Tribune Excerpts

The following article appeared in the May 2006 Edition of the Macedonian Tribune

Teaching Our Children, Most Important Gift of All
By Virginia Surso

Teaching our own children about our culture is one of the most important gifts we can give them. It gives them roots and perpetuates who we are as a people.

Some families teach through the art of learning the intricate steps to Macedonian dances, some through the food that we eat. Others teach the history of Macedonia.

Each year during the Macedonian Day of Learning, MPO "Kostur" – Ft. Wayne works to involve our children in learning about their heritage. This year's event was held on March 4, in the Macedonian Museum.

Christina Baloski, an art teacher, introduced the children to the ancient art of making mosaics. Some of these beautiful creations seen all over Macedonia are more than 1,000 years old. These mosaics are part of the past of the people who have lived in Macedonian since ancient times.

This year's mosaic project allowed our children to create their own mosaics which were displayed as part of a greater piece during the April 28 art exhibit known as Interweaving II. Using tiny pieces of colored glass placed in plaster molds, some children made complex designs, others made simple smiley faces.

Always a favorite activity, the children also completed a Macedonian mural on front window of the museum. Each day, especially during the lunch hour, people stop to look; some even take a moment to ask about Macedonia, the MPO, and the Tribune. It is another vehicle for teaching non-Macedonians about our culture.

Sophie Evanoff came from Detroit to help Christina with the art projects. In addition she very patiently taught the youngsters a few dance steps.

Last of all, the children learned about the games played by the forefathers in Macedonia. They couldn't believe that children didn't have balls and used tightly wound socks or rags instead. They were flabbergasted to learn that the bladder of a pig was often used as a soccer ball. It is called a mochalito or fuska. They also played Tsaritza (hop scotch) on the sidewalk outside the museum and tried their hand at Pet Kamen (five rocks), which is played like jacks.

Hopefully, they will remember these Macedonian Days of Learning and will teach others a little about their heritage.