Skopje - Today at the American Corner in Bitola, USAID opened a traveling photo exhibition, entitled USAID – Changing Lives, in celebration of USAID’s 50th anniversary globally and its 18th year as Macedonia’s partner in development.  To mark the occasion, 18 photographs were selected for exhibition through a contest on the USAID Macedonia Facebook page during December, 2011.  Popular comedian Marjan Georgievski from Bitola was the special guest star featured at this event with a performance on the topic “Stereotypes” and a presentation about the history of stand-up comedy.

“USAID partners with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce,” said USAID Communications Specialist Biljana Velickovska. “These photographs show this. They illustrate how USAID is changing lives, and they do so with images that supply greater understanding and emotional impact than many words could.”

Back in February, the contestants who took the three best photos for the USAID – Changing Lives contest were awarded iPods and certificates at the U.S. Embassy, honoring their success. The exhibition previously opened in Stip and Tetovo, and after Bitola it will travel to Struga and Skopje.

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 or our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/USAIDMacedonia.