We had a great time going through over 20 fun book titles from Europe and our own backyard. There were stories for both younger and older kids, each packed with unique messages and ideas. These books made it easy for us to create a shared story, and they sparked great conversations that turned our time together into an exciting adventure!

Let’s take a moment to think about what more we can do for ourselves, for others, for nature, and for life in general. The role of a teacher – just as Bodan lovingly called me a writer – has truly been a perfect fit for me, guiding me toward meaningful decisions about who I am. I’m Ana Golejška Džikova, a storyteller, a teacher, and a literary bird who loves to flutter around the city, celebrating every child who becomes excited about reading!

Throughout these wonderful months filled with playful adventures – whether through cheerful, exciting, sad, or funny picture books or stories – I’ve learned so much. The biggest takeaway? When we approach our work with love, sincerity, and passion, children sense it and respond with even more joy! I hold this thought close to my heart, like a treasure trove of emotions, all thanks to your kindness and the welcoming atmosphere we’ve created together. This platform and space are so important for everyone who genuinely cares about our children and future readers – who knows, maybe even a few future authors too! Someone as chatty as I am…

Wishing you a lovely and cosy autumn, full of great books to dive into and delightful stories to share! I truly hope our friendship keeps growing for many years ahead. A big thank you to Europe House!

Warm hugs,
Ana Golejška Džikova
Storyteller, teacher, literary bird, and moderator of the Europe House Book Club Kids.

Hey there, dear Buzzers! Guess what? It’s not just Ana who’s full of chatter; we are too! Why, you ask? Because October was an amazing month packed with creativity, diversity, multimedia fun, art, science, education, and all sorts of responsible activities. We were so excited for today so we could share just a glimpse of the vibrant energy that’s kept us buzzing all autumn long!

We’ve been racing through Europe Houses across North Macedonia, and if you have a little extra time, we’d love for you to click on the links and check out more photos!

At Europe House Skopje, we made October all about our children, creating a vibrant program that ignites curiosity and fosters creativity in young minds. Our little explorers engaged in the European Researchers’ Night, a collaborative event with the “Nauka za deca” (Science for Kids) platform, where learning becomes an exciting quest.

In the workshop “What Is a River?” hosted by Ilika Publishing House, children discovered fascinating facts about geography and biology, diving into the enchanting world of this picture book by Monika Vaicenaviciene (translated from German into Macedonian by Katerina Šekutkovska). Through our collaboration with the Skopje Jazz Festival, the “Jazz for Kids” workshop invited children into the captivating realm of music, teaching them the foundations of jazz and improvisation, all while having fun.

Led by the inspiring Ana Golejška Džikova, our Europe House Book Club Kids encouraged the youngest to embrace reading and creativity. The engaging discussion “Where Our Roads Cross,” in partnership with “Skaznuvalka,” inspired kids to explore thought-provoking questions relevant to their everyday lives, sparking their critical thinking.

Also, children enriched their understanding of the plant kingdom with insights from the Macedonian Ecological Society, bringing the wonders of nature into focus. The Lego Workshop, organized by “Žabec” as part of the EHO Mountain Film Festival, transformed learning about nature and the environment into an enjoyable hands-on experience. The workshop on cave and bat protection, in collaboration with the “Ursus Speleos” Research Society, highlighted environmental stewardship in an engaging way.

We believe that when kids are encouraged to learn through play and having fun, they unlock new possibilities and spark a lifelong love for exploring the world around them. Let’s work together to create a brighter future for our young learners!

Fun Fact: Did you know that a child can ask over 300 questions in a single day? This incredible curiosity drives their learning and helps them discover the world around them! Embracing and encouraging this natural instinct is essential for fostering a love of knowledge in children.

“This is my goodbye to shame… from my body, from food, and from living in this society. This deeply ingrained shame, which I have held for so long, often originates not from my own experiences but from the actions of others. It is time to release this burden and let it be shouldered by those who cast it upon me.”

Inspired by personal experiences, the monodrama “Shame,” crafted and performed by actress Angela Stojanovska, made its debut in her hometown of Kumanovo. Through her compelling performance, she redefines shame, illustrating it as a companion she ultimately confronts, thus liberating herself and imparting her journey of self-discovery to the audience.

While “Shame” is a singular narrative, the audience serves as a crucial second character – sometimes as engaged spectators and and at other times as unsuspecting triggers of shame. The play is infused with sarcasm, humour, and a spectrum of emotions that traverse the journey from childhood to adolescence. In a captivating twist, Stojanovska bakes a cake on stage, serving it to the audience, and compelling them to reflect on their own encounters with shame.

This innovative project was developed within the framework of the performing arts platform of the Festival of Feminist Culture and Action “Firstborn Girl: Rehearsing Feminist Futures,” and it was brought to Kumanovo with the invaluable support of Europe House Kriva Palanka. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this transformative experience – take a look at the link to see how it unfolded!

Fun Fact: Humour in intense plays is not just an entertainment element; it is a vital tool that fosters a deeper connection with the play’s themes. By juxtaposing humour with challenging emotions, the audience can navigate complex feelings – like shame – more easily, making the overall experience both enlightening and enjoyable.

In Strumica, we enthusiastically celebrated Green Diplomacy Week, engaging high school students from “Dimitar Vlahov.” We organized an inspiring series of events, starting with a hands-on workshop on sustainable agriculture. Students from the agricultural-veterinary department discovered the essential principles of plant nutrition and the critical role of soil pH. The workshop culminated in a beautiful arrangement of decorative leafy plants at Europe House Strumica, showcasing our commitment to environmental stewardship. These plants will not only beautify the space but will also be propagated and shared with the community.

We also proudly participated in the global initiative World Without Hunger. Together, students, teachers, and staff lovingly prepared and presented food products from our school garden. The response was heart-warming, as some items were sold while others were generously donated to the Red Cross of Strumica. This powerful experience underscored the importance of food security and demonstrated the strength of working together for a common cause.

Additionally, we explored the Monospitovsko Blato (Monospitovo Swamp), the last remaining natural wetland ecosystem in our country. After conducting insightful research, we held a captivating workshop where students engaged with the rich flora and fauna of the Monospitovo Swamp. They learned about the pressing impact of human activities on this vital ecosystem. Join us in our endeavours and see more photos of our impactful activities at the link. Together, we can make a difference!

Fun Fact: Did you know that Monospitovsko Blato is a fascinating large swamp situated just ten kilometres northeast of Strumica, nestled in the picturesque Stara Reka valley? This unique environment, alongside the Struma and Turija rivers, plays a vital role in the Strumica Valley ecosystem. What’s even more intriguing is that this swamp is thought to be a remnant of a vast lake that existed approximately 20 million years ago, dating back to the formation of the Aegean mainland. Remarkably, this ancient lake once flowed into the Aegean Sea, highlighting the rich geological history of the region.

In Bitola, we proudly launched the exhibition “The Hands of the Creator,” featuring the talented young photographer David Kozarov. His striking images tell the compelling stories of craftsmen from Ohrid, Bitola, and Ioannina. By capturing the essence of their hardworking hands, this exhibition emphasizes the beauty and labour that have been treasured through generations, yet now face the threat of fading away. The hands of these artisans, marked by years of dedication, stand as powerful symbols of their resilience and expertise, reflecting a crucial aspect of our cultural heritage.

Remarkably, many young visitors are increasingly recognizing the vital importance of crafts and their integral role within the community. Europe House Bitola is committed to supporting local artists and their contributions to European values, sparking inspiration among the youth to preserve traditions that link our society to its rich history.

Fun Fact: A growing number of emerging artists are embracing traditional techniques and creatively reimagining them for contemporary audiences. Their innovative works not only celebrate but also illuminate the authenticity of their cultural identity. Let’s come together to support and honour this inspiring movement!

Each October, we honour Dyslexia Awareness Month worldwide. In this spirit, Europe House Veles and the Dyslexia Association “Einstein” organized an empowering training session with expert Katerina Nikolovska. Teachers and parents participated in engaging workshops that focused on innovative strategies to adapt teaching materials and implement personalized approaches for students with dyslexia.

The training emphasized key techniques that enhance students’ understanding and concentration, equipping participants with impactful tools for their daily practices. With a focus on customized learning methods, we aim to foster greater efficiency and instil self-confidence in students. This event plays a crucial role in advancing inclusion and support for all students with dyslexia. Together, we strive to build a society where every student is inspired to reach their full potential and embrace their unique journey.

Fun Fact: Did you know that dyslexia, a condition impacting reading and comprehension, is more common among extraordinary minds than you might think? Many brilliant individuals, including Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, Pablo Picasso, Winston Churchill, Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, and Agatha Christie, have faced the challenges of dyslexia. Their stories remind us that such challenges can lead to exceptional achievements!

In Struga, Pece Klečkaroski from Leska Craft opened the doors to culinary creativity by sharing his wisdom with a group of eager, young participants at a remarkable workshop. High school students from the catering school “Vančo Pitošeski” and other passionate individuals learned the secrets of crafting premium products from scratch.

This engaging workshop centred on making natural and healthy nut and cocoa butters, completely free from additives. Participants discovered how to whip up a variety of nut butters, create luscious creamy chocolate spreads, and master the balance of composition and flavour. The experience at Europe House Struga ignited the minds of young people, encouraging them to think critically about local and sustainable production methods where the beauty of nature meets innovative creativity to produce exceptional, high-quality products. Join us in this exciting journey towards healthier living and artisanal craftsmanship!

Fun Fact: Did you know that nuts like walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios are nutrient powerhouses? These tasty snacks are packed with protein, healthy fats, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Incorporating nuts into your diet is a delicious way to boost your health, so make sure to enjoy them regularly!

Europe House Tetovo celebrated International Artist’s Day with a vibrant showcase of creativity and inspiration, highlighting the transformative power of art in addressing urgent global challenges, particularly climate change. This event was more than just a celebration; it showed how art can unite a community and spark meaningful conversations about critical issues.

At the Lapsi Centre for Talented Youth, children engaged in designing t-shirts adorned with bee and leaf patterns. This hands-on activity not only excited young minds but also conveyed an essential message about the vital role bees play in maintaining our ecosystem.

Meanwhile, students from the University of Tetovo participated in an intense live painting competition, channelling their concerns about climate change into stunning visual representations. As brushes moved swiftly across canvases, these young artists captured the beauty of our planet while confronting the reality of its crisis. Following this creative outburst, Prof. Nora Halimi from the University of Tetovo led a thought-provoking discussion on art’s role as a universal language – one that conveys emotions, raises awareness, and inspires collective action. Art is not just an expression; it is a powerful tool that deepens our understanding of complex issues and motivates us to act for a better future.

Fun Fact: The longest mural in the country can be found in Tetovo! Stretching an impressive 120 meters, this stunning piece not only beautifies our city but also showcases Tetovo’s dynamic and thriving art scene. Experience the creativity that makes our community unique!

Farewell, October, dear Buzzers! We trust you had an amazing time with our creative events and that you discovered something new and fascinating. November has arrived, bringing with it a fresh wave of exciting events you won’t want to miss. Stay on the edge of your seat – surprises await! Buzzing greetings!