Name of the organization: SFERA INTERNATIONAL – Bitola
Website: sferainternational.org
Brief description of the organization
SFERA INTERNATIONAL – Bitola is an NGO from Bitola, North Macedonia which was first formed in 2007 as an informal group and in July 2009 it was registered as an NGO. The general goal of SFERA INTERNATIONAL – Bitola is through non-formal methods to educate the population in North Macedonia about the protection of the environment, cultural and natural heritage, with the purpose to raise the awareness of all age groups about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the benefits that come with it.
Problem addressed by the good practice
The good practice addresses the integration of minorities and expats with the local population, promoting cultural differences and similarities, cultural diversity and coexistence.
Target groups
The target group includes expats, foreign students, volunteers, representatives of different minorities, locals.
Summary of the good practice
The aim of the “Intercultural Night” activity is to promote the diverse cultures that coexist in one country (and in Europe) This is a monthly event that SFERA undertakes with its foreign volunteers to promote their culture through their food, drinks, music, and dance. These are all cultural elements that are very important and, at the same time, attractive for everyone so the events are always very impactful.
Evaluation
SFERA evaluated the activity monthly after each event through the feedback of the participants, the interest, responses, and reactions on our social media posts about the event, and by the increased interest in this activity over time.
Recommendations
It is recommended to have more countries/cultures that will have presentations during the Intercultural Night at the same time. It is also good to have only one but we have noticed a higher interest when there is a mix of cultures that will present.