By Jeff Lee
Over the 13 years that we have lived in North Macedonia we have built strong relationships with the Food Bank of Macedonia, and Poraka, a group home for adults with developmental delays. Over the years we have built greenhouses for them so they can grow food to provide for the over 100 residents of the homes. We have provided goats for them to make cheese and have milk. We have built them two chicken barns with over 100 chickens so they can have fresh eggs every day, and the additional eggs are provided to the Food Bank for distribution to families in need. Together with the Food Bank of Macedonia, CBF has provided significant support and created opportunities for the residents to grow in knowledge and interactions with their local communities.
We have a new opportunity to engage Poraka and the Food Bank of Macedonia. In November, I was approached by Dusko from the Food Bank, and Goce, the director of Poraka about future agricultural projects. They knew that CBF wanted to increase their transformational development activities through agricultural projects throughout North Macedonia. A local farmer near one of the Poraka daily activities center was looking to stop working his vineyard and retire. The farmer approached Goce and Dusko and they approached CBF about the opportunity of CBF to take management of the property and have the residents of Poraka to use that land to continue to grow grapes and additional fruits and vegetables on the property.
North Macedonia is known for its wine production. There are thousands of small holder vineyards across the country. Some farmers make their own wine and spirits while others sell their grapes to the big producers. Wine runs deeps in the culture of North Macedonia. We felt that it was a great opportunity for the residents of Poraka to better engage with their local community through the caretaking of the vineyard and production of wine.
The word Poraka in the Macedonian language means “Message.” Poraka dedicates its time and effort to share that message with the Macedonian society to ensure that people with developmental delays are included in the future of North Macedonia. This message is essential for the residents to thrive in society.
The future of Poraka depends on sharing that message with their neighbors throughout the country. We also want to share that “Message in a Bottle” through the production of wine and juice for the communities. The message is simple. People with different abilities can make a difference in society. They can create something beautiful and meaningful. We, CBF, Poraka and the Food Bank want to share that message with you. The future is bright here in North Macedonia.
Peace be the Journey.