Author: Ana Dajovska

In today’s rapidly changing world, the need to empower young people with the tools to navigate complex societal challenges has never been greater. As of September 2024, MAAA is launching a transformative initiative designed to equip the next generation of leaders with essential civic values. Supported by the American Embassy in Skopje through the Alumni Outreach Fund 2024, the project titled 'Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: Alumni-Youth Partnership for Advocating Civic Values' will run through August 2025.

This initiative seeks to address critical issues facing young people today, with a focus on: 1) Anti-corruption measures, integrity, and accountability; 2) Media literacy, combating misinformation, and the influence of AI; and 3) Financial literacy and entrepreneurship. By tackling these pressing topics, the project aims to inspire youth to take an active role in shaping a more informed, responsible, and entrepreneurial society.

On October 4th, 2024, the first project activity, a panel discussion, took place at Manaki Cinema in Bitola. The topic for this panel discussion was “Youth Against Corruption- Building a Culture of Integrity and Accountability for a Society Without Corruption". 

"What exactly is corruption and where to report it?" What is integrity, how is it built and how important is it to deal with corrupt influences? Do judges and prosecutors face pressures and threats when they act?" Those were some of the questions that journalist Maja Jovanovska, from the Investigative Reporter's Laboratory (IRL), asked the guest speakers, Olivera Nečakovska, the public prosecutor of the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Bitola and Aleksandar Kambovski, judge at the Bitola’s Court of Appeal and a member of the Judicial Council. Through interaction and specific examples of corruption in education, urban planning, health and other areas, Bitola’s high school students and students from the University of St. Kliment Ohridski from Bitola were able to learn about the severe consequences of corruption on society and the common good, as well as the role of each individual and the media in the fight against grand or petty corruption.

"MAAA's goal with this project is to address the erosion of civic values, especially in the area of ​​corruption, and to help young people through training on anti-corruption measures, building integrity, responsibility and accountability to improve their values ​​and become more responsible, proactive citizens of our society, as well as to restore their trust in judicial institutions", stated the President of MAAA, Zorica Trajkova Strezovska, at the beginning of the event.

The attendees were also greeted by Ms. Virginia Elliott, Director of the Office of International Counter-Narcotics and Law Enforcement at the US Embassy in North Macedonia,​​ who emphasized the US Embassy's commitment to a corruption-free society.

The second panel discussion as part of the 'Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: Alumni-Youth Partnership for Advocating Civic Values' project took place on October 30th at the Faculty of Law "Justinian First", at UKIM.

The students had the opportunity to discuss the topic of corruption in education with experts, including Mrs. Biljana Ivanovska - former president of the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption, Mrs. Lenče Ristoska - prosecutor in connection with Europravda, former prosecutor in the SJO. Mrs. Snezhana Lupevska Sozen – director, editor-in-chief of Thelma, facilitated the discussion concentrated on the major questions including the following: Is there still corruption in higher education and employment?" Do students witness undeserved failed exams and undeserved grades and what are the most common reasons for this? What is the overall impact of corruption on young people and how do they deal with it? Do they know where to report it and have they ever reported corruption?

In an open and honest discussion, the panelists advised students on how to recognize corruption and what strategies to use to build resilience and integrity.  Through their activity, the students shared their views and examples, after which the attendees agreed together that the anti-corruption behavior of each of us is the basis for building a healthy and prosperous society.

MAAA is looking forward to collaborating with its members and social experts to equip young people with the skills and values needed to become responsible, proactive citizens. Alumni’s expertise will be crucial in mentoring, leading workshops, and driving meaningful change.