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IVLP Impact Award Project: Stronger Together - Ethnicity Peacebuilding (STEP)

Blagica Eftimova

Blagica Eftimova participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (2021-2023) A Global Moment in Time: Peace and Justice, organized by the U.S. Department of State and the Institute of International Education. As an alumna of the IVLP, Blagica Eftimova had the opportunity to receive an IVLP Impact Award for her project: Stronger Together - Ethnicity Peacebuilding (STEP).

The project engaged 22 young participants, aged 18-25, from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds (Macedonian, Albanian, Roma, and Turkish), who explored intercultural learning, human rights, and peacebuilding. It provided a safe space for them to learn from each other’s cultures, challenge stereotypes, and foster mutual understanding across ethnic lines. The 4-day program covered topics such as intercultural dialogue, conflict resolution, youth participation, and concepts of peace. By the end of the program, participants were able to use intercultural dialogue to support breaking stereotypes and promote tolerance, acceptance, and value of diversity in support of peacebuilding processes. The success of the group was in recognizing that by working together—rather than being divided by ethnic backgrounds—we can overcome any challenge. Regardless of our cultural or ethnic differences, we are stronger as a united team and can combat any issue.

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Together, they confronted stereotypes, explored cultural perspectives, and learned to analyze and resolve conflicts rooted in discrimination. Participants also developed strategies to raise awareness and work toward eliminating ethnic discrimination.

Please view Blagica's project videos on discrimination here:

  • Stronger Together – Ethnicity Peacebuilding (STEP)| Facebook

  • Project STEP - Stereotypes for MKD and ALB ethnicity| Facebook

  • Project STEP - Stereotypes for MKD ethnicity| Facebook

  • Another short story about the ethnic stereotypes existing for Roma people


“This project helped me to break some stereotypes that I had for some ethnic groups and I’m proud of that. By promoting peacebuilding in our country, we can improve the communities. Community peacebuilding aims to develop trust, security and social cohesion within and among communities. Therefore, these types of projects can resolve controversies and conflicts and promote inter-ethnic and inter-group interaction and dialogue. "I used to have a different perspective on ethnic groups, but this project helped me overcome my prejudices." It was very interesting to learn new concepts, to learn a significantly about different nationalities, and how to respect them. In our world, we are all the same, and that is why the world is ours and not mine. Also, it was very nice to hang out with different ethnicities, because there aren't many opportunities for different ethnic groups to interact. A great idea, successfully imparted to the youngsters, and I am very happy that I had the opportunity to be part of this amazing project.” - Project participant. 

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“To meet so many people who are making an impact across the globe in one place is extraordinary. I am extremely happy to be an IVLP participant” - Blagica Eftimova. 

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