Global Village

Handbook

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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/

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

24

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

26

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: mkuzmanov@habitat.org.mk

Kiril Nestorovski

Resource Development & Communications

Tel: +389 70 561 748

E-mail: knestorovski@habitat.org.mk

Galina Strachkova

PR & Advocacy Specialist

Tel: +389 71 397 987

E-mail: gstrachkova@habitat.org.mk

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: info@habitat.org.mk

Website: www.habitat.org.mk

We wish you a pleasant stay in our country!