At International Balkan University (IBU), we believe that education and service to society go hand in hand. With this commitment in mind, we are excited to launch a social responsibility project in collaboration with the Roma community in Shuto Orizari.

This initiative began with the visit of our esteemed Rector, Prof. Dr. Lutfi Sunar, to the community, and it has been formalized through a memorandum of cooperation with the municipality. Together, we aim to build bridges of support, education, and mutual growth.

The core of this project is to inspire and mobilize IBU students in a unique volunteer experience that gives back to the society around us. By participating in this initiative, students are presented with a valuable opportunity: to contribute directly to their local community, to become agents of positive change, and to develop their own skills and character through acts of service. This program not only enriches the lives of those we serve but also enriches each participant, fostering essential values such as empathy, compassion, and civic responsibility.

Through this project, we aim to address the less visible but deeply felt needs within the Roma community, focusing on areas where our students and staff can make a lasting difference. These needs are not only material but also educational and intellectual encompassing access to learning support, mentorship, and cultural exchange. Whether it’s assisting with schoolwork, offering guidance for future opportunities, or simply sharing knowledge, IBU volunteers are here to uplift, inspire, and encourage.

Students and staff who join this project will work closely to fulfill these needs, bringing together the academic spirit of IBU and the heartfelt engagement of our student body. By volunteering, students gain invaluable hands-on experience that complements their academic studies, enriching their understanding of the world and strengthening the values that define true leadership.

This is more than just a project; it is a call to action. It is an invitation to be part of something bigger, a movement that unites our university with our community and embodies the spirit of progress and inclusion. For students, this is a chance to cultivate a lasting legacy to leave an impact that will resonate long after their time at IBU. As they contribute, they grow, developing skills and insights that will serve them well in their careers and lives.

If you feel inspired to contribute to this important cause and want to be a part of the IBU volunteer family, we welcome you with open arms. If you would like to contribute to this cause, please reach out to Teaching Assistant Sumea Ramadani, from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at IBU, via email at sumea@ibu.edu.mk.

Together, let us create a legacy of positive change, one that reflects the true spirit of International Balkan University where knowledge, compassion, and action come together to build an excellent future for all.