North Macedonia Guide

This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming a group of 6 Scouts from France to Bitola as part of our FATE – From Adventure To Employment Erasmus+ project! In the beautiful surroundings of the City Park, our guests led a series of practical outdoor survival workshops, sharing essential skills for camping, hiking, and spending time safely in nature. Participants learned how to quickly pitch a tent, build a simple outdoor table using natural materials, tie useful knots, and even build a campfire. More than learning new techniques, the activity created a space for cultural exchange, teamwork, and sharing experiences between the French Scouts and our local volunteers.

he activity brought together around 20 participants and aimed to combine environmental awareness, youth engagement, and experiential learning in a natural setting.

This third consecutive activity brought together around 20 participants for a hiking experience to the waterfalls in Dihovo, combining outdoor learning, environmental awareness, and healthy lifestyle.

Group of 20 young people from Bitola participated in a one-day kayaking activity. The activity was designed to introduce participants to adventure education methodologies in a practical and engaging way, using the natural environment as a learning space.

The Association for Sustainable Development SFERA International – Bitola focuses on youth and all citizens of the municipality of Bitola to achieve its main goals, activities, and actions in accordance with our mission. We want to raise awareness and educate local communities, using non-formal education methods, about environment protection, cultural and natural heritage, healthy lifestyles, long-term sustainable youth development, and youth active participation.

The activity brought together 17 participants for a day focused on outdoor engagement, well-being, and winter experiences. Participants took part in sledding, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere that encouraged connection, teamwork, and active participation.

During the activity, participants were introduced to Mölkky, a traditional Finnish outdoor game. The game caused strong interest and engagement among the youngsters, leading to it being played four consecutive times. The positive atmosphere, combined with elements of friendly competition and teamwork, demonstrated how such activities can effectively support communication, collaboration, and group dynamics.

coaching sessions using cards, creating a safe and supportive space to talk about deep and important life topics in a creative, game-based way. If you enjoy meaningful conversations and exploring life questions through cards and play, you’re very welcome to join us ???? No pressure, no right or wrong answers — just open dialogue and reflection.

We’re in Finland! From 15-23.12.2024 we took part in a transformative Transnational Strategic Meeting (TSM) as part of the FATE project. Hosted by @humakuas, the meeting focused on training youth workers in adventure education methods, fostering cooperation, and exchanging best practices among partner organizations. The FATE project is dedicated to supporting the self-development of NEET young people by offering adventure education activities that enhance employability, encourage continuing studies, and promote active citizenship. By focusing on experimental learning, we aim to develop essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, while improving self-esteem and mental well-being. During the TSM in Finland: ➡️We learned innovative adventure education techniques to support young people in exploring natural spaces across Europe. ➡️Youth workers gained hands-on experience and advanced their skills through workshops and interactive training sessions. ➡️Partner organizations strengthened their cooperation, ensuring a greater impact of the project across borders.

The second Transnational Project Meeting of the Erasmus+ project FATE – From Adventure to Employment took place in Vilnius, Lithuania, bringing partners together for three days of collaboration and planning. Hosted at the Martynas Mažvydas National Library, the meeting focused on refining the European Guide, reviewing and testing the Coaching Cards, and coordinating next steps across all work packages. The meeting strengthened cooperation among partners and supported the development of practical tools.

The Third Transnational Project and Steering Meeting of the Erasmus+ project FATE – From Adventure to Employment took place in Bitola, North Macedonia, from 13–17 April 2026, hosted by SFERA International. Partners reviewed implemented adventure activities and coaching sessions, developed the European Guide and digital dissemination platform, and coordinated coaching cards, success stories, multiplier events and preparations for the upcoming international adventure activity in Finland. Through discussions, practical workshops and outdoor learning activities in Bitola and Ohrid, partners strengthened their cooperation and explored how adventure education can improve youth work. The meeting also provided an opportunity to experience Macedonian culture and nature, fostering stronger professional relationships and intercultural connections.

SFERA hosted a presentation of the Erasmus+ FATE – From Adventure to Employment project, highlighting its progress, international experiences and upcoming local activities. Launched on 1 September 2024, the project aims to empower young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs) through adventure education, strengthening employability and active citizenship. A key highlight was the international training in Finland, which brought together young people and youth workers from North Macedonia, Finland and Lithuania to develop skills, exchange knowledge and explore adventure-based learning. The experience inspired plans for local activities in Bitola focused on teamwork, resilience, self-confidence and personal development.

The FATE – From Adventure To Employment Multiplier Event brought the local community together for an engaging day of outdoor learning and adventure. Through slacklining, archery, Mölkky and volleyball, participants developed essential skills such as teamwork, communication, concentration, resilience and self-confidence. The event demonstrated how adventure-based learning and non-formal education can support young people’s personal development and strengthen competences valuable for future education and employment.

The first FATE – From Adventure To Employment Multiplier Event brought together young people and community members for a day of outdoor learning, teamwork and fun. Through activities such as slackline, archery and interactive outdoor games, participants developed cooperation, communication, focus and problem-solving skills. The event showcased the value of adventure-based learning in supporting personal development and sharing the FATE methodology with the wider community. As the first of two planned multiplier events, it marked an important step in promoting the project’s results, with the second event expected in the coming months.