02/11/2025
On November 2, 2025, "Mobility Bitola" successfully organized and performed the traditional Parade on Shirok Sokak with the accompanying Workshop. This time the topics were "Stop Marginalization and Stratification" for the Parade, and "Knitting with Crochet Hook" for the workshop, which took place in two parts. It began with a practical part on October 31 in the club premises of "Mobility Bitola", in which about 16 members and friends of the association took part. For it, resources were purchased - looms and crochet hooks for beginners. Of particular importance was the presence of members of the Association of Artists and Craftsmen “MACEDONIAN HANDICRAFTS" from Bitola, with whose help even beginners progressed in a short time and initial exhibits were made, which were exhibited in the second part of the workshop after the fashion show. At the event itself, for which a poster and leaflet were made, according to the program, guests from "Mobility Kumanovo" and "Mobility Shtip", as well as friends from the AAC "Macedonian Handicrafts". In the presence of electronic media, the President, Dr. Niko Jankov, made a statement in which he reiterated the significance of this traditional event, and the current topic that drastically disrupts the unity and togetherness in disability organizations and their organized action before the institutions of the system. Also, the accelerated stratification of membership was emphasized, especially of individuals and groups that become party activists and thus lose the power of advocacy before the institutions of the system, i.e. it quietly leads to the dissolution of the national unions of people with disabilities. After the parade, the participants continued to the restaurant "Korzo" for the workshop, which was also in two parts. The moderator and one of the lecturers was the president, who briefly addressed the latest findings on this matter in our country, in general and with the trends that are not in favor of people with disabilities. Then, with a brief introduction to knitting with crochet hook, he addressed congenital and acquired disabilities, and the condition and processes that people with physical disabilities follow throughout their lives. In this context, the very favorable impact of knitting with crochet hook on maintaining the condition of people with disabilities, especially physical disabilities, was emphasized. The second presentation was by our long-time friend, Prof. Dr. Sasho Kochankovski, who, with a very rich and inspiring presentation, captured all the benefits of knitting in maintaining a positive state of general mental health. Prof. Kochankovski also gave an exhaustive presentation to the MIA correspondent in Bitola, Prof. Dr. Marjan Tanushevski, who is also a long-time friend and supporter of our association. The reception among the attendees was very favorable, especially to our members Simona and Biljana, on whose initiative we organized this activity. All in all, a rich and meaningful activity, which we hope will be joined by as many of our members and friends as possible in the future. In any case, the satisfaction with what has been achieved is ours and we hope that in the overall efforts to achieve a better tomorrow for people with physical disabilities, such manifestations are welcome and useful. The activities continue.
