Here’s the thing: just like AI, Europe House is continuously evolving – and quickly. We can’t predict exactly what we’ll look like in two years, and we’re not pretending we can. What do we know? We’re staying sharp, relevant, and we’re led by the new generation.

As for numbers, we’ve got plenty to share: three events a day, thousands of participants, and a social media reach that’s 90% organic (no bots needed). We’ve nailed our collaborations. But honestly, we’re not here to brag about past achievements. Our focus is on pushing boundaries, taking risks, and learning along the way. Mistakes? We welcome them. The only real failure is staying stagnant.

If you’re interested in our history, statistics, or simply want to follow our progress, check out europehouse.mk or explore our social media. But if you’re curious about what’s next, stay tuned. We’ll continue listening, creating, and delivering for the new generation. What’s coming? We can’t say for certain, but trust us – it’s going to be exciting! 🔥

Yours faithfully,

Mirko Bošković, Europe House Team Leader

Hello, Buzzers! We’re excited to share our mini-anniversary greetings with you! This October marks an incredible milestone: Europe House Skopje has celebrated 5 fantastic years! Can you believe it? Neither can we! Time has flown by, and as we reflect on these years, we are in awe of the diverse range of events we’ve organized. Each one holds a special place in our hearts!

But let’s not forget, the anniversary celebration was just one highlight among many happening in the seven European houses last month. We’ve brought you a rich array of workshops, captivating performances, and unforgettable music! Stay with us as we take you through these remarkable experiences!

We are still buzzing with excitement from the incredible celebration marking five years of Europe House Skopje, held at the Youth Cultural Centre (MKC) in the heart of Skopje. This milestone event spotlighted the vibrant and dynamic cultural scene, allowing us to revel in a Dionysian celebration. Collaborating with the Faculty of Dramatic Arts (FDU) and the Skomrahi Festival, we welcomed talented students from various European academies who gathered to explore the transformative power of art as a tool for positive change. Since its inception in 1988, Skomrahi has been a vital link connecting students across Europe to exchange innovative ideas and honour cultural diversity. Europe House remains a welcoming hub for young visionaries eager to impact the world. Inspired by the liberating essence of Dionysian rituals, Macedonian actors captivated audiences, pushing the boundaries of theatrical creativity alongside their peers from Antwerp, Kyiv, Bern, Ljubljana, Sofia, Prague, Rijeka, and Bucharest. Join us in fostering this spirit of collaboration and artistic exploration for a brighter future!

Fun Fact: The Dionysian festivals were vibrant competitions that showcased the finest written and performed theatrical plays in Ancient Greece. Held annually in Athens, these celebrations honoured life, nature, and the rich traditions of tragedy and comedy. Esteemed tragedians like Euripides, Aeschylus, and Sophocles fervently participated in these remarkable festivities, paying tribute to Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and theatre. These events were not merely performances; they were a cornerstone of cultural identity and artistic expression in ancient society.

Music transcends boundaries, uniting hearts and conveying the universal language of emotions. This inspiring concept flourished at Europe House in Kriva Palanka, where enthusiastic young people from Kriva Palanka, Lipkovo, and Kumanovo came together for a transformative music workshop. This event celebrated music as a powerful tool for personal expression and emotional connection.

The workshop blended theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in an electrifying atmosphere. Participants cleverly transformed everyday objects into unique instruments, discovering the profound impact of music on both individual feelings and community bonds. Along the way, they cultivated their creativity, learned effective resource management, and embraced principles of sustainability. We highlighted that today’s youth hold the power to instigate change, proving that through music, they can always find a way to raise their voices and make a difference.

Fun Fact: “Jingle Bells” was the first song to be played in space using musical instruments. On December 16, 1965, astronauts Wally Schirra and Thomas P. Stafford brought this joyous tune to life on a harmonica and bells during NASA’s historic Gemini 6A space flight, showcasing the spirit of exploration and the power of music to unite us, even among the stars.

We are excited to announce a unique initiative, “Introduction to Beekeeping – 2024,” organized by Europe House Strumica in partnership with the Beekeepers Association “Apitoxin” from Gevgelija. This project included five engaging workshops for elementary and high school students in Gevgelija, Negorci, Miravci, and Strumica, designed to inspire the next generation about the wonders of beekeeping. Through these sessions, students enthusiastically discovered the critical role that bees play in our ecosystem, learned how to protect these incredible creatures, and gained insights into distinguishing between natural and artificial honey.

These workshops not only enriched their understanding but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the importance of beekeeping in maintaining a healthy environment. We eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring for the next phase of our project. Students will have the opportunity to visit apiaries and apitherapy centres, where they will dive into the practical aspects of beekeeping and solidify their newfound knowledge. Join us in promoting a healthier planet!

Fun Fact: Did you know that among the 20,000 known species of bees, only six possess the incredible ability to produce and store honey? Remarkably, four of these species have been domesticated by humans, including Apis mellifera (European honey bee), Apis florea (the small wild Indian honey bee), Apis cerana (Asian honey bee), and Apis dorsata (the large Indian honey bee). These fascinating creatures have played an essential role in human history since ancient Egypt. Additionally, the Macedonian honey bee (Apis mellifera macedonica), a unique subspecies of the western honey bee, was first identified by esteemed Austrian scientist Friedrich Ruttner in 1988. This remarkable bee originated from the Macedonian picturesque village of Mariovo, showcasing the rich biodiversity and importance of bees in our world.

Europe House Bitola recently hosted an exceptional and interactive play titled “THREE” (TRI), organized by the ATO Centar and directed by Jovan Ristovski. This captivating production provided young audiences with the invaluable chance to discover sign language while fostering a greater understanding of others. We proudly supported this initiative, aligning it with our mission to promote inclusivity and encourage connections across generations.

Sign language is not just a mode of communication; it represents respect and acceptance of diversity – core values of the European Union. The play effectively underscored the significance of early engagement with varied communication methods. It inspired children to learn essential skills and contemplate their role in bridging gaps between diverse groups in society, ultimately empowering them to make a positive impact.

Fun Fact: Did you know that more than 300 unique sign languages are in use around the globe, each with distinct grammar and structure? This incredible diversity highlights the richness of human communication and underscores the importance of inclusivity in our interactions.

At Europe House Veles, young explorers had the thrilling opportunity to journey through the vastness of the Solar System using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). In this innovative Virtual Lab, children were able to “step on” Mars, “tour” Saturn, and witness the breath-taking view of Earth from the Moon. These engaging virtual experiences introduced them to essential scientific concepts such as gravity, orbits, and galaxy formation.

The excitement was palpable as participants marvelled at the stunning volcanoes of Venus and the intriguing icy surfaces of distant planets. They dove into the wonders of various asteroids and comets, enhancing their understanding of the cosmos. Each new discovery sparked enthusiastic reactions and insightful questions, showcasing the incredible ability of this technology to ignite curiosity and foster creativity. Through this immersive experience, young learners saw first-hand how modern technologies can revolutionize education, making it more engaging, inspiring, and accessible than ever before.

Fun Fact: The Moon has an impressive diameter of 3,476 kilometres, making it about a quarter the size of our planet Earth! Remarkably, it weighs 81 times less than Earth, highlighting just how unique our celestial neighbour truly is.

We proudly celebrated World Children’s Day at Europe House Struga with three engaging events that honoured the rights, joy, and immense potential of every child. Collaborating with the Giffoni Film Festival, we screened the heart-warming film “My Brother Chases Dinosaurs.” This touching story about a child with Down Syndrome underlines the vital message of acceptance and love, making it a perfect choice for the occasion.

Our creative workshop, “From Children to Children,” inspired young minds as Katarina Pejovska guided them in making beautiful jewellery, while Jana Mijevski introduced them to the fun of creating colourful slime. The smiles on their faces spoke volumes about their delight!

As an exciting conclusion, we teamed up with the Ohrid Astronomical Society to host an extraordinary observation of the starry sky. The children eagerly explored the cosmos through telescopes, learned fascinating facts about stars, and asked thought-provoking questions about the universe. This event ignited their curiosity and passion for science, empowering them to dream big and reach for the stars!

Fun Fact: Chris Nikic, born on October 6, 1999, is an inspiring American amateur triathlete. In 2020, he made history by becoming the first individual with Down Syndrome to conquer the Ironman, a prestigious and challenging triathlon. His remarkable achievement showcases determination and resilience, breaking barriers and inspiring countless others.

At Europe House Tetovo, we recently hosted a powerful and engaging workshop on digital self-protection titled “Ctrl+Alt+Defend: Learn How to Break the Thread.” This workshop was designed to empower young people to take control in the digital realm, where the divide between the real and the virtual is becoming increasingly indistinct.

With the expertise of Prof. Dr Angelina Stanojoska from the University St. Kliment Ohridski in Bitola, participants delved into critical topics such as gender misinformation and digital gender violence. They explored effective strategies to resist these adversities and learned essential online protection techniques to ensure their personal and professional safety.

This workshop was not just a learning experience; it was a platform for meaningful dialogue, shared experiences, and active engagement. Through practical examples and interactive exercises, participants gained the skills necessary to foster a safer and more resilient digital landscape. They recognized that digital violence and gender-based misinformation are pervasive issues that transcend technology, impacting our society as a whole. By equipping ourselves with knowledge and tools, we can make a real difference in combating these challenges together.

Fun Fact: Did you know that between 16% and 58% of women have experienced gender-based violence through the technology they use every day, according to the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development? Alarmingly, 38% of women have faced online violence personally, while a staggering 85% of those who are active online have witnessed digital violence against other women. It’s crucial that we recognize and address this pressing issue to create a safer digital environment for everyone.

 

That’s it for now, Buzzers! We’re on the move with a line-up of exciting events this December. While we’re starting to wrap up this year, there’s still plenty in the works, so don’t think we’re done just yet. Buzz-buzz-buzzzzz…