Skopje, 20 August 2021 (MIA) - Minister of Labor and Social Policy Jagoda Shahpaska on Friday signed two cooperation agreements with the mayors of Bogovinje and Chashka, Albon Xhemaili and Goran Stojanovski respectively, for the construction of two daycare centers for people with physical and mental disabilities from both municipalities. The projects, she said, are part of the annual program for capital investments in the social sphere, adopted in January 2021. “The construction of the daycare centers is especially important for the inclusion of disabled people in everyday activities and the community, on par with other citizens. The concept of ‘one society for all’ says that we’re all equal and we should enjoy all rights and liberties in accordance with our abilities,” Shahpaska stated. She said that professionals will work at the centers, and they will prepare plans in accordance with every person’s individual needs, as well as group activities in order to improve functionality and strengthen each person’s individual capacities for a life as independent as possible, as well as community participation. Furthermore, the experts’ capacities will be strengthened. “The Ministry of Labor and Social Policy has set aside funds from its budget to build the two centers. The Bogovinje center will cost MKD 22 million to build and it will house 24 disabled people. It’s expected to be built within 16 months. The Chashka center will cost MKD 4 million to build, it will house 12 people and the construction will be completed in 10 months,” Shahpaska said. The Mayor of Chashka, Goran Stojanovski, thanked the Minister for the support shown through this project, which will permanently solve the problem for disabled people. “According to our data, there are around 25 disabled people in Chashka. The Center that will be built in 10 months will house 12, and this will permanently solve their problems. You proved you care for these people today as a Ministry, but we as a municipality will always be there for them,” Stojanovski said. The Mayor of Bogovinje, Xhemaili, said that there are a few registered disabled people in the municipality. “We agreed with the Minister that we should take care of this category of people, as well. MKD 22 million, around EUR 350 thousand, will be set aside to build a new facility within 16 months. It’s an honor for me today as a Mayor, as well as for the Minister, to show that we care for these people, because they are a part of us and we should care for them,” Xhemaili said. dk/ba/