"My Favorite Book" - 2025
12/12/25, 4:00 PM
This weekend in Gevgelija, the exhibition “My Favorite Book” opened at Hotel Apolonija, presenting around 150 artworks by students from grades 4 to 9 of the “Krste Misirkov” Elementary School, inspired by their favorite books.
A selection of 30 artworks was chosen to represent Gevgelija at the international exhibition “You Like to Read, So Draw” in Paris (February 11–15, 2026), a project in its fifth edition, realized in collaboration with French artist Mlle Yolande and coordinated internationally by Anita Alabau.
In 2024, the Apollonia Foundation doubled its commitment to improving social inclusion and interconnectedness through work with retirees and young people. Within the framework of the Regional Programme for Local Democracy in the Western Balkans (ReLOaD2), funded by the Delegation of the European Union and implemented by UNDP MK, the Apollonia Foundation project “Experience a Second Youth in a Third Age” continued its work together with the Red Cross of Gevgelija, in order to reach out to retirees in the area.
Pensioners on social or minimum pensions received 40 aid packages, including hot meals, salads and desserts, thanks to 20 female members of the Pensioners’ Association. Of course, the event would not have been nearly as successful without the partnership of the Red Cross, which participated in the distribution of the aid packages.
In February of this year, the project “Experience a Second Youth in a Third Age” held a “Tips for Youth” session in front of 20 students from the Josif Josifovski Secondary School – Gevgelija. During this session, retirees shared their extensive life experiences with the students. These types of intergenerational activities serve the youth by providing invaluable life lessons, but at the same time give retirees a renewed purpose and connection to the next generation.
In April, the Retirees Association participated in a creative gardening workshop organized by Hortena Bogdanci Greenhouses – an agricultural enterprise for the production and processing of fresh fruits and vegetables. These types of initiatives are important for our community due to the increasing cost of fresh produce, a problem that will only worsen in the near future, in order to equip community leaders with the necessary skills to produce products at home.
Finally, on October 22, 2024, the Gevgelija Pensioners’ Club participated in a two-day social games tournament organized by the Apollonia Foundation. During the tournament, over 80 participants – adults, youth, and children – enjoyed the competitive spirit and socialization. This closing event served as the last of the project and, as such, included a special time to thank all of our supporters and participants for their contributions throughout the project.
