Bulgaria supports autism centres in North Macedonia

Bulgaria has supported the establishment and development of centres for children and adults with autism in North Macedonia, according to a statement from the Bulgarian Embassy in Belgrade.

Earlier this month, Bulgaria’s ambassador to Serbia, Angel Angelov, and his wife hosted Vesna Stojanovska, who was in Belgrade to attend an international conference on training and employment opportunities for adults with autism.

More than a decade ago, Stojanovska and her husband, Zlatko, founded the “Vo mojot svet” (“In My World”) centre in Skopje, inspired by personal experience after their nephew was diagnosed with autism. At the time, they sought and received financial support from the Bulgarian Embassy in Skopje to launch the initiative.

Since then, the organisation has expanded its activities, opening a second centre in Ohrid. Plans to open a centre in Tetovo have been delayed due to administrative procedures. The centres work with children aged between two and eight, with organisers reporting strong developmental outcomes.

Meanwhile, the first centre for adults with autism in Skopje is expected to become fully operational soon.

Bulgaria has supported both the establishment and ongoing activities of the centres, including through social assistance packages. Funding has been provided under the country’s “Development Assistance” programme, which supports projects in countries outside the European Union.

“For friendship and goodwill, there are no borders or time limits,” Ambassador Angelov and his wife said.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova