Skopje - Today, in cooperation with the Municipality of Tetovo, USAID gathered business and NGO representatives as well as members of the public to present the activities and first results of the USAID Persons With Disabilities Internship and Employment Project.  The project aims to get companies and other stakeholders involved in future activities, and encourage wider employment 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 Michael Stievater, Director of the Democracy Office of USAID Macedonia.

Representatives of companies that have already employed persons with disabilities expressed their satisfaction with these employees, emphasizing that they approach their tasks with great enthusiasm and responsibility.

“I got my first employment with the project’s assistance. I currently work as a project coordinator and I am able to help other people with disabilities. The feeling is wonderful,” said Ifraim Ljuta, a project beneficiary.  

USAID’s Persons with Disabilities Internship and Employment Project supports the implementation of Macedonia’s National Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The project aims to increase participation of persons with disabilities in society by improving their employability skills through training and internships, and by supporting persons with disabilities to start their own businesses. Project assistance is targeted towards persons with disabilities from the Polog, Skopje and North-East regions of Macedonia. It is implemented by My Career in Skopje, in partnership with Handicap, in Tetovo and Poraka Nasa in Kumanovo.

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