Author: Tatjana Srceva-Pavlovska

In April 2024, MAAA launched a new production venture—a podcast series titled “The Voice of MAAA,” as part of the project “Alumni Encouraging Volunteering and Extra-Curricular Activities.”

Since its launch, several episodes on various topics have aired, focusing on youth and young leaders. The series opened with an episode titled “Perspectives of Young People in Our Country,” followed by another episode focusing on “Entrepreneurship opportunities” for the youth.

The second part of the series began its broadcast with the third episode, titled “Youth and Financial Literacy.” This episode featured two alumni: Dr. Dragan Tevdovski, a professor at the Faculty of Economics at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, and Jovana Avramovska-Nikolovska, the author and creator of the media project “What Makes the World Go Round.” The discussion was moderated by journalist Biljana Trendafilova, MA.

Both speakers addressed the current state of financial literacy among young people. Prof. Tevdovski referred to recent research conducted by the National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), highlighting significant gaps in financial literacy among the youth. He emphasized the importance of not only improving but also enhancing young people’s financial skills. While both the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance have offered workshops, programs, and seminars on the topic over the years, Avramovska-Nikolovska stressed the need to focus more profoundly on the burning issue of functional literacy from an early age. According to her, the fostering of overall functional literacy and developing essential financial skills from the earliest stages of the education process, such as basic money management and budgeting, would naturally lead to improvements in youth’s financial literacy as well as enhancement of the practical aspect of the learning process.

The speakers also highlighted the value of incorporating more practical methods into education, drawing inspiration from the U.S. system. In the U.S., high school curricula frequently cover topics like financial instruments, personal budgeting, interest rates, and the roles of bonds, stocks, and deposits. A hands-on approach—through simulations and virtual investments—was highlighted as essential for making learning engaging and effective in our country as well.

The fourth episode in the series, titled “Youth and Mental Health,” brought timely insights into the challenges young people face today. This episode featured Dr. Ana Fritzhand, a professor at the Department of Psychology, at the Faculty of Philosophy, and Sonja Grazdani, MD, a physician and co-founder of the Young Doctors Club. The discussion was hosted by the journalist Slavica Arsova.

The conversation opened with a consensus on the difficulties young people encounter in staying optimistic in today’s fast-paced world. As Prof. Fritzhand explained, uncertainty is the greatest enemy of hope and enthusiasm. While unpredictability is a part of life, psychological resilience—developed early in life—plays a crucial role in managing uncertainty across personal, academic, and professional domains.

Dr. Grazdani added that the rise of technology has created a false sense of control. Many young people believe they should be able to manage their emotions perfectly, but this expectation is unrealistic. Social media further complicates matters by promoting an illusion of flawless lives, filled with success, wealth, beauty, and happiness. This fosters the misconception that experiencing anxiety or stress is a sign of weakness or personal failure.

The discussion emphasized that anxiety becomes problematic when it interferes with daily functioning. However, the speakers noted positive progress, with open conversations and efforts toward destigmatization paving the way for healthier attitudes toward mental health among the youth.

The fifth episode of “The Voice of MAAA” tackled another vital issue: “Youth Leadership and Activism.” This discussion featured alumni Merita Maksuti, an architect and social activist, and Blagica Eftimova, a young activist and ecosystem facilitator within the Swiss entrepreneurship program. The podcast was hosted by Nazim Rashidi, a journalist at Alsat TV.

Maksuti and Eftimova shared their experiences from various study programs in the U.S., where they gained valuable insights into the power of activism. After returning home, they both became vocal advocates for social engagement and its benefits.

Maksuti highlighted that today’s youth have more opportunities than ever to make their voices heard, particularly through social media. However, she believes that building a critical mass of engaged young people is essential for meaningful change. She recounted her involvement in several projects in the U.S., including refurbishing a school in the Bronx. For Maksuti, activism is a lifelong commitment: “Once you become an activist, you continue to be one for life.”

Eftimova highlighted that volunteering in the U.S. begins at an early age, including extracurricular activities and non-formal education. She noted that volunteering aids young people in building their CVs, expanding their networks, and forming meaningful connections. However, its true value lies in the long-term benefits it brings to communities. She also noted that many young people struggle with self-confidence and are hesitant to speak out on important issues. Mentorship programs and self-development initiatives, she argued, can help overcome these barriers.

Both speakers agreed that motivating young people to engage in activism and volunteering is crucial. They emphasized the importance of getting support and endorsement, whether from the community, from family and friends, or the support of society at large; these are vital in encouraging young leaders to pursue positive change.

In reflecting on the topics explored in these five episodes, it becomes clear that the “Voice of MAAA” podcast series is not simply a platform for sharing knowledge but a call to action, promoting a proactive mindset. Each discussion highlights areas where society can improve, offering not only solutions but also hope for positive change within Macedonian society. The series emphasizes the interconnected nature of youth-related issues: whether financial literacy, mental health, youth activism, or leadership, addressing one challenge can drive progress in others. By featuring accomplished alumni who share insights from personal experiences, the podcast series provides relatable and inspiring examples, encouraging young people to think critically, get involved, and make a positive impact in their communities. Through these personal stories, which tackle key challenges faced by today’s youth, MAAA further enhances its role as an important organization, offering a positive outlook and reinforcing the importance of shifting mindsets toward greater engagement, resilience, and social responsibility.