„Dimitrie Cupovski“ 13, 1000 Skopje +38923244000 ic@mchamber.mk

"RAISE YOUR VOICE AGAINST PEER VIOLENCE" - MAKPETROL CALLS FOR A JOINT FIGHT AGAINST BULLYING

28/06/2024

The choice of the topic of peer violence is a result of certain shocking stories that have touched the entire Macedonian public. To create a society where children can live freely and happily, Makpetrol decided to draw public attention to the problem they face daily – bullying

"Raise Your Voice Against Peer Violence" is a socially responsible campaign through which Makpetrol sends the message - "Stop Bullying!". Its primary goal is to increase public awareness of the problem of peer violence, as well as to find long-term solutions that will benefit those most affected - children and young people.

Throughout its nearly 80-year existence, Makpetrol has continuously contributed to society and the community in various ways. With a strong desire to further increase this support, the company came up with the idea for a public awareness campaign. Specifically, the choice of the topic of peer violence is a result of certain shocking stories that have touched the entire Macedonian public. To create a society where children can live freely and happily, Makpetrol decided to draw public attention to the problem they face daily - bullying.

The value of this campaign, which began in September 2023, was recognized by 26 municipalities from all parts of North Macedonia that joined the activities. In the schools under the jurisdiction of these municipalities, Makpetrol organized workshops led by psychologists with extensive experience working on this issue. These educational sessions, which lasted until June 2024, were held in nearly 100 primary schools and involved several thousand students.

“The students, children, and young people are the focus of our campaign. We are truly fulfilled by the fact that through communication with them, we concluded that the activities we conduct help them, encourage them, and give them a push to talk more freely and loudly about the problem they face. Equally significant is the support we received from municipalities, schools, teachers, and professional services, who recognized the value and actively engaged in creating conditions to improve the state of peer violence. Our efforts were also supported by parents, the most important pillar in the process of raising children and young people. We are aware that the problem of bullying is not solved overnight, and therefore, in the next period, we will continue with the activities and remain open to collaboration with anyone who wants to join the campaign”, says Marija Josifovska-Spasovska, a member of the Board of Directors at Makpetrol.

The first part of Makpetrol's campaign was rounded off with a major event in the City Park in Skopje - "With Positive Energy Against Peer Violence." Hundreds of children, young people, as well as parents and other supporters, had fun with DJ Bono, Sashko Kocev, Bibi and Bobi, Lozano, Pajak, Željko Samardžić, Vesna Petrushevska, and the children from her acting school. During this positive day, the youngest had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of interactive content and popular games.

To date, 26 municipalities have joined the "Raise Your Voice Against Peer Violence" campaign - Kriva Palanka, Berovo, Sveti Nikole, Novo Selo, Struga, Kavadarci, Valandovo, Dojran, Kochani, Ohrid, Vinica, Bitola, Shtip, Butel, Petrovec, Chucher-Sandevo, Centar, Aerodrom, Gazi Baba, Gevgelija, Demir Kapija, Ilinden, Kumanovo, Karposh, Kisela Voda, Gjorche Petrov, as well as two primary schools in the Prilep Municipality. For all municipalities, Makpetrol provided educational materials and workshops led by psychologists with extensive experience in bullying issues.

The socially responsible campaign of Makpetrol will continue to be active in the upcoming period. All published communication materials, such as educational videos, episodes of the animated series Bibi and Bobi, and brochures intended for children, parents, and teachers, will continue to be available on social media and the website kreniglas.mk. On this platform, anyone who has had any experience with bullying will still have space to anonymously share their personal story. Additionally, through interactive tests, everyone can recognize if they have been perpetrators, victims, or observers of peer violence.