Association of Roma Avena
The Roma Association “AVENA” – Kocani is a Roma non-governmental and non-profit organization registered in the register of associations and foundations in the Primary Court Kocani with Decision no. 13/2005 from 27.09.2005. At the initiative of the Roma community in Kocani, “AVENA” focused its first steps towards improving the issue with the young Roma and women in education and inter-ethnic relations also inclusion of Roma people and women in the local community. Capacities of the citizens’ associations were strengthened with the implementation of projects for resolving problems in the local community, efficient collaboration with the governmental institutions and donors, assisting the central and local government units as well as participation in the creation of strategies and local policies.
However, it is our goal to continue further in the direction of developing solidarity in the community, protection of human rights and freedoms, solving conflicts and preventing violence against women and girls, enjoying the rights guaranteed with democracy, utilizing the possibilities for Roma people and women in the municipality, disseminating information and realization of the activities within the Roma Decade. “AVENA”-Kocani directs its activities towards encouraging equality between sexes and education of the Roma population within the education system, yet in non-institutional forms as well, since this is the only way to provide complete integration of the Roma population in society.
VISION: Integration and democratic rights of ROMA people and women
MISSION: Capacity building, improving the education and inter-ethnic relations of Roma, gender equality and advocacy at the local level in the Republic of Macedonia The Roma Association “AVENA” is planning to implement a wide spectre of activities pursuant to the needs. The main goal is the establishment of Roma centre.