OSCE-supported fund helps build bridges between communities

SKOPJE, 5 February 2014 – A new fund launched in Skopje today offers grants to municipalities, students, teachers, parents and schools for organizing activities that bring members of different communities together.

The “Building Bridges Fund” is a joint effort by the Ministry of Education and Science, the Swiss Embassy and the OSCE Mission to Skopje. Among the Fund’s Advisory Board Members are the well-known music artists Toni Zen, Adelina Tahiri and Rebeka.

The Fund is based on the premise that the cultural and linguistic diversity of the country can be an extraordinary asset if channels for communication and exchange exist between the communities.

“Diversity should be seen as enriching. Negative attitudes towards diversity undermine the development and stability of a country,” said the OSCE Deputy Head of Mission, Ambassador Marianne Berecz, at the launch event. “We hope that the Fund can help prepare students for an integrated future in a diverse Europe.”

Swiss Ambassador Stefano Lazzarotto underlined that “the main aim of the Fund is to foster interaction among different communities as a way of increasing their mutual understanding and acceptance. As such, this project is in line with Switzerland’s priorities as OSCE Chair in 2014 and the 2013-2016 Swiss co-operation strategy with the country.”

“Joint activities such as workshops, sport competitions or parties could build a bridge that will connect students studying in different languages,” said the Minister of Education and Science, Spiro Ristovski. “Municipalities, schools, teachers, parents or students themselves can initiate those projects.”