Help that is heat-resistant
North Macedonia is experiencing a very hot summer this year. This is not only having an impact on nature, but also on the people who are suffering from the heat. But charity defies all adversity.
Forests have been burning in North Macedonia for weeks. Flames flare up again and again - in places where the fires seemed to have already been extinguished, but also in new locations. Certain areas are closed to the public. But even in Strumica, where there is currently no risk of fire, older people in particular are advised not to leave the house during the day. It would not be completely safe due to the extreme heat.
The food is coming - no matter what
Around 200 elderly and infirm people in Strumica are still being provided with a full meal five times a week these days - despite the difficult conditions due to the temperature. It doesn't matter whether these people stay at home because of official recommendations or whether they are unable to leave their homes anyway for health reasons: This meal service provided by the "Miss Stone Center", which Connexio develop supports, is of existential importance for many people.
Fighting on several fronts
However, this support cannot be taken for granted. On the one hand, it is always a challenge to cover the costs - especially when, for example, unexpected kitchen renovation measures become necessary. When the kitchen was renovated, it quickly became clear that not only the power supply would have to be renovated, but also the heavily corroded water pipes in the near future.
On the other hand, the staffing situation is always a burning issue. If employees are headhunted after a short time or find a better-paid job elsewhere, time has to be spent looking for and training new staff in addition to the extremely intensive day-to-day work.
One man's joy, another man's sorrow
The staffing situation for the home care service is even more difficult than for the meal delivery service. Despite great efforts, those in charge of the center were unable to find a nurse or physiotherapist for more than two years. This is also due to emigration: If staff shortages in the Western European healthcare system can at least be alleviated thanks to employees from South-East Europe, this is good news for the people receiving medical and nursing care there. For the people in North Macedonia, on the other hand, the news is not quite so good - because there is a lack of specialist staff there as a result.
Breaking new ground
As a result, those responsible for the "Miss Stone Center" adapted to the situation and changed the concept. They reduced the medical care and expanded the Spitex service. This enabled them to find a qualified nurse, which gave the home care service new impetus because they could now accompany more people. They still provide medical care by taking people to a doctor.
Leaving no one behind
The meal service in the small town of Radoviš also continues to function. There, 50 people are provided with a hot meal every day - unemployed and physically or mentally ill people who live below the subsistence level, but also single mothers and their children. And where these people live in extreme poverty and simply have no one to help them - neither individuals, organizations nor the state - those responsible at the "Miss Stone Centre" sometimes help out with clothing, firewood or medication.
Help that lasts
Despite all the challenges, work has never been interrupted. This is thanks to the impressive commitment of the managers and employees. And the spark of this commitment is also spreading to other people: Entrepreneurs, for example, recognize the importance of the "Miss Stone Centre". They support the preparation of the meals with donations in kind (agricultural products). This is an important sign of appreciation - and also a welcome financial relief.
The need is great. The fire of love and hope in the hearts of those responsible is greater.
Urs Schweizer (based on a circular letter from Christina Cekov, Strumica/North Macedonia)
/Danka Bogdanovic, Connexio develop. All photos by Christina Cekov, zVg
The people who work at the Miss Stone Center do an incredible job and are of vital importance to the elderly population in the region. If you would like to support them, please donate!
I'll help!
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