Like elsewhere in the world, the Republic of North Macedonia struggled to provide a safe learning environment for its students as the global pandemic hit.

It required schools to make considerable adjustments and changes during the year and probably the next. The North Macedonian schools are challenged to do more with less. In response, the MSP adopted a flexible approach in encouraging its partner schools to change their previously approved grants/donations if needed to meet the new circumstances. Despite the next unique challenges this year, we welcomed new partner school into MSP grant program, Vanco Prke School in Stip.

Grants and gifts

This year the MSP awarded four $2,000 grants:
Bratstvo-Edinstvo School, Ohrid main building: Converted an unused room into a gym for younger students. The grant primarily covered the purchase of floor tiles and new gym equipment.
Josep Broz Tito schools, Struga: Purchased new lap top computers to help with on-line teaching needs due to the pandemic.
Vanco Prke School, Stip: Purchased a state-of-the-art smart board and a traditional blackboard. Vanco Prke School is a new partner with the MSP thanks to the diligent work of MSP Board member Blazo Mitasev.
Vanco Nikoleski Primary School in Leskoec and its satellite schools will use the funds for much needed lap-tops.
In addition to matching funds with Intel, MSP Board member, Vasja Jordanova, targeted funding for 2 gym mats for Tito schools.
Former MSP Board member, Ginia Goggio, targeted funds to the village school in Radozda for a new lap top.

Volutneer teaching experience

Unfortunately, MSP cancelled its volunteer program for 2020 due to the pandemic. A question exists if we can offer the program in 2021.

Board developements

For the first time in its ten-year history, the MSP elected a treasurer to the board. We are grateful that Biljana Guchereau, stepped up to the challenge. From North Macedonia, she brings unique knowledge and experience to the organization. As a professional actuary, she knows her numbers! She and her family now live in Portland Oregon. We held our annual full board meeting virtually this year. At the end of the year meeting in December, the MSP executive board approved the 2021 budget that included up to four $2,500 grants for our partner schools.

Other developements

Board President Tom Lineham met with Keith Brown author of several books on Macedonia and Director of Arizona State University’s Melikian Center for Russian, Eurasian and East European Studies. Chris Evanoff, the former President of the Macedonian Patriotic Organization of the USA and Canada, offered to help MSP grow and attract new donors. The veteran Macedonian-American businessman met with the MSP leadership team in a virtual meeting to outline a possible planning process.

Special Thanks to our Donors that include: Oregon Community Foundation/Speroff Family Foundation, Vasja Jordanova, Intel, Tom Lineham, Blazo and Alice Mitasev, Michael Mitasev, Tim Nogler, Tony Usibelli, Gina & Michael Goggio, Deanna Sheehan, Judith Adams, Linda Adams, Roger Douglas, Steve Leigh, Gail Pollock, Flor Fernandez, Jo Anne Schmidt, Ed Baxter, Susan Nunmaker, John Latta, Becky Frehse, Donna Quesnell, Ron Morrison, Phil Riches and Biljana & Jason Guchereau.

For more information email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the MSP website at: www.makschools.info