Skopje - Today at the U.S. Embassy, USAID opened a traveling photo exhibition, entitled USAID – Changing Lives, in celebration of USAID’s 50th anniversary globally and its 18th year as Macedonia’s partner in development.  To mark the occasion, 18 photographs were selected for exhibition through a contest on the USAID Macedonia Facebook page during December, 2011.

“USAID works with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce,” said USAID Mission Director, Robert Wuertz.  “Your photographs show this. They illustrate how USAID is changing lives, and they do so with images that supply greater understanding and emotional impact than many words could,” he told the contest participants.

During the event, the  contestants who took the three best photos for the USAID – Changing Lives contest were awarded iPods and certificates honoring their success. The exhibition will open to the public later this month in Strumica, after which it will travel to American Corners in Tetovo, Bitola, Stip and Skopje.

NOTE TO EDITORS:   

The American people, through USAID, have invested over $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID is implementing projects that create jobs, reduce corruption, and prepare Macedonian students for the workforce. These initiatives improve the quality of life and support Macedonia’s transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit http://macedonia.usaid.gov or our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/USAIDMacedonia.