International Repair Day’s 10th Anniversary Celebrated in Skopje

ARNO, in cooperation with the Municipality of Kisela Voda, MATA (Macedonian Artisans Trade Association) and “Mother Teresa” Nursing Home – Skopje on on 17 October 2026 marked International Repair Day – for the third time in Macedonia and on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the global initiative. The event was held under this year’s motto “Repair brings us together” and featured joint addresses and two repair workshops.

“Involving the elderly is not just a humane gesture – it is preserving knowledge and wisdom. That is why today ARNO signed memorandums of cooperation with MATA and “Mother Teresa” Nursing Home. Today we are also announcing new activities through an IPA project within the framework of which repair skills will be taught here at “Nothing New”, but there will also be a lot of advocacy, promotion of Macedonian green businesses and campaigns – to show that repairs are not just a matter of personal environmental awareness, but a systemic change that is part of European legislation,” said Irina Janevska from ARNO.

As a long-time partner and supporter of the center, the Municipality of Kisela Voda emphasized that such initiatives are crucial for the community:

“Repairs are not just a way to extend the lifespan of objects – they bring generations together and enable a valuable exchange of experiences. The Municipality of Kisela Voda continues to be a stable partner, building space for creativity, education and intergenerational connections. Let this anniversary be a reminder that repair is a responsible act: care for objects, care for nature and, above all, care for each other”, said Beti Stamenkoska Trajkoska, Mayor of the Municipality of Kisela Voda.

The focus on intergenerational learning and soft skills was also complemented by MATA:

“Today, MATA is here to present the project “With handmade products to personal development: Developing Soft Skills through the Art of Sustainable Fashion” (Craft2grow), funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ program. The project is directly related to the development of soft skills such as effective communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence and empathy, and problem solving through sustainable fashion. We have developed wonderful tools that are available on this platform and anyone can use them. We are looking forward to collaborating with ARNO and to passing on the knowledge,” said Katerina Zlatanovska Popova from MATA.

“Our users strongly believe in the idea and motto of the International Repair Day – ‘Repair, Don’t Throw Away’ – because we live it every day in our Home. The “Mother Teresa” Nursing Home dates back to 1964, and we are proud that our furniture, inventory and some of the equipment, even after so many years, are preserved and functional. Some of our users know and are able to repair things with their own hands, because this is deeply rooted in their way of thinking. Through everyday activities, we reduce waste, save resources and practice this philosophy in three key areas: electronics, fashion and furniture. Our goal is to gain support through the cooperation with ARNO and MATA. Of course, involving users in the activities will directly contribute to their better socialization and active life,” said Jordancho Josifov, head of “Mother Teresa” Nursing Home.

This is the third year that ARNO has celebrated International Repair Day in Macedonia, building on previous successful actions – from collecting and repairing toys donated to families with fewer opportunities from the Municipality of Kisela Voda, to last year’s educational campaigns dedicated to software obsolescence and the care of digital devices.

The International Repair Day initiative is coordinated by The Restart Project and international networks, which through data collection and long-standing activism are one of the key drivers in the fight to change European legislation. Starting in 2027, EU rules will require phone batteries to be easily replaceable, warranties to be longer, and spare parts to be available at reasonable prices.

The celebration of International Repair Day ended with a ceremonial cake cutting and two practical workshops for adults – learning the traditional Japanese Sashiko technique with designer Irina Tosheva, as well as a workshop on creative textile repairs, led by Olivia Georgievska from MATA.