plans and subject to change. Being of Macedonian background and my extensive experience in teaching English to adults in Melbourne, which is where I live now, were integral in the successful delivery of the lessons.
The two-week teaching program ran smoothly, and it was full of happy moments and joyful, fun experiences. Most of the participants knew each other so it was a very casual style of delivery. I remembered Liljana reminding me “no writing, Lidia, we don’t want to do any writing,” I hadn’t taught this way for a long time, probably from back in my beginning teaching years, but I was up for the challenge.
The participants (Liljana, Ljubica, Nevenka, Oli, Ana, Violeta, Marija P, Alex, Magdalena, Marija T, Meri, Nikola) were keen, enthusiastic, and engaged during the lessons, and very much interested in practicing their English conversation skills. They conversed on several topics of interest, watched videos to prompt discussion, and were introduced to scenarios and role plays, which had a storyline that included a moral lesson or a twist. It was fun to see their competitive side when we had a BIG quiz with prizes, even though I was sad it was the last day. I liked our “Last Day Party” with snacks and nibbles. Perhaps if you were to ask everyone, the best part was our “after class coffee gatherings” where the English conversation practice continued in a casual real-life setting/atmosphere. We would sit at one of the cafes on the famously renowned Shirok Sokak, enjoying our coffee, chatting, and relaxing, while people strolled by, where all of this is kind of like a ritual there. We didn’t let the hot weather on some days deter us! I am thankful for learning many of the vocabulary words and phrases (eg. stipsa, bigutini, ustata mi fati pavlaka from the Bitolski region. I was reminded by the participants that I was practicing my Macedonian as well. It was interesting trying to find English equivalents (a stingy person, hair rollers for curling, from talking too much, the mouth runs dry).
Proud Winners of the BIG Competition
Aleksandar, Ljubica, Marija T, Olivera, Nevenka, Magdalena
Liljana was the perfect host and showed dedication and commitment to the cause. As soon as I arrived in Bitola, the next night I was honored to be invited to attend the Gjorgi Sugarev Primary School 51-year jubilee celebration, which is the school where most participants were teaching. I met their principal, Bile, who was also happy to have me as a guest at the school’s end-of-year celebration at Krani in Prespa, where I chatted with a friendly Macedonian Language teacher and enjoyed the views of the lake. Liljana arranged a day trip to Struga/Ohrid for the both of us, a walk to Krkardas where she invited her Mum to come along, a local of the area who told me things about Bitola I never knew. Liljana also arranged a gathering for the class to restaurant Shumski Feneri, my favorite. Thank you to the two participants who kindly offered to drive us up to the restaurant as it is on the outskirts of Bitola and towards the mountain.
Through this MSP voluntary teaching experience, I had the opportunity to meet many people from Bitola that I would not have met otherwise, and to acquire special friendships that I continue to uphold. I also rekindled some old friendships from back in my high school years there.
As an English teacher of many years, I had always wished to teach in Bitola, and the MSP made that happen. I was born and lived there for a large part of my youth, so it holds a special place in my heart. I knew my voluntary experience would be filled with emotions, emotions that words cannot describe.
Thank you Tom Lineham and MSP for the opportunity.
A WORKSHOP FOR TEACHERS IN STRUGA
By ELLEN MOON, VOLUNTER TEACHER
As part of an ongoing effort to support inclusive education, I had the opportunity to lead a two-day Universal Design for Learning (UDL) workshop for teachers at the Josip Broz Tito Elementary School in Struga, Macedonia (the school I once attended as a student). Returning as a presenter was both nostalgic and meaningful, offering a chance to give back to a school community that played such a formative role in my own education.
Teachers in the Struga Classroom
The workshop centered on increasing student agency and creating classroom environments where all learners can thrive. We explored UDL strategies that make learning more flexible, engaging, and accessible—helping students take an active role in their growth, with special emphasis on teaching students with special educational needs.
Margarita, the school’s MSP liaison teacher, was a warm and gracious host who made everyone feel at ease. I was deeply inspired by the teachers’ enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to try new approaches to reach every learner. I shared UDL resources, and we had meaningful discussions, which I hope will continue in the future.
Ellen Moon, Making a Presentation
Although we teach in different countries and work with diverse student populations, one truth connects us: every child has the desire to learn. Our role as educators is to recognize their strengths and create an environment and opportunities for each student to succeed.
It was especially meaningful to co-present with my daughter, Adrienne, who works with students in special education. Sharing this experience across generations reminded me of the deep commitment we all have toward teaching and learning.
I’m deeply grateful for this experience, the warm hospitality, and the inspiring connections I made. I look forward to staying in touch and continuing to support teachers while sharing ideas to help all learners to thrive.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR VOLUNTEER TEACHERS
By TOM LINEHAM, FOUNDING MSP PRESIDENT
Until this year, the Macedonia Schools Project (MSP) required its volunteers for the summer teaching program to cover all their own expenses. But, for the first time, in 2025, MSP provided some financial assistance, due to an increase in donations.
Paying-to-volunteer has become a popular alternative to most tourist-related activities. One such program, the US based NGO Habitat for Humanity, served as the model for the MSP. In recent years, Habitat and its partners offer scholarships and stipends to help its volunteers.
The MSP usually recruits about one or two volunteers each year for its two-week summer program since it began the program in 2013. During the pandemic years, the MSP closed the program until resuming in 2023.
In 2025, the MSP awarded two volunteers $400 each to cover the Macedonian teacher coordinator fee. MSP does not want its already low-paid Macedonian educators to work for free. The Macedonian teacher coordinator’s time and expenses cover the recruitment of students, assisting volunteer teachers in developing interesting and relevant lesson plans, providing needed audio-visual equipment, securing and operating a classroom space, coordinating housing, providing certificates of appreciation, and translation as needed.
In addition, MSP awarded one volunteer a $600 stipend to cover housing costs and living expenses. The volunteer still had to pay the travel costs such as plane and bus fares to reach the site. Depending on the location, rental housing ranges from 30 Euros a night in Bitola to 60 Euros in Ohrid. A 14-day volunteer may pay anywhere between $420 to $840 just for housing, depending on location.
Normally the teacher coordinator arranges housing for the volunteer. However, some volunteers have roots in the community in which they teach and thus stay with friends or relatives. In addition, volunteers are welcome to go online, where they may find a better deal.
As the MSP recruits volunteers for 2026, the MSP will analyze its donations and determine whether it again can offer a paid stipend for volunteers. Let’s hope so, but it isn’t assured.
VOLUNTEER TEACHING EXPERIENCE
SUMMER 2026 IN MACEDONIA
Since 2013, the Macedonia Schools Project has recruited interested volunteers to teach conversational English classes to Macedonian students. The program’s goal is to provide volunteers with a meaningful, quality experience in Macedonia while supporting aspiring students in improving their English language skills.
Qualifications: Experienced or retired teachers or college level students interested in teaching and gaining a cross-cultural experience. Others comfortable in school classrooms are welcome to apply.
Program fee: $400 for 2-weeks beginning mid-June, 2026. Since the MSP is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, your costs may be tax deductible.
Housing: The MSP will arrange housing unless volunteers make their own arrangements. The estimated 2-week housing costs are: $450 to $840 depending on location. Current locations include: Bitola, Ohrid, Skopje, Stip and Struga.
Teaching environment: The MSP will recruit interested students, classrooms, and a qualified Macedonian teacher/translator to work with you to ensure the highest quality experience for you and the students. The MSP coordinator will also assist you in developing appropriate lesson plans to suit the program participants: students and teachers. Volunteers may choose the students age level (including adults). All students involved will have some knowledge of English but wish to improve their language skills with native English speakers.
The Macedonian classrooms have limited resources, so volunteers are encouraged to bring educational materials. In addition, volunteer teachers are encouraged to introduce other subjects such as art, scinece, music, biology, theatre, or other topics you feel comfortable with. Volunteers will be expected to teach about 1-2 hours a day, 5 days each week.
Volunteers must sign Macedonia Schools Project volunteer program release forms before departure. Applications and fees are due: April 15, 2026.
For more information contact Tom Lineham, Coordinator for the Macedonia Schools Project at: makschools@yahoo com. Or call: 1-360-977-2237. Visit the MSP website for photos and additional information at: msp.charity.
Note: Volunteers cover all transportation costs to reach Macedonia. Financial assistance may be available.
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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