XHABIR DERALLA

I’m reading, the City of Skopje has stopped support for the free summer camp for children at social risk with, in my opinion me, the very nice name – “Colorful Summer”. The camp, as I learn, has existed since 2017, and according to what is known about this wonderful project is that it really is “colorful” in the nicest sense of the word. And how could it not be, when it’s about children? Hundreds of children at social risk from all communities having gone for the first time on summer vacation, thanks to exactly this project that is led by the famous Macedonian music star, Kristina Arnaudova.

We commented with my colleagues that it’s probably the name “colorful” that sticks out. If the name of the children’s camp had been “Black Summer”, then maybe somehow it would have passed the filter of the new city administration. Children’s happiness has no political affiliation. Or, does it? It could be that the ruling party at the city level has sworn to care only for the “chosen”, for “their own”. Those were roughly the comments of the people we spoke with about this scandalous decision.

It’s not the children’s fault Ms. Danela. Summer vacation for children, and for those at social risk and whose families can’t afford it. That’s what it’s about. It’s not about politics. Why should they be a “collateral damage” to political scheming? Because the project contains the word “Colorful”? Or because the organization and its leader are not politically fit?

Aside from the cynical witticism, Ms. Danela and company must not allow the children to suffer because of political affiliation. When it comes to children, especially those who are at social risk, the progressive orientation of the project leader of “Colorful Summer” and her organization Happiness Project must not be an obstacle for financing the project. This is not private money, but money of the citizens of Skopje.

This act is a big disappointment. Perhaps some might say: “Well, what else did you expect from them?”. I must admit, I could never understand, or accept political “peculiarity”. It’s unacceptable when politicians completely neglect people, especially children, just so as to send the message – we are now in power, only “ours” will live.

I hope that other organizations, sponsors or philanthropists will set aside time and money for this wonderful project of Arnaudova and will keep “Colorful Summer” alive for the children until “winter” with Danela is over.

Translation: N. Cvetkovska