USAID Launch Project to Strengthen Civil Society and Increase Youth Engagement

USAID Civil Engagement Project
USAID Civil Engagement Project
USAID Macedonia

For Immediate Release

Friday, November 18, 2016

On November 18, 2016, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched the Civic Engagement Project (CEP), a five-yearinitiative to support Macedonian civil society and youth organizations to engage with citizens, the private sector and government stakeholders and institutions on issues of public interest.

The project will support Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and CSO alliances that focus on priority issues of concern to the people of Macedonia; assist CSOs to promote dialogue; organize a yearlong LEAD (Lead, Engage, Act, Develop) Program that will equip motivated young people with skills that enable them to work within their communities. LEAD will also provide opportunities for young men and women to participate in public life and decision-making processes on issues that affect their lives, their communities, and the Macedonian society as a whole.

USAID Mission Director James Stein noted “Through the Civic Engagement Project, participating young people and civil society organizations will acquire knowledge, gain motivation, learn values, and develop skills that will allow them to positively engage in dialogue with the public and private sectors, and with the government, to agree on actions that promote the well-being of their communities.”  “USAID aims to support strengthen of communication lines and collaboration instruments between the people and those who serve them. Civil society organizations will serve to aggregate and communicate the people’s interests and work in partnership to positively engage with public institutions and stakeholders.”

CEP is implemented by East West Management Institute (EWMI), in partnership with four local CSOs: the Foundation for Internet and Society “Metamorphosis”, the Association for Democratic Initiatives (ADI), the Foundation Open Society Macedonia (FOSM), and the National Youth Council of Macedonia (NYCM). The East-West Management Institute is an independent non-for-profit organization working to strengthen democratic societies by bringing togeter governament, civil society, and the private sector-to build accountable, capable and transparent institutions that serve the peoples best interest.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

The American people, through USAID, have invested more than $580 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID is working with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce. These initiatives, in partnership with the people of Macedonia, aim to improve the quality of life for all living in Macedonia. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit http://macedonia.usaid.gov and USAID FB page http://www.facebook.com/USAIDMacedonia