Category: Announcements

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Day 6, Ohrid Hi-Tech Excellence Camp Recap: A Presidential Visit to Remember 

18.07.2025

Today marked one of the most inspiring moments of the Ohrid Hi-Tech Excellence Camp 2025, organized under the patronage of H.E. President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.

We were honored to welcome the President in person, who graciously awarded certificates to all 23 of our exceptional participants. She toured the student exhibition and was impressed by the creativity, teamwork, and innovation displayed through projects based on this year’s theme:
“FIRST® LEGO® League – FIRST® DIVE℠: SUBMERGED℠”, focused on ocean exploration and sustainability.

President Siljanovska-Davkova emphasized that this camp is more than just about learning robotics:

“I see future scientists in these young minds—individuals who will make both their home countries and Macedonia proud.”

She highlighted the importance of reconnecting with one’s homeland, learning the Macedonian language, and forming global friendships that enrich both identity and character.

The day began with our signature morning gymnastics and a dynamic FIRST LEGO LEAGUE SIMULATION COMPETITION where teams worked on real-life challenges in areas like health, education, and the environment—designing solutions, prototyping ideas, and programming robots to execute tasks. In the afternoon, scholars got creative making “Friendship Medals” and enjoyed one last round of beach fun, before celebrating an unforgettable week at our farewell party.

What We Achieved Together

Throughout this remarkable week in Ohrid, 22 participants from Macedonia, the US, Canada, France, Slovenia, Croatia, and Malta embraced a unique blend of high-tech learning, cultural discovery, and friendship-building. We:

  • Strengthened core skills in robotics, coding, programming and design thinking
  • Practiced teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving through hands-on challenges
  • Explored global sustainability topics through the lens of ocean preservation
  • Reconnected with our Macedonian heritage, language, and traditions
  • Built lifelong friendships that cross borders and spark future collaborations

We’re incredibly proud of what our campers have achieved and even more excited to see how they’ll carry this experience forward in their personal journeys.

Grateful to all our program partners and supporters who make this journey possible: Young Engineers Skopje Macedonia, Robotics & Innovation Academy, STEM Robotika Kocani, Brainster, iSource, Ohrid Summer Festival, and supporters Triglav, Alkaloid, Kostal, IWConnect, A1, IT Labs and Fructal. 

Thank you to our educators and families who made this journey possible. Until next year – keep dreaming big and building bold! 

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Day 5 Recap: Birthdays, Bots & Big Ideas! 

17.07.2025

We began today with lots of smiles and songs as we celebrated two birthdays over breakfast—what better way to kick off a high-energy day at the Ohrid Hi-Tech Excellence Camp 2025!

The morning was filled with robotics action as scholars tackled the STEM Maze Challenge, using LEGO® robots and three game-based programming platforms. Working in teams, they built smart algorithms and tested event-based programs to guide their robots through a maze, learning how machines “think” and follow step-by-step instructions. 💡

After some refreshing beach time and sports in the afternoon, we launched into the FIRST LEGO League Simulation Competition, where campers built, coded, and competed in timed missions. These sessions are part of our exciting theme for this year: FIRST® LEGO® League – FIRST® DIVE℠: SUBMERGED℠, which dives into ocean exploration and innovation. 🌊

Our participants are not just building robots – they’re researching ocean-related challenges and designing solutions for cleaner, healthier oceans. Through this work, they’re building leadership, teamwork, and perseverance – the hallmarks of tomorrow’s problem solvers and innovators.

The evening ended with Harry Potter movie night, filled with laughter, Vincinni Chocoland – Фабричка продавница and ForestBar snacks, and a little magic. 🧙♂️✨

🌍 We’re proud of our diverse group from the US, Canada, France, Slovenia, Croatia, Malta, and Macedonia, and grateful to all our program partners and supporters who make this journey possible: Young Engineers Skopje Macedonia, Robotics & Innovation Academy, STEM Robotika Kocani, Brainster, iSource, Ohrid Summer Festival, and supporters Triglav, Alkaloid, Kostal, IWConnect, A1, IT Labs and Fructal. 💙

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Day 4, Ohrid Hi-Tech Excellence Camp Recap: Robotics, Innovation & Exploring Ohrid!

16.07.2025

Today was a perfect blend of high-tech learning and cultural exploration at the Ohrid Hi-Tech Excellence Camp 2025!

We kicked off the day with some energizing morning gymnastics 💪 and a healthy breakfast to fuel our brains and bodies for a packed agenda.

In our Young Engineers session, the campers explored object detection and autonomous robot navigation using sensors. They programmed their Driving Base robots to react to lines and obstacles, practicing real-world logic and tech interaction.

Next up was an exciting session with Brainster, where our young innovators were introduced to Fable—a modular robot system! 🤖 They learned about different types of sensors, programming concepts like loops and variables, and how these are used within the Fable ecosystem. In the afternoon, they worked on creative group projects using Design Thinking, bringing their ideas to life through prototyping and robot movement programming.

But it wasn’t all tech today! After a refreshing beach break 🏖️, the group headed into the historic heart of Ohrid for a beautiful sunset walking tour. Starting from the Upper Gate and Ancient Theater, we strolled to Plaošnik, passed by St. Sophia, and ended in the charming city center, where we were captivated by Ohrid’s timeless beauty. 🏛️✨

🎉 Another day full of teamwork, learning, and discovery—thanks to the incredible support of our program partners: Young Engineers, Brainster, STEM Robotika Kocani, iSource, Robotics & Innovation Academy, and Ohrid Summer Festival, and our amazing supporters: Triglav, Kostal, Alkaloid, IWConnect, A1, IT Labs, Fructal, Vincini, and ForestBar.

Stay tuned for more highlights from this inspiring journey! 🚀

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Day 3, Ohrid Hi-Tech Excellence Camp Recap: Innovation Meets Tradition!

15.07.2025

Today was all about tech exploration, creativity, and connection at the Ohrid Hi-Tech Excellence Camp 2025! 💡

We started strong with morning stretches by the lake, then headed off for an inspiring visit to Kostal Automobil Elektrik Plant in Ohrid. In this cutting-edge factory, our learners received an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how electronics power the automotive industry. 🚗🔧 A huge thank you to the Kostal team for opening their doors and minds to our young innovators!

The afternoon was packed with hands-on learning in robotics with Robotics & Innovation Academy (STEM Robotika Kocani). From dancing “Break Dance” robots, testing grabber designs in the “Super Cleanup” challenge to navigating robotic routes in “Driving Around,” our campers tackled real-world engineering concepts with creativity and teamwork. 🤖💪

Later, we connected with our cultural roots through a creative workshop on Macedonian traditional crafts, where participants handmade the iconic Traditional Macedonian earrings – Gulabici (Doves). It was a beautiful way to honor tradition while bonding through creativity. 🧶✨

Then came the time for beach games, music, and joy under the Ohrid sun. ☀️🏖️ We wrapped up the evening with group entertainment, full of laughter and unforgettable moments.

🙌 We are deeply grateful to our program partners: Young Engineers Skopje Macedonia, Robotics & Innovation Academy, STEM Robotika Kocani, Brainster,@iSource and Ohrid Summer Festival – Фестивал Охридско лето.

🙏 And a big thank you to our supporters: Triglav osiguruvanje, Alkaloid, Kostal, IWConnect, A1, IT Labs, Fructal, Vincini, and ForestBar – for believing in this journey and making it happen!

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Day 2, Ohrid Hi-Tech Excellence Camp 2025 Recap: Powering Up Our Robotic Minds!

14.07.2025

Our first full day at the Ohrid Hi-Tech Excellence Camp 2025 was filled with hands-on discovery and high-tech teamwork!

After energizing morning stretches, campers jumped into their first robotics workshops led by our amazing partners from the @Robotics & Innovation Academy and STEM Robotika Kochani. Divided into teams, participants tackled exciting challenges:

🚗 Race Car – Exploring speed and force by building and testing their own LEGO® vehicles.

🌀 Spinner – A fun challenge to learn rotation, timing, and motion through coding.

🤖 Robotic Arm – Simulating real-world robotic movements for lifting and placing objects.

Each team showed impressive creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving throughout the day.

In the afternoon, we cooled off with a refreshing swim in Lake Ohrid, enjoying the beauty of our surroundings. We wrapped up the evening with group games, music, and entertainment, celebrating new friendships and another day of unforgettable memories.

A heartfelt thank you to our program partners – Young Engineers, Robotics & Innovation Academy, STEM Robotika Kocani, Brainster, iSource, and Ohrid Summer Festival, and to our generous supporters – Triglav osiguruvanje AD, Alkaloid, Kostal, IWConnect, A1 Makedonija, IT Labs, Fructal, Vincini, and ForestBar – for making this camp a reality.

Stay tuned for more inspiring moments tomorrow! 🌟

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Day 1, Ohrid Hi-Tech Excellence Camp 2025 Recap: A High-Tech Journey Begins!

13.07.2025

The Ohrid Hi-Tech Excellence Camp 2025 officially kicked off today with bright energy and a global spirit! 

We welcomed 22 exceptional young participants – from Macedonia, the US, Canada, France, Croatia, Malta, and Slovenia – who gathered in Skopje to begin a week-long journey of learning, innovation, and cultural discovery.

After a beautiful drive to Hotel Aqualina by the shores of Lake Ohrid, our learners were greeted by the Macedonia2025 team (Nikica Mojsoska Blazevski, CEO and Nena Manchev, Head of Education and Leadership Programs) and introduced to the camp’s mission: to nurture digital skills, foster curiosity in STEM, and reconnect youth with Macedonian culture and values.

Our friends at iSource led the way with dynamic “Get to Know Each Other” activities, breaking the ice and setting the tone for a week of teamwork and creativity. The afternoon was all about fun in the sun, with games and beach time helping new friendships blossom across borders.

We wrapped up the day with a lakeside walk and dinner – recharged and ready for tomorrow’s deep dive into robotics and innovation!

🤝 Huge thanks to our amazing program partners: Young Engineers Skopje, Robotics & Innovation Academy, STEM Robotika Kocani, Brainster, iSource, and Ohrid Summer Festival – Фестивал Охридско лето, and to our generous supporters: Triglav, Alkaloid, Kostal, IWConnect, A1, IT Labs, Fructal, Vincini, and ForestBar – for helping us create this unforgettable experience.

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Иво Тојтов – Стипендист кој ја спои науката, уметноста и претприемништвото

Иво Тојтов, ученик во четврта година во СУГС Гимназија „Орце Николов“ во Скопје, беше наш стипендист во рамки на Фондот за поддршка на талентирани средношколци “Таленти денес – лидери утре„ од генерацијата 2024/2025 .

Тој е вистински пример за млад човек кој со љубопитност, ентузијазам, сестраност и упорност остава силен впечаток и зад себе остава значајни резултати.  За своите академски постигнувања, ангажман и исклучителна активност, Иво беше избран за првенец на генерацијата во своето училиште.

Наука што решава реални проблеми: Како дел од тимот „LuftON“ на Climathon Skopje 2024, Иво работеше на иновативно решение за аерозагадувањето – мастило за маркери за бела табла направено од саѓи (прашкасти остатоци од оџаците). Благодарение на неговите знаења од хемија, тимот успешно разви прототип. Следната цел им е самостојно производство на еколошка обвивка за маркерот со рециклирана пластика и 3D принтер.

Натпревари и признанија: Иво освои низа награди:

  • II награда на општинскиот и III награда на регионалниот натпревар по хемија
  • III место на регионалниот и I награда на државниот натпревар по германски јазик
  • Сертификат за учество на државниот натпревар по филозофија

Едукатор и креатор на содржини: Иво ја пренесува љубовта кон хемијата преку својот профил @totohemija на Instagram, каде што објавува постови од серијалот „Хемијата е насекаде околу нас“. Истовремено, држи приватни часови по хемија за други ученици, притоа поттикнувајќи ги да ја засакаат оваа наука.

Музичка изразност: Иво активно учествуваше во низа настани по повод 70-годишниот јубилеј на неговото училиште – СУГС „Орце Николов“. Се истакна со соло изведба на саксофон („My Way“), настапи како дел од гимназискиот оркестар, учествуваше во мјузикл и театарска претстава.

Менторство што прави разлика: Преку програмата, Иво доби поддршка од својот ментор особено при изборот на идниот академски пат. По конструктивен разговор, тој донесе одлука да продолжи со студии на Институтот за хемија при ПМФ – УКИМ, насока Применета хемија – аналитичка биохемија.

Личен напредок: Положувањето на возачкиот испит беше уште еден чекор кон неговата самостојност и подготвеност за универзитетските предизвици.

Иво Тојтов претставува токму тој тип на млад лидер какви што сакаме да ги поддржиме преку програмата „Таленти денес – лидери утре“. Неговата приказна е инспирација за многу други средношколци кои сонуваат големо и се подготвени да вложат во себе.

Му посакуваме многу успех во продолжувањето на образованието и со нетрпение ги очекуваме неговите идни достигнувања!

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Аида Петровска – Промотивна кампања „НАУКА ЗА ИДНИНАТА“

Ајде заедно да ги инспирираме идните генерации научници! Љубопитноста е почетокот на секое научно патување!

Во рамките на кампањата „Науката и Јас“, што се реализира како дел од програмата за влијание на заедницата на Џонсон Мети, со задоволство ја претставуваме инспиративната приказна на Аида Петровска – наставник ментор и професор по физика при ООУ „Димитар Миладинов“ од Скопје.

Аида е доказ дека науката не е само професија – таа е начин на живот. Со нејзината страст за физика, таа секојдневно ги инспирира своите ученици да гледаат подлабоко, да прашуваат повеќе и да бидат храбри во потрагата по одговори.

Еве ја нејзината мотивациска порака до сите основци: “Науката не е само формули и факти – таа е клучот што ги отвора вратите кон нови светови. Биди љубопитен, прашувај, истражувај и можеби токму ти ќе ја отвориш вратата кон посветла иднина за сите нас. Науката започнува со едно ‘зошто’, а продолжува со твојата храброст да најдеш одговор.„

Аида ја раскажува и својата лична приказна: “Науката ме научи да бидам трпелива, да прашувам, да проверувам информации и да не прифаќам сè што ќе слушнам без докази. Така, не само што научив да решавам проблеми, туку и како да бидам човек кој не се откажува и секогаш бара вистина.

Со науката стануваме подобри, почесни, поистрајни и поискрени – кон светот и кон самите себе.

Затоа, мој совет до сите ученици: биди љубопитен, истражувај и никогаш не се плаши да прашуваш. Науката е патот кој те води кон твоите соништа и кон посветла иднина.„

Следете нè за уште вакви приказни кои го осветлуваат патот на новата генерација истражувачи и научници!.

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Моќта на знаењето

Во свет полн со можности, дарот на знаење е највредното богатство што можеме да го подариме на следната генерација. Со приклучувањето кон оваа иницијатива, вие станувате светилник на инспирација за оние кои ќе го носат факелот на науката напред.

Ајде да работиме заедно за да инспирираме, поттикнеме и едуцираме. Да ја разгориме страста за наука во срцата на основците. Вашите зборови би можеле да бидат искрата што го пали огнот на љубопитноста и извонредноста.

Придружете ни се во обликувањето на иднината на науката и младите научници кои ќе ја дефинираат. Заедно, можеме да направиме разлика.  Споделете го и Вие вашиот мотивациски цитат или кратка успешна приказна што го истакнува вашето патување како научник и прикачете ги на посебната форма која се наоѓа на следниот ЛИНК  

Повеќе за промотивната кампања „НАУКА ЗА ИДНИНАТА“

Ви благодариме што сте дел од ова неверојатно патување!

Кампањата е имплементирана во рамки на Johnson Matthey Програмата за влијание на заедницата „Науката и јас“. 

Повеќе за проектот во Македонија “Науката и јас„  и за самата глобална иницијатива на Џонсон Мети тука

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Meet the 2025 Scholars of Macedonia2025’s Executive Education Program in Canada

Empowering the next generation of Macedonian business leaders

Macedonia2025 is proud to announce the two cohorts selected for the Executive Education Program in Canada for 2025. This prestigious initiative, organized in partnership with the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, provides Macedonian professionals with the opportunity to sharpen their strategic leadership skills and gain valuable international exposure through world-class executive education and a job-shadowing experience with leading Canadian companies.

Cohort 1 – May 2025: Strategic Execution Course

📅 Program Dates: May 12–16, 2025

Scholar: Ivana Nikolik – Director of Business Development EMEA, IWConnect

Ivana Nikolik, an accomplished business development leader, will attend the “Strategic Execution” course at Queen’s University, designed to equip executives with tools to align vision, strategy, and execution across their organizations.

Cohort 2 – June 2025: Leadership Course

Program Dates: June 9–14, 2025

Scholars:

  • Zhane Ivanovska – Lead for Customer Experience and Customer Value Management, AD Makedonski Telekom (part of DT Group)
  • Biljana Sanev – HR & Corporate Culture Lead
  • Aleksandra Murgoska – Founder & CEO, Limitless Solutions Skopje

The second cohort will participate in the Leadership Program at the Smith School of Business, focusing on strategic leadership, innovation, team performance, and organizational transformation.

After the course, all three scholars will join a collective job-shadowing experience with top companies in Toronto. This model, successfully implemented in past editions of the program, encourages shared learning and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange while exposing participants to diverse leadership environments across industries such as IT, customer experience, and HR.

Special Thanks

We extend our sincere gratitude to the individuals whose support made this year’s Executive Education Program truly exceptional:

Mr. John Bitove, for his steadfast commitment to the job-shadowing component of the program. Despite the complex business climate in Canada, his continued dedication to fostering global leadership connections remains both impactful and deeply appreciated.

Prof. Goce Andreevski, for delivering an engaging and tailored additional training session for both cohorts, as well as for his warm hospitality and generous coordination throughout the program.

A special highlight of the experience was a friendly and inspiring meeting between our scholars and three distinguished members of the Macedonia2025 Ambassadors Club – Aleksandar Orovcanec, Margarita Minceva, and Ilija (Iko) Maurovski – prominent professionals from diverse industries with a wealth of experience and an exceptional readiness to support and connect with the next generation of leaders.

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This initiative is part of our long-term mission to strengthen the leadership potential of Macedonia’s business community and foster global knowledge exchange that contributes to the country’s sustainable economic growth.

Stay tuned as we share more updates from our scholars during their journey in Canada!

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Recognition for diaspora Contribution, 2025, LëtzCare a.s.b.l. – Luxembourg

Recognition for Diaspora Contribution 2025

is awarded to

LëtzCare a.s.b.l. – Luxembourg

For its exceptional humanitarian efforts and dedicated support to communities in need in Macedonia and beyond.

Macedonia2025 is proud to recognize the outstanding work of LëtzCare a.s.b.l., a humanitarian association founded in Luxembourg in 2019. Founded by Safet Alili and his family, the organization was born from a shared desire to give back to their homeland and provide organized, meaningful assistance where it is most needed.

The name LëtzCare combines “Lëtzebuerg” (Luxembourg in the local language) and the English word “Care,” symbolizing compassionate support. As a non-profit entity (a.s.b.l.), the association reflects values of solidarity, care, and community service.

Despite initial delays due to the pandemic, LëtzCare launched its first humanitarian actions in 2023. Since then, the organization has coordinated the shipment of four truckloads of donations containing essential medical and educational supplies. These included electric hospital beds, wheelchairs, patient lifts, school furniture, and other critical equipment.

The donations were delivered to hospitals, schools, and community organizations across Macedonia, including in Skopje, Gostivar, Prilep, Struga, Tetovo, and many more. Beneficiaries ranged from medical institutions and special schools to local NGOs and Red Cross branches. In addition, numerous individual donations were provided to families and persons in urgent need.

Under the leadership of Safet Alili, LëtzCare continues to demonstrate how diaspora-led initiatives can create a lasting impact. Their dedication is a powerful example of how compassion, when turned into action, can transform lives.

We proudly recognize LëtzCare a.s.b.l. Luxembourg for its unwavering commitment to care and solidarity – values that resonate deeply with the mission of Macedonia2025 and with the spirit of the Macedonian diaspora worldwide.