Karev Skills Creation: Everyone deserves to be a priority
Karev Skills Creation promotes the initiative to provide chances for employability for unskilled or low-skilled people with fewer opportunities (economical, social, geographical, physical, age etc.) by developing a renovation plan for an old portable metal roofing structure and its relocation in the school yard to create a self-sustainable facility - free-of-charge VET centre for the referred groups by our staff. Refurbishment will be carried out by school students, using eco-friendly materials.
Regional
North Macedonia
The municipalities in the South-East planning region of North Macedonia (Strumica, Novo Selo, Bosilovo, Vasilevo, Radovish, Konche, Dojran, Gevgelija, Valandovo, Bogdanci) - this is geographical range of the locations where the referred groups would come from because the school itself comprises students coming from those locations as well. Therefore, students would easili spread the word in their communities and the initiative would be known region-wide, thus providing training to the people who need in the most.
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
No
No
Yes
As a representative of an organisation
Name of the organisation(s): Nikola Karev High School Type of organisation: Other public institution First name of representative: Zoran Last name of representative: Petkov Gender: Male Nationality: orth Macedonia Function: School principal Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Marshal Tito Street, no. 170 Town: Strumica Postal code: 2400 Country: North Macedonia Direct Tel:+389 76 220 275 E-mail:nikolakarev.projects@gmail.com Website:http://www.nkarev-strumica.edu.mk/
It has been an idea for a long time to start an initiative that would contribute to the community and those who need assistance the most, at the same time developing social responsibility with our students. Karev Skills Creation is an initiative that aims to provide opportunities for employability to unskilled or low-skilled individuals who face barriers such as economic, social, geographical, physical, or age-related challenges.
Our plan is to first relocate an old portable metal roofing structure to a designated space in the school yard, then refurbish it, and repurpose it as a free-of-charge vocational education and training (VET) centre. The renovation will be carried out by the school students using eco-friendly materials, providing hands-on experience and valuable skills training for the students and later skills acquisition for the target unskilled/low-skilled groups. This will also promote student sustainable practices and community engagement. It will also involve regional stakeholders with their support. The facility will be self-sustainable with the solar and PV panels accordingly.
Our staff will provide training to the targeted groups in areas such as construction, welding, wood processing and electrical work. By providing hands-on training and real-world experience, we aim to empower these individuals and improve their chances of finding gainful employment. This project will not only improve the employability of the target groups but also help the school students to learn practical skills and help the community to have a better place to learn and work. With this initiative, we hope to empower individuals to break the cycle of poverty and unemployment, and to improve their quality of life.
The fact that the school is the largest VET centre in the southeast region of the country indicates the importance of the initiative region-wide and the potential number of individuals to be involved. This initiative is a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Developing a renovation plan by VET staff
Inclusion of people with fewer opportunities (economical, social, geographical, physical, age etc.)
Training for VET skills of unskilled/low-skilled groups by VET staff
Employability for unskilled or low-skilled people
Refurbishment by school students, using eco-friendly materials
1-Energy efficiency: The use of solar panels and PV panels will reduce the energy consumption of the VET center and provide a source of renewable energy.
2-Indoor environmental quality: Implementing green building standards, such as natural lighting, ventilation, and thermal comfort, will improve the indoor environmental quality of the VET center, making it a healthy and comfortable place for everyone.
3-Job creation, education and training: The initiative shall provide training and employment opportunities for unskilled and low-skilled individuals, helping to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion.
4-Material reuse and recycling: Reusing and recycling existing materials from the old metal roofing structure, such as steel and other metals, shall reduce the environmental impact of the refurbishment and save resources.
5-Student involvement: Engaging the students in the renovation process, and providing opportunities for them to practice skills through VET training, can help them upskill their potential.
6-Monitoring and Maintenance: Proper monitoring and maintenance of the solar panels and PV panels to ensure that they are working efficiently and providing the expected energy savings.
7-Long-term sustainability: The initiative is be designed to be sustainable over the long-term, with a plan in place for the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the VET center and the renewable energy systems.
8-Education and awareness: The initiative shall provide education and awareness on sustainable building practices, renewable energy and environmental conservation to the students and the community.
9-Long-term funding: Securing consistent funding for the project over a prolonged period of time is essential for maintaining its operations and ensuring its continued success.
10-Partnerships: Building partnerships with other organizations, such as government agencies, community groups, and private companies, can provide additional resources and support for the initiative.
The key objectives:
- Creating a visually pleasing and inviting environment that is welcoming to all members of the community.
- Improving the overall aesthetic appeal of the area through the design of the renovated structure and surrounding green space.
- Utilizing sustainable design principles, such as incorporating PV and solar panels, to create a green area that promotes environmental awareness and conservation.
- Enhancing the quality of experience for people by incorporating features such as natural light, comfortable seating, and accessible design.
- Ensuring that the design and layout of the space is functional and efficient, with the goal of providing high-quality training and inclusion experience for unskilled and low-skilled individuals.
- Creating a positive emotional response in users through the use of color, texture, and other design elements.
- Incorporating elements that promote social interaction and community building, such as communal spaces and gathering areas.
- Creating a safe and accessible space for the children in the nearby kindergarten, by removing any potential hazards and providing easy access to the area.
- Incorporating local cultural or historical elements that are important to the community, to help create a sense of pride and belonging for the people using the space.
By incorporating sustainable design principles, the initiative can serve as a model for how to create environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient buildings. By involving school students in the renovation process, it can serve as a model for how to engage young people in hands-on learning opportunities and give them a sense of ownership and pride in the finished project. By designing the structure and surrounding green space at both locations to be visually appealing, accessible and comfortable, it can serve as a model for how to create public spaces that are truly inclusive and enjoyable for all users and prioritize the well-being and education of youth.
To ensure accessibility, the implementation of the initiative will take into account the needs of people with disabilities and will comply with relevant accessibility guidelines. The location of the facility will be chosen with the goal of making it easily accessible for all members of the community, regardless of their socio-economic status. The trainings provided in the centre shall be accessible and available to all members of the target groups.
To ensure affordability, the facility will be made available to users free of charge, and will incorporate sustainable design principles to keep running costs low.
To create inclusive governing systems, the initiative will involve representatives of different community groups in the decision-making process, and will have a governance structure that is transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of all members of the community.
To incorporate design for all principles, the initiative will take into account the needs and preferences of users of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds in the design of the facility.
Finally, by promoting new societal models that promote inclusivity, the initiative can serve as an example for other communities to follow. By demonstrating that it is possible to create inclusive and sustainable public spaces, the initiative can inspire other communities to take similar steps towards creating more inclusive and equitable societies.
In summary, the initiative for a free VET center for unskilled and low-skilled individuals can be exemplary in terms of inclusion by ensuring accessibility and affordability for all, creating inclusive governing systems, incorporating design for all principles, and promoting new societal models that promote inclusivity.
The involvements refers to::
Citizens:
1-As participants: Members of the referred groups can participate in the refurbishment process, learning new skills and gaining hands-on experience in a supportive environment.
2-As mentors: Experienced members of the community can later act as mentors together with school staff, sharing their knowledge and guiding participants.
Civil society:
1-As suppliers: Local suppliers can provide eco-friendly materials for the renovation project, supporting the initiative's goal of sustainability.
2-As funders: The community can also contribute to the initiative financially, through donations or fundraising efforts.
Their involvement in the initiative will have a positive impact by:
1-Empowering participants: By actively participating in the refurbishment process, participants will gain confidence and skills, improving their employability prospects.
2-Building stronger Communities: The initiative will bring together members of the community, fostering the idea of developing something for people who need it the most.
3-Encouraging sustainability: The use of eco-friendly materials, solar panels and PVP and the creation of a green area for the nearby kindergarten will promote environmental awareness and sustainability.
4-Strengthening local economy: The involvement of local suppliers will support the local economy and create economic opportunities.
The involvement would ensure community ownership and buy-in, which would increase the chances of long-term success. The involvement would also enhance the impact and sustainability of the initiative and ensure that the needs and concerns of the local community are taken into consideration. In turn, this would result in a more efficient, effective and meaningful initiative that benefits the targeted groups and the community at large.
The community will also benefit from the skills and knowledge acquired through VET, leading to improved employability and a better quality of life.
The initiative is in its design stage and has not been implemented yet. Therefore, the engagement of different stakeholders at various levels in the design and follow-up implementation of the initiative is critical to its success.
At the local level, it would involve the school staff, school students, and the nearby kindergarten, as well as local residents, businesses, and organizations. The school staff would provide VET guidance and support, the school students would participate in the refurbishment work, and the nearby kindergarten would benefit from the green area created at the old location. Local residents, businesses, and organizations could provide support through donations of materials and resources, volunteer work, and community engagement. The initiative is strongly supported by the Municipality and its relevant bodies.
At the regional level, regional government agencies and non-profit organizations may be engaged to provide additional funding and support for the initiative in its implementation. The involvement of regional stakeholders can help ensure that the initiative is aligned with regional policies and priorities.
At the national level, the initiative is in line with the policies of relevant national government departments, such as the Ministry of Education, Ministry of the Environment, and national business organizations. These organizations would provide skills support in relation to their programmes, resources, and technical support for the refurbishment project.
At the European level, the initiative is in line with the EU priorities for skills development, employment, and sustainability. EU funding and support may be sought through relevant EU programs focused on employment, education, and sustainability. EU level engagement can also help to raise awareness of the initiative and connect it to wider European initiatives.
This ensures that the initiative is well-supported, taking into account the needs of all relevant parties.
The initiative is in its design stage and has not been implemented yet. The design and the following implementation of the initiative involved and will involve representatives from several different disciplines and knowledge fields, including education, employment, sustainability, and construction.
Representatives from the education field worked to design the VET center and curriculum for training low-skilled individuals and will later implement it in practice. Representatives from the employment and social affairs field helped to ensure that the training offered at the VET center would be relevant to local job market demands and they will later participate in the implementation by identifying the participants. Representatives from the sustainability field helped to ensure that the refurbishment of the portable metal roofing structure would be eco-friendly and in compliance with the up-top-date energy efficiency standards and renewable energy. They will later monitor the implementation of their principles and policies. Representatives from the construction field helped to design the renovations and ensure they would be technically feasible. They will later monitor the implementation of their principles and policies.
These representatives interacted with each other throughout the design and will continuer so later in the implementation process, sharing their expertise and ensuring that all relevant perspectives are taken into account. For example, the representatives from the sustainability field worked closely with the construction field to ensure that eco-friendly materials were used in a way that was also technically feasible.
The added value of this process was that it allowed for a comprehensive and integrated approach to the initiative, taking into account the various factors that would impact its success. The interdisciplinary collaboration ensures that all relevant perspectives were considered, leading to a more effective and sustainable solution.
The innovative character of the initiative lies in its holistic approach to addressing issues of employability and community development. Specifically:
1-Self-sustainable facility: The creation of a free-of-charge VET center within a refurbished portable metal roofing structure that is self-sustainable is innovative in the field of education and employability. This model enables the provision of training and skills development to underserved populations without relying on traditional funding sources.
2-Involvement of school students: The involvement of school students in the refurbishment of the structure is an innovative approach to education and skill development. This not only provides practical training opportunities for the students but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for the initiative.
3-Eco-friendly materials: The use of eco-friendly materials in the refurbishment of the structure is innovative in the field of construction and sustainability. This approach promotes environmental responsibility and supports the creation of a sustainable future.
4-Integration of different fields: The integration of education, construction, sustainability, and community development is innovative in the field of community development. This holistic approach helps to address multiple issues and create a more comprehensive and effective solution.
Compared to mainstream actions in the field of employability and community development, the initiative stands out for its innovative approach that seeks to address multiple issues in a holistic and sustainable manner.
There are several elements of the initiative that could be replicated or transferred to other places, groups of beneficiaries, and contexts, including:
1-Methodology: The interdisciplinary approach of the integration of education, construction, sustainability, and community development to addressing the challenge of providing employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups could be replicated in other communities, as it brings together diverse perspectives and expertise.
2-Technology: The use of eco-friendly materials and techniques in the renovation of the portable metal roofing structure and the self-sustainability of the facility could be replicated in other similar projects, promoting sustainability and environmental awareness.
3-Processes: The process of involving the local community, civil society, and school students in the design and implementation of the project could be replicated in other contexts, promoting community building and empowering individuals.
4-Products: The creation of a self-sustainable VET center could serve as a model for similar facilities in other communities, providing accessible and effective training opportunities for disadvantaged groups.
5-Learnings: The learnings from the initiative, such as the impact of hands-on learning on skill development for students in the refurbishment and the benefits of involving the local community, could be applied to other similar initiatives.
Overall, the transfer of these elements could contribute to the replication of the initiative in other communities, providing employment and training opportunities for disadvantaged groups and promoting community building and sustainability.
The methodology would involve several steps, such as:
1-Assessing the needs/potential of the targeted groups in the area, i.e. their educational background, work experience, and barriers to employment.
2-Identifying the suitable location for the VET center in the school yard and conduct a feasibility study on the existing portable metal roofing structure and its suitability for refurbishment as a VET center.
3-Developing a detailed design and renovation plan that considers the specific needs and requirements of the VET center, as well as the necessary upgrades to the existing structure, developing it in line with eco-friendly principles and materials.
4-Assessing the energy consumption of the VET center and calculating the required size of the PV panels and solar hot water collectors.
5-Securing funding for the project, such as grants, loans, or private investment.
6-Coordinating with local authorities to obtain necessary permits and approvals.
7-Involving the school students as trainees, providing them with hands-on experience, and training in renovation, construction, and installation of renewable energy systems such as PV panels and solar hot water collectors.
8-Relocating and renovating the old portable metal roofing structure, which could include installing new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as making the necessary repairs or upgrades to the existing structure.
9-Commissioning and opening the VET center, which would likely involve developing and delivering educational programs for unskilled/low-skilled people with fewer opportunities.
10-Developing a methodology to transform the old location of the structure into a green area near a newly-opened kindergarten, thus promoting community development and education.
11-Follow-up and evaluation to measure the impact of the initiative on the employability of the targeted group and to identify areas for improvement and also to monitor the energy production and consumption of the centre.
The initiative addresses several global challenges by providing local solutions, including:
1-Unemployment: The initiative addresses the challenge of unemployment among disadvantaged groups, providing them with opportunities to acquire new market-required skills and find employment.
2-Inequalities in education and employment: The initiative addresses inequalities in education and employment, by providing free-of-charge VET center to those who may not have the resources to attend other training programs.
3-Skill development: The initiative addresses the challenge of limited skill development opportunities for disadvantaged groups by providing hands-on learning experiences for school students and training opportunities through the free-of-charge VET center.
4-Environmental sustainability: The initiative addresses the challenge of environmental sustainability, by incorporating eco-friendly practices, self-sustainability of facilities and the creation of a green area.
5-Social cohesion: The initiative addresses the challenge of social cohesion, by involving local communities and civil society in the design and implementation of the initiative and fostering community development.
By providing local solutions to these global challenges, the initiative contributes to the creation of a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive world. The initiative shows that it is possible to make a positive impact at the local level, and that local solutions can have a significant impact on global challenges.
The initiative is in its design stage and has not been implemented yet. It therefore presents its:
Expected results/outputs:
1-Improved employability: Providing training opportunities for targeted groups, leading to reduced unemployment.
2-Increased access to education and skills development: Providing accessible education and skills development opportunities for targeted groups, increasing access thereto; moreover, for students, gaining hands-on experience in construction and sustainability, improving their employability skills (direct beneficiaries: targeted groups and students; indirect beneficiaries: local community and businesses).
3-Enhanced sustainability practices: Using eco-friendly materials, self-sustainability, and creation of a green area as the initiative's commitment to sustainability, promoting environmentally conscious practices.
4-Improved social cohesion: Involving the local community and civil society in the design and implementation of the initiative, thus promoting social cohesion and improved community relations.
Development plan:
1-New training programs: in the year following the application, to expand the range of training programs offered at the VET center following the needs of the labour market.
2-Partnerships with local businesses: to form partnerships with local businesses to provide employment opportunities for individuals trained at the VET center, increasing their chances of finding work.
3-Increased community involvement: to engage more members of the local community in the initiative, further promoting social cohesion and community development.
4-Measurable impact: to measure its impact on employment, access to education and skills development, sustainability, and social cohesion, and use this information to refine and improve the development.
These steps are designed to maximize the benefits for direct and indirect beneficiaries, and to ensure that the initiative continues to have a positive impact in the community.
The initiative contributes to developing new competences in the context of the European competence framework on sustainability in several ways:
1-Sustainability competences: By incorporating eco-friendly practices, self-sustainability of facilities, promoting environmental sustainability and creating a green area, the initiative provides opportunities for students and targeted groups to develop sustainability competences.
2-Construction and renovation competences: The hands-on learning approach, where students refurbish the portable metal roofing structure using eco-friendly materials, provides opportunities for students and targeted groups to develop construction and renovation competences.
3-Entrepreneurial competences: The free-of-charge VET center provides training opportunities for targeted groups to develop entrepreneurial competences, such as project management, budgeting and financial planning, and market analysis.
4-Interpersonal competences: The community involvement approach, where local communities and civil society are engaged in the initiative, provides opportunities for students and targeted groups to develop interpersonal competences, such as communication, teamwork, and leadership.
The development of these new competences aligns with the European competence framework on sustainability, and provides opportunities for individuals and communities to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to promote sustainable development and positive social and environmental impact.
