Evropski Volonterski i Edukativen Centar Kocani

EVEC is a youth organisation founded in 2014 and headquartered in Kočani, eastern North Macedonia. Over the past decade, we have developed into a structured regional network with active branches in Štip, Lozovo, Strumica, and Delčevo, ensuring operational presence across five municipalities in the eastern region of the country.

We are an experienced Erasmus+ organisation and hold European Solidarity Corps accreditation for both hosting and sending volunteers across all five locations. Through continuous implementation of Erasmus+ projects and international volunteering activities, we have built solid institutional capacity in project management, intercultural cooperation, partnership coordination, and non-formal education methodologies.

In recent years, EVEC has strategically specialised in three interconnected domains:

• STEM Education
• Drone Technology & Applied Aerial Systems
• Renewable Energy & Green Technologies

Our approach is practice-driven and innovation-oriented. Young participants do not only learn theory — they build drones, pilot them above the Kočani rice fields, collect and analyse agricultural data, assemble solar panels, and explore the scientific principles behind these technologies. Through project-based learning, participants develop competencies in physics, mathematics, electronics, programming, data analysis, and environmental science.

We use emerging technologies as educational instruments. Technology is not the goal — it is the medium through which young people develop analytical thinking, digital skills, green competences, and entrepreneurial mindsets.

Our multidisciplinary team combines certified drone operators, STEM educators, renewable energy specialists, and experienced youth workers. This enables us to deliver technically rigorous yet accessible programmes adapted to diverse educational backgrounds and varying skill levels.

EVEC places strong emphasis on inclusion. Eastern North Macedonia is predominantly rural, with limited access to advanced technological education. Our decentralised branch structure allows us to bring high-level STEM and drone workshops directly into smaller communities, reducing geographic and socio-economic barriers and expanding opportunities for young people with fewer opportunities.

We maintain active cooperation with:

- VET school SOU “Gošo Vikentiev” – Kočani

- Agricultural cooperatives within the Kočani rice-producing plain

- Media professionals and communication experts

- Emergency services

Environmental and civil society organisations

These partnerships allow us to connect youth education with real-life community applications — from precision agriculture and environmental monitoring to disaster response and sustainable energy solutions.

EVEC is open to strategic cooperation with European organisations active in:

- STEM education and digital innovation

- Drone applications and applied technologies

- Renewable energy and green transition

- VET modernisation

Youth work and non-formal learning methodologies

We are particularly interested in long-term partnerships that combine technological innovation, sustainability, and inclusive youth development.