On September 19th,2013, in Kumanovo, the U.S. Agency for International Development, in cooperation with the Municipality of Kumanovo, gathered business and NGO representatives as well as members of the public to present the activities and results of the USAID Persons with Disabilities Internship and Employment Project.  The project aims to make disability issues visible to the private sector and broader community while promoting equal rights for social and economic inclusion of people with disabilities.

“Employment of people with disabilities is not a matter of charity, but one of human rights. We must remember that persons with disabilities are persons with many abilities, and should have the same opportunity as anyone else to make their contributions,” said James Stein, Mission Director of USAID Macedonia.

“The employees we gained through this project greatly contribute to the success and productivity of our company,” said Goce Serafimovski, owner of Alfi-bi company.  

USAID’s Persons with Disabilities Internship and Employment Project supports the implementation of Macedonia’s National Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Offering internships and training in how to search for a job, how to craft a strong resume, how to prepare for a productive interview, and even how to start one’s own business, the project aims to increase employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, and raise the visibility of their strengths and challenges among the general public. Project assistance is targeted towards persons with disabilities from the Polog, Skopje and northeast regions of Macedonia. It is implemented by My Career in Skopje, in partnership with Handimak in Tetovo and Poraka Nasa in Kumanovo.

To date, the program has provided job search training to 120 persons with disabilities, shown 70 representatives from companies and other organizations how to provide Mentorships for Persons with disabilities, and helped 20 people find meaningful employment.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

The American people, through USAID, have invested over $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID is working with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce. These initiatives improve the quality of life and support Macedonia’s transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit http://macedonia.usaid.gov and USAID FB page http://www.facebook.com/USAIDMacedonia