A bowl crafted before our eyes out of paper maché. Necklaces, bracelets and other jewellery made from pearls and stones. Photographs, drawings and paintings of all kinds of things and people. 

These are only a few of the things that are being created at the occupational center for people with disabilities run by NGO KRIK in Skopje, Macedonia. The products are later sold, and the money is used to fund new crafts and activities for the center’s attendants. Mikki, Leon, Aleksander, Stefi and the others are given the space to express their creativity and make full use of their talents.

Last month, we got the chance to visit the occupational center, and get to know the people.

It was Friday morning, 10 a.m. My friend Žaneta and I were on a small expedition. We wanted to see new things, meet new people, and learn more about an important aspect of our society. We weren’t sure what to expect, but we were aware that this day will shift our vision on the way we see the world, even if only a tiny bit.

A building appeared in front of us. It was nothing big or particularly remarkable. It looked more like a wooden container, anything could be stored or happening in there. Still, the colorful paintings on its walls already gave away that something, or rather someone special, might be hidden behind this very ordinary construction.

We entered the building, and for the next two hours, Žaneta and I were completely absorbed by the place and the people we encountered.

This is where NGO KRIK has its offices, and where the occupational center is located. After some small talk and a bit of organization, we finally entered the heart of the space. A room opened up in front of us. Spacious, though not too large. It had two levels: the lower one with a table and couches, and the upper one equipped with a machine used to create figures and vases out of papier-mâché.

From the very first moment, the whole room screamed ‘creativity’. The walls were covered with paintings, self- made figures stood throughout the space, and traces of paint from recent artwork still marked the floor and tables. 

The first person we met was Stojan, the occupational therapist. He was one of those people you meet and immediately feel is living a full life. He cares deeply. His aura shined with a kind of warmth that only people who really and honestly care and live for the well-being of others have. He shook our hands and welcomed us. 

We were then introduced to the others in the room. Each of them has a disability, which is why they attend the center on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Here, they have the chance to connect with others, spend their days with more structure and tasks, and, most importantly, express their artistic skills. 

While American country music played from Stojan’s laptop, filling the warm room, we learned about the different talents of the participants. There is Leon, who plays in a band with some of the others and gives us a small drumming session on a tapan, a traditional Balkan drum. He also is fascinated by buses and dreams of visiting the MAN factories in Germany. There is Victor, who taught himself a bit of English. And then there is Stefi, a photographer who will soon present her work in an exhibition.

Over coffee, Stojan told us more about his life and work. He explained that he is one of the few occupational therapists in Macedonia, as this field of study is not offered in the country. He became an occupational therapist abroad, and spent most of his life working in a psychiatric hospital.

After retiring, he was invited by KRIK to run the center a few days a week, offering a space specifically created for adults with disabilities. He explained that opportunities for adults with disabilities to work or spend their days meaningfully are severely limited in Macedonia. As a result, many spend most of their time at home without structured activities.

He described people coming to him not knowing how to tie their shoes or wash their clothes. Not because they are incapable, but because they were never taught. This is why KRIK’s occupational center is a place of life and hope. Everyone there is capable of doing things, great things, and here they are given the opportunity to explore their potential in their own way.

Žaneta and I expected many things from our visit, but to meet so many artists was not on that list. Every few minutes, someone would proudly show us another incredible piece of art they had created.

We were also struck by how much they care for one another. The attendees do not only see each other at the center, but also go out to cafés and do other activities together. We were really able to feel the special bond within this small community.

During those two hours, we only caught a small glimpse of the daily lives and challenges faced by people with disabilities in our societies. We entered the building without a real idea what would await us, and left it filled with joy: from meaningful conversations, wonderful company and the experience of meeting such amazing artists. 

Once again, we were reminded how important institutions like these are. We also saw the great work of people who give their time to support them despite many challenges. It was clear that every person has many talents within them.

Thank you to KRIK and all its members for taking the time to share your work with us.

And to anyone who has the ability to support social institutions like this in any way: do it. It not only benefits the organizations, but is also very rewarding on a personal level.

Lea Schwegmann