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Global Village
Handbook
2
Table of Contents
Welcome from Habitat for Humanity Macedonia………...................3
Welcome to Macedonia........................................……..................….4 Location
General Information
Climate
Traditions in Macedonia
Cuisine
Manners and Customs
Welcome to Skopje
Accommodation in Skopje
For Your Free Time
o Skopje
o Veles
o Ohrid (Accommodation in Ohrid)
Habitat for Humanity International...................................................10
Habitat for Humanity Macedonia…….......................…...................10
History
Mission
Housing Need
The Home Improvement Fund
The Roma Program
The New Build Program
Family Profiles of the Selected Partner Families for New Builds Veles
The Water Supply and Sanitation Program for the Underserved
Energy Efficient Homes
Improved homes for SOS families
Construction Techniques and Materials…...............…................….16
Construction Safety Policy................................................................17
HFH Macedonia Giving Gift Policy .................................................22
Emergency Management Plan...........................................................23
Useful Information……...............................................................….25
Communication
Currency
Travel
Visa Requirements
Websites
Useful Phrases…......................................................................…….27
Emergency Telephone Numbers.......................................................28
3
Dear Global Village team members,
Zdravo and many thanks for your interest and willingness to join Habitat for
Humanity Macedonia in building simple, decent, affordable and healthy homes in
Macedonia. You will be a great help in this ancient country and for sure will have lots
of interesting experiences while working with homeowners and visiting different parts
of Macedonia. We are very grateful you have selected our affiliate to work with and
we truly hope you will have a wonderful time.
This Handbook contains important information and it will be your guide during your
stay in Macedonia. Please read it carefully and discover how to make your trip an
unforgettable adventure - one that will bring you fulfilment, smiles and new friends. If
at any point, you have questions or concerns, please don‟t hesitate to ask. We look
forward to working and having fun together, building not only homes but hope for the
future.
We believe that you are about to enter into a life-changing experience. Why? Because
we‟re sure that you will love Macedonia and its people. Will there be challenges?
Absolutely, but our staff and volunteers are here to give a helping hand and make your
trip the best it can be. We are eager to make new friends and demonstrate Macedonian
hospitality.
Have a great time in Macedonia!
Habitat for Humanity Macedonia Team
4
Welcome to Macedonia Location
The Republic of Macedonia is a small
country situated in the southern part of the
Balkan Peninsula. It borders Serbia and
Kosovo to the north, Albania to the west,
Greece to the south, and Bulgaria to the
east. It is a natural bridge between East and
West, North and South.
Macedonia abounds in natural beauty.
Many have named it “the pearl of the
Balkan”. The numerous mountains, forests,
rivers and lakes present great tourist
attractions.
The cultural map is exceptionally rich and
varied. Valuable archaeological sites, a
large number of churches and monasteries with their icons, frescoes and woodcarvings,
testify the cultural heritage.
Visit these websites for more information about Macedonian history and culture:
www.exploringmacedonia.com www.culture.org.mk www.gomacedonia.com.mk
General Information
Full name: Republic of Macedonia
Population: 2.114.550 inhabitants
Official Language: Macedonian
Capital: Skopje, 500.000 citizens
Ethnicity: 64.18% Macedonians, 25.17% Albanians, 3.85% Turks, 2.66% Roma people,
1.78% Serbs, 0.48% Vlachs and 1.88% others
Religion: 64.7% Orthodox Christians, 33.3% Muslims, 0.37% Protestant, Catholic and other
religions
Local currency: Denar (DEN) 1 Euro = 61.5 DEN
Time Zone: CET (Central European Time), GMT + 01:00
Political system: Parliamentary democracy
Other spoken languages: Albanian, Turkish, Serbian, Vlach
Macedonian Flag
Coat of arms
5
Climate The Macedonian climate is truly varied. The mildly continental climate covers most of
Macedonia. The summers are usually hot and dry with an average temperature of 30° to 38°
C, but it can also go over 40° C degrees. You should also not be surprised if you get caught
in a summer shower. The days are usually very sunny, so you need to take precautions about
sunstroke and dehydration.
Traditions
Christmas in Macedonia The Christmas celebration begins on January 5th, the evening, known as kolede. Children
go from door to door singing Christmas carols and receiving fruits, nuts and sweets from the
people. Later in the evening, the elderly gather around a fire outside, and engage in a
conversation about the past year, and about the year to come. The following evening is the
Christmas Eve, when traditional oak log (badnik) is brought to the family. This log is cut by
the male head of the household and the older son, while the table is being set for the
Christmas Eve Fast supper (Posna Vecera).
Easter in Macedonia This is the most important holiday celebrated in Macedonia. There are great preparations for
this day, and activities the week before follow a schedule made by the housewife. On
Thursday before Easter eggs are dyed. The eggs are colored red, symbolizing the coming
happiness in the resurrection. In some homes, beautiful designs are scraped on the service of
a dyed egg with a sharp instrument. This unusual technique is the traditional Slavic Orthodox
Christian style of decorating eggs. The first egg to be dyed is put aside and called "Protector
of the House" (Chuvarsko Jajce). It is placed beside the family Icon and saved until next
Easter, where the mother of the house buries it in the garden while nobody sees her.
Folklore art in Macedonia Always closely connected with their motherland, the Macedonians lived with centuries with
the tradition they passed over from generation to generation and thus creating new, rare and
unusual substantial and spiritual culture with patriarhic features. From their extensive cultural
heritage, the Macedonian creators of impressive folklore poetry and music preserved
significant cultural heritage even today - Macedonian folklore art.
6
Cuisine Macedonia has a long and praised tradition of
culinary delights. Over the centuries, many
civilizations have enjoyed the produce of the
country‟s fertile soil.
Macedonia is also rich in meat, producing beef,
chicken, pork and lamb, and a whole range of
game. Macedonia is known for its cheeses: a
soft white cheese (sirenje) and a yellow cheese
(kashkaval). Every Macedonian village offers
unique local varieties.
Macedonia is also famous for its wines,
produced by unusually high quality grapes, such
as Vranec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
Today, several small boutique wineries in
Macedonia produce delectable red and white
wines. Besides its wines, Macedonian vintners
produce a potent brandy (rakija) and mastica.
Traditional Macedonian cuisine combines
Balkan and Mediterranean characteristics, inherited largely from Turkish tastes that prevailed
during long centuries of Ottoman rule. Specialties such as taratur (sour yogurt with bits of
cucumber), pindzur (cream salad with peppers and eggplant) and the world-famous baklava
are characteristic of the Balkans. Other Turkish-influenced dishes include grilled beef kabobs
and burek, a flaky sort of pie filled with ham, cheese, spinach, ground beef and combinations
thereof.
Be sure to try Macedonian tavce gravce (baked beans), shopska salata (a salad made of sliced
tomato, cucumber and onion, topped with ground soft white cheese), selsko meso (pork chops
and champignon mushrooms in a rich brown gravy), pastrmajlija (a sort of pizza topped with
meat and sometimes egg) and, above all, ajvar (the national sauce, made from sweet red
peppers).
WEBSITE: http://www.tourismmacedonia.gov.mk/HeadLinks/cuisineWine.php
Manners and Customs Macedonians are very hospitable people. Usually that
hospitality will turn into overfeeding you. Locals treat
foreigners with respect and curiosity. Do not be
surprised if they show their interest in you as a foreigner.
As a whole, Macedonians are very friendly people.
When introduced to someone, it is customary to shake
hands. When talking to each other they usually stand
close, a gesture of respect and cordiality. Close friends
kiss each other on both cheeks when they meet. Do not
be surprised if they want to hug you or pat you on the shoulder when they meet you. They
may soon become your friends and you may find your heart captured by them.
7
Welcome to Skopje
Skopje is the capital of the
Republic of Macedonia and the
largest city. With a mixed
atmosphere of the Orient and the
West and a history of more than
2000 years, it is the right place to start discovering the Republic of Macedonia. It is a place
where many roads and civilizations have met and mingled.
As Scupi, it was an important place during the Roman and Byzantine empires, and some of
its ruins from an earthquake in 518 AD can be seen in the NW suburbs. It was rebuilt and
renamed JUSTINIANA PRIMA in 535, as the birthplace of the Eastern Emperor Justinian I.
It was also a well-known trade centre during the long rule of the Ottoman Empire (1392-
1912). It suffered another earthquake in 1515 and was burnt down, because of a plague, by
the Austrian General Piccolomini in 1689, who invaded Macedonia following the first
peasant revolt against the Ottoman Empire led by Karpos Voivoda.
The world‟s best cities all contain at least one secluded
natural escape. Skopje has two – a long, tree-lined park
along the river, and the forested hill of Mt. Vodno, which
overlooks the city from the southwest and offers excellent
hiking and wilderness serenity within walking distance
from downtown Skopje. Mt. Vodno is crowned by the
enormous Millennium Cross. From here, you get
magnificent views of Macedonia‟s capital.
Skopje suffered a disastrous earthquake in 1963 but today is growing into a modern city with
all the known vistas and international architecture, but with the preserved and restored old
and oriental quarter on the left bank side of the Vardar River.
In addition, we can proudly say that Mother Teresa lived in Skopje until the age of six.
Websites for more information about Skopje: www.skopjeonline.com.mk
Accommodation in Skopje Hotel Bimbo
The hotel is located in the heart of the central area of Skopje, with comfortable rooms and
traditional hospitality. Every room is equiped with the basis: cable TV, air – conditioning and
Wireless internet.
WEBSITE: http://www.hotelbimbo.com.mk/index.html
Hotel Pine
Under the slopes of Vodno near the shops, restaurants, at only one km from the centre, the
Pine Hotel is located in a prime location of Skopje. Here, in this small hotel, we are free to
offer you our services and all types of accommodation including a cable TV, air –
conditioning, fax, Wireless internet and a beautiful garden. Your Home Away from Home!
WEBSITE: http://www.hotelpine.com.mk/
8
For Your Free Time
In Skopje
Skopje Fortress "Kale"
On a high cliff overlooking the River Vardar, Skopje‟s fortress,
dubbed „Kale‟ from the Turkish, has kept a watchful eye on
things for centuries. As the highest point in Skopje, Kale has
always been prized by local inhabitants. The earliest traces of
life date back to the Neolithic period and early Bronze Age, or
some 4,000 years before Christ. The present fortress was built
by the Byzantines in the 6th century C.E., with stone walls
some 121 meters (400 feet) long.
The Church of St Spas
The Church of St. Spas, situated in Skopje‟s Old Town, is
characterized by an unusual design: half of it was constructed
underground, due to the 17th century edict of the Turkish
Sultan that prohibited Christian structures from being higher
than mosques. The church contains one of the most beautiful
carved wooden iconostases in Macedonia, an early 19th
century creation of the famous Mijak school of Macedonian
wood carvers.
The Stone Bridge
The Stone Bridge, dating back to the 15th
century, is the most prominent landmark
of Skopje. It connects the old and the new
parts of the city. Although the guardhouse
on the highest point of the bridge was
damaged on several occasions, modern
restoration is underway to bring the bridge
closer to its original condition.
Websites for more information about
touring in Skopje: www.skopjeonline.com.mk
In Veles The Veles old town, with its steep and winding lanes flanked by traditional wooden houses,
makes for an enjoyable afternoon jaunt. In addition, the city‟s nearby historical and natural
attractions make it well worth a visit.
9
Stobi
Stobi was an ancient town of Paionia, later conquered by
Macedon, and later still incorporated into the Roman
province of Macedonia Salutaris (now in the Republic of
Macedonia). It is located on the main road that leads from
the Danube to the Aegean Sea and is considered by many
to be the most famous archaeological site in the Republic
of Macedonia.
The archaeological site (located just 3 km or 1.8 miles
from the Gradsko exit on Highway E-75) offers sweeping
views of the central Macedonian plain and contains
buildings such as the 2nd century amphitheatre, the
Theodosia palace, and early Christian ruins with extensive and ornate mosaic floors.
In Ohrid
What makes Ohrid the most
popular tourist resort in
Macedonia is the beautiful
Ohrid Lake - “the pearl of the
Balkans”. Ohrid is one of the
oldest human settlements in
Europe. Built mainly between the 7th and 19th centuries, it has the oldest Slav monastery (St
Pantelejmon) and more than 800 Byzantine-style icons dating from the 11th to the end of the
14th century. It is the oldest centre not only of the Macedonian Culture and Letters but also
of all the Slavs. It was a seat of Climent and Naum, the followers of Cyril and Methodius,
who invented the first Slav (Glagolitic) alphabet and wrote the first translations of the
Scriptures in the Old Church Slavic.
Ohrid is also famous for its 365 churches. The church of St.
Jovan of Kaneo belongs to the 14th century is one of the
most attractive ones. It is in the old part of the town on the
steep cliff above the lake. The Monastery of St. Naum is on
the steep south shore of the lake 30 km from the town. There
is a legend that says that if you touch the sarcophagus
(where the relics of St.Naum are still there) your wish will
come true.
The best view of the city, its surroundings and the lake is from the citadel which was one part
of the capital of the powerful albeit short-lived, Empire of Samuel (976-1014).
The town of Ohrid is host to a number of cultural events such as the Ohrid summer, the
Balkan folklore festival, the popular Ohrid marathon and more. The best beaches can be
found in the localities of Kaneo, Gorica, Gradishte, and Ljubanishte. Ohrid also has a
beautiful nightlife that promises you won‟t regret your visit to Ohrid.
WEBSITE: www.ohrid.com.mk
10
Accommodation in Ohrid Dedicated to make your stay comfortable and pleasant, hotel Lebed is a small (24 room) hotel
situated only 1 km from the city center at the very shore of the Ohrid Lake. Renovated in
2011, with the new,expanded capacity and amenities we are showing our dedication to
constant improvement and quality of service. We strongly believe in the notion of providing
acceptable accommodation at acceptable prices, bit in the same time providing extraordinary
customer service.
In order to comply with our customers‟ expectations every room is equipped with the basics:
in-room mini bars; wireless high-speed internet; cable TV; air-conditioning; 24 hour room
service and 24 hour secured parking.
WEBSITE: http://www.hotellebed.com.mk/lebed3/Welcome.html
Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity is an international, non-governmental, charity, non-profit organization,
which is present in 100 countries around the world. HFH seeks to eliminate poverty housing
and homelessness from the face of the earth, and to make decent shelter a matter of
conscience and action. Its main goal is to help low-income families, who cope with
deplorable living conditions, get a new house. The family repays their no-interest loans and
those funds help build other houses according to the rule: “One house is building another”.
The additional condition is that families must work at the construction of their future house.
The main sources of financing Habitat‟s projects are donations and volunteers work.
Habitat for Humanity Macedonia
History In January 2003 a group of committed people from all over Macedonia came together to start
a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in Macedonia. Habitat‟s mission of community building
inspired them and they were ready to devote their values, experience and time to help those in
need of a simple and decent place to live. They passed the affiliation process and received
official recognition as an HFH affiliate in June 2004.
Mission HFH Macedonia is a non-governmental, non-
profit organization dedicated to providing simple,
decent and affordable housing solutions for those
living in poverty regardless of their ethnic
background, gender, or religious affiliation, and
in that way enabling them to leave a poor housing
environment and improve the quality of their
lives. We strive to enrich the lives of those living
in poverty, their families and their communities
and those who have joined in this mission. We
are guided by God's wisdom and four core values
- Commitment, Respect, Integrity and
Stewardship.
11
The Housing Need Homes of many families in Macedonia can often be described
as "miserable" due to the broken windows and doors, old and
bad quality insulation or walls not painted for years. Poverty
housing has multiple dimensions in Macedonia and cannot be
adequately defined through simple parameters. However, a
basic understanding of sub-standard housing includes absence
of property rights and housing titles, and a lack of proper
connection to water (11%) and sewage networks (36%) and
solid waste collection.
It has been officially estimated that 12% of the homes in Macedonia are sub-standard
dwellings, but it is widely known that the number of families living in sub-standard
conditions is much higher. The average home is more than 40 years old and most of the
dwellings have 2 or 3 generations in the same space.
The Home Improvement Fund The Home Improvement Fund is the first microfinance
program of Habitat for Humanity Macedonia. This
program was launched in 2005 and has thus far helped 608
families improve the quality of their living conditions.
Habitat for Humanity Macedonia, in cooperation with the
Saving House Moznosti developed this project, the first of
this kind in Europe and Central Asia.
In 2008 this project was recognized as one of the three
most innovative development projects by the Global
Development Network, a partner of World Bank.
Initial research indicates that 110,000 homes in Macedonia (every 6th home) are in urgent
need of renovations and/or reconstructions.
The goal of the Home Improvement Fund is to improve the housing conditions of low-
income families living in substandard conditions, by providing microloans for rehabilitation
and repairs.
In addition to providing financial support, this program offers construction technical
assistance (CTA), as well as volunteer help.
Volunteers main work tasks: Main work tasks include clearing lots, painting, plastering,
flooring and masonry.
The Roma Housing Program
The Roma Housing Fund provides microloans
for reconstruction and repairs to the
marginalized and the most vulnerable low-
income families living in substandard housing
conditions.
In partnership with the microfinance institution
Horizonti, Habitat for Humanity Macedonia
developed this project to offer microloans and
construction advice specifi cally for the
improvement of substandard housing to Roma
12
communities and marginalized groups in Macedonia.
The Roma communities in Macedonia, located mainly on the outskirts of cities, are usually
illegal settlements without basic infrastructure.
Roma homes are typically overcrowded, with outdoor kitchens and toilets and are rarely
connected to the main electricity grid.
Since 2007, the Roma Housing Fund has helped 227 families gain simple, decent and
affordable homes through housing rehabilitations and repairs.
The Roma Housing Fund is part of the microfi nance program of Habitat for Humanity
Macedonia that off ers construction advice and volunteer help as well.
The New Builds Program
The New Builds Veles program uses the traditional
Habitat for Humanity methodology that is based on
building simple, decent and aff ordable homes for
low-income families living in substandard
conditions.
With the support of the residents and local
government, the city of Veles was selected as the
New Builds site after it was identified by HFH
Macedonia as a community in high need.
The target group of this project is low-income
families, young couples with children, and young
couples who are living in substandard conditions in Veles that have no way to acquire simple,
decent and affordable housing.
The New Builds Veles program began in 2009 and ended in 2011 with the
completion of four buildings and a total of 24 new apartments.
The buildings are three stories high and apartments range in size from 49m2 to 79 m2. The
settlement was built with the assistance of volunteer teams from all over the world working
alongside homeowners and their future neighbors.
13
Family Profiles of the Selected Partner Families for New Builds Veles
Maja and Klime Ugrinovski
Maja and Klime live in a 60 sq. m semi-basement apartment
close to the Habitat Settlement that they have been renting
for over three years now. They have two children: four-year-
old Radovan and nine-year-old Ana, who is currently in the
third grade. Maja and Klime met and fell in love when they
worked together as public servants in the Ministry of Defense
in Skopje, but soon after they married, Klime's parents, who
lived in Ohrid (app. 180 km from Skopje, in the South-East
of the country) both got sick and needed someone to take
care of them, so the family moved there to accomodate the
needs of the elderly couple. Klime (who is older than Maja)
was soon forced into retirement as a result of job cuts in the
Ministry and to make matters worse, Maja's position in Ohrid
was made redundant. Having no options in sight,
they decided that Maja should apply for a position in the
army's training facility in Veles, both because Maja is
originally from the municipality of Veles and because they were advised that no matter how
many jobs get cut in the Ministry for Defense, there will always be work for those that train
new forces. Klime and Maja are now happy that they live in Veles and have decided they
want to raise their children in a town that is small and safe and yet offers all the conveniences
they had living in both Skopje and Ohrid. However, Maja's public administration salary and
Klime's pension were not enough for them to be able to afford a place of their own (together
they make about 500 EUR per month), so they have been forced to live in the rented
apartment for three years now, without any forseeable options of changing their living
conditions. Because the apartment they live in is a semi-basement, they get almost no light.
The conditions in the apartment itself are far from good, especially since they have invested
nothing in improving them as they always thought these living arangements were temporary.
The air in the apartment is heavy probably due to the damp that dark apartments such as this
one usually have. Working side by side with their future neighbours and volunteers from all
over the world, they have built their new adequate home.
Simeon and Gabriela Gichevi
This family‟s story is very typical for the city of
Veles . Simeon‟s father, Dragan, had worked all
his life in the smelting furnace in Veles. He had
a good salary with benefits that provided for a
comfortable life for his entire family – so
comfortable in fact, that with some inheritance
money in addition to the money he was
providing from his job at the factory, they could
afford to buy a house and some land in the near
by village of Chaloshevo, where the family
spent their weekends. When the smelting
factory was closed, however, Dragan had no
other option left but to sell the apartment he had in downtown Veles and move the family in
14
the house in Chalushevo. He used the money from the apartment to invest in starting up a pig
farm, which is what the family currently lives on. In the meantime, his son Simeon got
married to Gabriela, who is from Sveti Nikole - a small town 30 km from Veles. Simeon runs
the small farm with his father and Gabriela works in a textile factory in her home town,
commuting an hour each way every working day. Simeon and Gabriela have a four year old
daughter Marija and they plan on expanding their family, but they have decided to wait until
they are able to afford an apartment in Veles, because the three of them all share one room in
Simeon's parents' house. In addition, the small village is no place to raise children, especially
since the local school only goes to the fourth grade and the closest primary school and high
school is in Veles itself. The solution came with the Habitat apartments in Veles for which
Simeon and Gabriela applied.
They built their home from scratch, along with their neighbours and volunteers and looking
forward to moving back to the city, especially since it seemed like the entire family never got
over having to move out to the country side in the first place.
The Water Supply and Sanitation Program for the Underserved
The Water Supply and Sanitation
project provides clean, healthy and
potable water and proper sanitation
for low-income families living in
substandard conditions in Macedonia.
In partnership with the local
government and water supply and
sanitation public enterprises, Habitat
for Humanity Macedonia provides
microloans for water supply
connections and sanitation solutions
for low-income families.
Water supply and sanitation networks
are major problems in the country and
endanger the healthy living conditions of many families.
Since safe drinking water and proper sanitation are vital, Habitat for Humanity Macedonia
started this project in 2008 and has assisted 623 low-income families connect to public water
systems.
After successfully connecting 240 families in the municipality of Vasilevo, the project has
expanded to the municipalities of Bosilovo, Novo Selo and Jegunovce.
Although there are growing needs in other municipalities, this highimpact, low-cost
intervention lacks adequate funding for further expansion.
15
Energy Efficient Homes
Habitat for Humanity Macedonia
developed a “green” housing
intervention tool, the “Energy Efficient
Homes” project. The project provides
microloans for improvements/
replacements of thermoinsulation,
window and door replacements in
substandard buildings.
Macedonia spends four times more
energy per capita than developed
countries and 40% of total energy use is
for heating, indicating that a large
percentage of families live in
insufficiently heated homes.
The Energy Efficient Homes project started in 2009 and completed renovation on 28 initial
apartments units in Kavardarci. The project successfully demonstrated the feasibility of
retrofitting Macedonia‟s aging residential stock with new doors and windows.
Due to its success, the project launched a partnership with the municipality of Karposh.
Habitat for Humanity Macedonia financed a microfinance loan to replace old windows and
install new thermal insulation which cut energy consumption by 30%.
Since its launch this project helped 160 families significantly decrease their energy costs,
reduce their carbon footprint, and improve their quality of life.
Improved Homes for SOS families
The Improved Homes for SOS families project will
renovate 24 bathrooms in 12 homes of 69 children.
The SOS Children‟s Village Macedonia is part of the
international organization SOS Kinderdorf
International.
The SOS Children‟s Village Macedonia was founded
in 1999 with a mission to raise and care
for children without parents or children whose
parents are unable to care for them.
With this project, Habitat for Humanity Macedonia
will significantly improve the standard of living of the residents, 69 children and SOS
mothers, through financing sanitation facility improvements in 12 family houses.
Apart from reconstruction activities, the project has an educational component that covers
energy efficiency, proper water usage, and environmental protection.
With adequate funding, there is potential for the project to scale up to additional phases with
activities such as replacement of windows and doors, thermal insulation, and façade
reconstruction.
16
Construction Techniques and Materials
The traditional construction technique in
Macedonia is with blocks and mortar. This
varies from the wood frame structures built
in many American of Western Eiropean
housing developments. Block walls are
built on a concrete foundation and within a
skeleton of concrete and reinforcing iron
bar beams and columns. The blocks build
up to form the outer structure of the home.
Interior walls are also block construction
but with blocks of smaller dimensions and
with a mortar or gypsum board finish.
Interior walls are then painted. Often ceramic tiles are used for floors and on walls in the
kitchens, bathrooms, balconies and terraces. The roof truss frame is wood and the roofing is
often done using semi-circular ceramic tiles.
Traditional insulation in Macedonia has been done using plant material such as straw or corn
stalks or reeds found along streams. These are combined with mud and served either as
insulation within the roof attic space or as a thatch roof. Homes built by Habitat Macedonia
will use modern insulation materials and energy saving insulated glass for windows and
energy efficient doors and windows. The New Build Program will meet the seismic
standards.
Global Village Team Construction Work
Plastering interior and exterior walls - Walls and roof insulation –
Assisting the professionals for fixing sanitary appliances, water
installation, sewage and heat installation - Interior and exterior
finishes, painting the doors, windows, fences – Landscaping or
cleaning of the land adjacent to the site and maintaining the
construction site clean, tidy and safe – Cleaning the existing walls,
windows, doors and preparing for painting.
17
Safety is everybody‟s concern and is always an important
consideration at any construction site. Building construction is
one of the most dangerous occupations. Since Habitat work
crews normally have a high proportion of inexperienced people,
everyone must pay particular attention to safety.
Be conscious of the safety of others as well as yourself.
An observer can often see danger better than the worker involved in the project. Be cautious
at all times and ask questions. Do not go ahead with a task if you are uncertain how it is done,
or if you are unable to do it.
Safety is based on knowledge, skill and an attitude of care and concern. Supervisors
should establish and implement a building site and safety orientation program and
additionally instruct each worker about the correct and proper procedures for performing each
task. This should familiarize the worker with the potential hazards of doing the tasks and
advise him or her as to how such hazards can be minimized or eliminated. It is very important
that we at Habitat know about safe work practices and follow them.
Habitat building site must have an appropriate construction signage and emergency
contacts posted on the site. All the potential and actual hazards on the site are signed, marked
and equipped with safety protections and guarding if necessary.
GUIDES FOR A SAFE ATTITUDE
1. Dress appropriate clothing; trousers, long sleeve shirt and hard soled shoes or special
uniform.
2. Wear personal protective equipments properly as it is required on the site. Know the
safety signs.
3. THINK, if you are clear with your task or assignment before you start working.
4. Have all the onsite training on your task implementation and tool operation
techniques.
5. Concentrate on your task and eliminate distractions. Headphones and cell phones can
be dangerous.
6. Be aware of potential hazards of the site, construction materials, tools and
equipments.
7. Ensure all power and hand tools and equipments (ladders, scaffoldings) are inspected
by a professional before you use them. Double check if any guarding and
protections equipped.
8. If you see any unsafe or hazardous tool or condition advice the site supervisor
IMMEDIATELY.
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9. Do not run on the site, watch out your way if a load is carried or machinery is
operated next to you.
10. Know where the first-aid kit is located, who the first aider is and how to get
emergency help on site.
11. Know your physical working limits; take short breaks and drink plenty of water
depending on climate.
12. Maintaining a clean and tidy site and tools contributes to a SAFE and efficient work
environment.
13. If any message has made you uncertain - ASK A SITE SUPERVISOR.
PERSONAL SAFETY SIGNAGE
Wear sun cream of a suitable factor, reapply throughout the
day
Drink plenty of water – in hot climates, 4-6 liters per day
Check water bottles have seals, and do not share water
bottles
Shorts and open toed shoes are forbidden
WEAR hard hat when:
You see this signage in the area. Ask Site Supervisor, if not.
Site Supervisor Requires to be worn
Working on demolition and somebody is working above
your head
Proper gloves can protect your hands from:
Cutting when carrying sharp edged materials and
equipments
Skin irritation from cement, paint, lime wash and other
chemicals
Getting a corn while working with the tools for long time
Wear ear protection when:
A compactor and any other power saw is in use near you
or other equipment that may cause damage to the ears
Heavy machinery is working nearby you for prolonged time
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Wear a face mask when:
You are sure of the mask type and its designation
Using chemicals, painting lime wash, mixing cement
Scraping old paints and sanding the items to smooth
Wear eye protection when:
Using hammers, chisels and planer is used by yourself or
near
You or somebody next to you is using any type of power
tools
Using lime wash, chemicals or mixing or pouring cement
Wear proper footwear when on site:
Footwear must be covered and hard soled
Decoration bands are dangerous, keep them tied tight
Steel toecap safety boots must be worn in demolition works
When lifting an item:
Know your capacity and weight limits. Ask Site Supervisor.
Keep slightly apart, bend the knees, keep the back straight
Grab by both hands, lift with the legs support, not the back
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KNOW YOUR SAFETY SIGNS
Prohibition, Stop
A red circle with diagonal cross bar on a white
background.
Symbols behind this sign describes that a certain
behavior is prohibited. Example: describes that entry or pedestrian is not allowed
Hazard, Danger, Warning
A yellow triangle with a black boarder and symbol
within. Any symbol within this sign describes the
warning of a health hazard. Example: describes that there is a high voltage danger and
electric shock risks
Mandatory, Obey
A blue circle with white symbol within. This indicates a
specific course of action which must be taken. Example: describes that the area should be kept clear and
tidy. Or any request message.
Safety
A green square with white symbol within. This
describes safe condition, direction, location and
emergency exits. Example: describes the location of the First Aid Kit.
Fire
A red square with white symbol within. This describes
the location and types of fire extinguisher or emergency
exits, etc. Example: describes the position and correct use of the fire
extinguisher
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BASIC POTENTIAL HAZARDS ON THE BUILDING SITE
BE AWARE of the following hazards can be met on the site when fulfilling the following
tasks:
TASK POTENTIAL HAZARDS PROTECTION
P.S. Hard hats and all body covered safe dressing must be worn at all times on the building
site.
Ground work
Dust, heavy load, sharp tools, soil slide,
loose rock, cave -in, bad air, overhead
load in excavation.
gloves, back support,
trench box, shoring, safe
lifting.
Foundation work
Cement dermatitis, airborne dust,
exposed rebar, heavy loads, crystalline
silica, alkaline compounds
mask, respirator, cloth
gloves, safe lifting
Timber work sharp edges of timber, saw dust, sharp
tools, exposed nails and screws,
penetration and abrasion
resistant gloves, goggles,
safe lifting
Masonry
Cement and limestone dermatitis,
awkward posture, heavy loads, debris,
brick or block fall, etc.
toe capped boots, leather
gloves,
Insulation work Asbestos, synthetic and glass fibers,
skin irritant components,
vinyl coated insulated or
penetration resistant
gloves, respirator
Drywall, OSB,
Plywood sheathing
Gypsum and saw dust, heavy loads,
awkward postures, sharp tools, sharp
edges of the materials,
cloth gloves, goggles,
mask, toe capped boots
Roofing Roofing tar, solvent vapors, heat,
slope, height, awkward posture,
Rubber or vinyl coated
gloves, hard soled boots,
respirator, fall protection
Load carrying heavy load, path blockage, blind area,
sharp edges of materials,
leather or cloth gloves, toe
capped boots, back
support,
Old paint cleaning sharp tools, heat, flame, volatile vapor,
dust, lead
goggles, leather gloves,
respirator, mask,
Demolishing
Dust, heavy load, flying debris, sharp
materials and tools, exposed power
wiring, exposed gas and water pipes,
cloth gloves, goggles,
mask, toe capped boots,
safe lifting
Floor finishing Knee trauma, awkward postures, glue
and glue vapor
Knee pads, respirator, good
ventilation, cloth gloves
Painting Solvent vapors, toxic metals in
pigments, paint additives
rubber or vinyl coated
gloves, mask or respirator,
goggle
Working on the
Ladder, scaffolds
falling and slipping from the height,
vertigo,
safe shoes, harnessing,
barricades, dry steps, 2nd
person to support
Using power and
hand tools
Defective power cords, broken or
absent protective guards and
grounding, Silica dust, Saw dust,
whole body vibration, noise
Appropriate type of gloves,
ear plug, goggles,
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HFH Macedonia Giving Gift Policy
We do not expect any gifts because the labour volunteers donating to us on site is
already a big gift in itself for which we are always grateful. Still many people make
gifts to families, translators they work with or even staff. It is nice to get a gift and to
give a gift, but sometimes there could be some situations when people feel
uncomfortable and even confused. To avoid such situations we offer the following:
1. Additional funds for building more houses are always the most powerful
contribution!!!! The support for further house building at the host affiliate is
always the best gift to insure that more children can grow up in decent shelter.
2. If teams want to make small individual presents to families, they are encouraged to
bring little toys, books/colour-books, crayons, toothbrushes for children etc. We request team
members to give these gifts only to HFH Macedonia, so we don‟t encourage families to
compare gifts. The office will then distribute the gifts to the families.
3. Team members are asked to consult the affiliate staff if they would like to leave some
personal items (eg. clothing – clean and tidy, books, towels etc.) – they will be collected on
the last day at the hotel and will be distributed by the affiliate staff according to the needs of
all the families being served.
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Emergency Management Plan
Slight Injury:
Team Leader informs Host Coordinator (in absence - Construction Manager).
Use the First Aid Kit at the site.
In case of need, contact with the local medical hospital.
Host Coordinator informs:
1. Sending Coordinator
2. Executive Director
3. Area Office Coordinator
Serious Injury:
Team Leader informs Host Coordinator (in absence - Construction Manager).
Contact Emergency (local hospital and insurance).
Host Coordinator informs:
1. Insurance Company,
2. Executive Director,
3. National Volunteer Program Manager,
4. Sending Coordinator
5. Area Office Coordinator
At HFH Macedonia the people directly responsible for emergency are:
Host Coordinator – Milan Kuzmanov – mobile +389 71 310 841
Habitat for Humanity Macedonia,
Str. “Nikola Parapunov bb”, Skopje
Tel/Fax: +389 2 3061890/+389 2 3091043
MEDEX Travelers Assistance Network (24/7)
For volunteers coming from USA and some European Countries
Policy number 6404-54-47, MEDEX code CHB
Tel: 1-800-527-0218 OR 1-410-453-6330 (US), 44-1-273-223000 (UK)
MASTER POLICY Emergency Contact
For volunteers coming from Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland
Tel: outside the UK + 44-870-606-1406
From the UK 0870-606-1406
TELEX 947736 EURA G
Global Villager volunteers do not need to be too concerned about political risks in
Macedonia. The security situation today is stable, but all GV team members should be alert
for unusual behaviour and other possible indicators that something out of the ordinary might
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be happening. It is wise to use the same kind of standard safety measures like those you
would use at home, like not walking to the hotel alone very late at night.
All GV team members must have completed and sent to HFH Macedonia their waivers of
liability and a copy of the ID page of their passport before arriving in the country and
emergency contact forms also before their arrival in the country.
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Useful information
Electricity
220 volts, 50 Hz
Driving license
International; the driving is on the right hand side of the street.
Telecommunications
In order to place an international telephone call from Macedonia, you have to dial:
1. 00 to indicate that an international connection is required
2. The telephone code of the target country
3. Code within the target country, usually omitting the zero (0) that precedes it
4. The subscriber‟s telephone number
Note: Phone calls made between 2000-0800 (10 PM – 8 AM) cost 50% cheaper
For your family at home to call Macedonia:
1. The country code for Macedonia is 389
You can also use VoIP to make international calls. There are two ways to do that:
1. Go to an Internet cafe
2. Buy a VoIP voucher card and use any phone free of charge.
Internet Service
You will find numerous Internet Cafes in Skopje. There is also internet access in the office of
HFH Macedonia.
Post office
There is one central post office in every city, and small ones in the neighbourhoods.
Shops
You have small grocery shops in the center of all towns.
Restaurants
There is couple of restaurants in all of the towns.
Costs of regular items: bottled water, small snack
You can buy bottled water, small snack, juice etc for less than 2$ or 1,5 Euro.
Currency Macedonian currency‟s name is DENAR. There are
coins of 1, 2 and 5, 10 and 50 Denars and notes of 10,
50, 100, 500, 1000 and 5000 Denars.
In the larger cities you will find ATM machines and
credit cards will usually be accepted but in the smaller
cities and villages it is a cash economy. Money can be
exchanged at hotels, banks and exchange offices.
Credit cards American Express, Visa, Diners Club,
MasterCard and Eurocard are accepted. Traveller‟s
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checks can be exchanged in any major bank. Bank post offices are open between 7am and
7pm during the week, and on the weekends between 7am and 1pm on Saturdays.
Exchange rate: $1 = 41 denars; 1 euro = 61.5 denars
Visa Requirements For current information regarding visa matters, visit the web site of the Macedonian Ministry
of Foreign Affairs at www.mfa.gov.mk
Travel Information For more information regarding air travel, visit the web site of the Macedonian airports
www.airports.com.mk
Websites:
www.habitat.org.mk
www.facebook.com/HFHMacedonia
www.twitter.com/HFHMacedonia
www.exploringmacedonia.com
www.culture.org.mk
www.gomacedonia.com.mk
www.zels.org.mk/eng.linkovi.htm
www.veles.gov.mk
www.ohrid.com.mk
www.skopjeonline.com.mk
www.macedonia.org
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Useful Phrases
Macedonian is an Indo-European language, from the Slavic language family,
belongs to the South Slavic group. Official alphabet is the Cyrillic. The phonetic
principle is applied in the orthography, which means that each sound has
corresponding letter. The Macedonian alphabet has 31 letters.
Hello Zdravo
Good morning Dobro utro
Good afternoon Dobar den
Good evening Dobra vecher
Goodbye Prijatno
Thank you Blagodaram or Fala
Excuse me Izvinete
Please Ve molam
Yes/No Da/Ne
How much is it? Kolku chini?
Where is….? Kade e…?
When? Koga?
What time does it open/close? Koga otvora/zatvora?
Open Otvoreno
Closed Zatvoreno
Ticket Bilet
Very good Mnogu dobro
I don‟t feel well Losho mi e
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Ponedelnik, Vtornik, Sreda, Chetvrtok,
Petok, Sabota, Nedela
1,2,3…to…10 Eden, dva, tri, chetiri, pet, shest, sedum,
osum, devet, deset
I don‟t understand Ne razbiram
Tools Construction materials Hammer Chekan Cement Cement
Saw Pila Wood Drvo
Tape measure Metro Wall Zid
Pickaxe Kopach Pipe Cevka
Broom Metla Wire Zhica
Trowel Shpakla Glue Lepak
Nail Klinec Paint Boja
Wheel barrow Kolichka Floor Pod
Shovel Lopata Insulation Izolacija
Screw driver Shrafciger Ceiling Tavan
Bucket Kofa Electrical Elektrichna
Gloves Rakavici Glasses Naochari Helmet Shlem
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Useful telephone numbers:
Police: 192
Fire service: 193
First Aid Department: 194
Medical Assistance: 3130 311
Information: 188
Emergency telephone numbers:
Milan Kuzmanov
GV Coordinator
Tel: +389 71 310 841
E-mail: [email protected]
Kiril Nestorovski
Resource Development & Communications
Tel: +389 70 561 748
E-mail: [email protected]
Galina Strachkova
PR & Advocacy Specialist
Tel: +389 71 397 987
E-mail: [email protected]
Affiliate Office
Habitat for Humanity Macedonia
Nikola Parapunov Str. B.B.
Kompleks Makoteks, 1 sprat
P.O. BOX 407
Skopje 1000, Republic of Macedonia
Tel/fax: +389 2 3061 890
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.habitat.org.mk
We wish you a pleasant stay in our country!