Women from Macedonia Fight to Save the Roof of a 100-Year-Old House

At a time when many villages across Macedonia are quietly fading away, there are people who refuse to give up. People who believe that the past deserves to be preserved—and that the future is still worth building.

This is the story of Roza and the women of the village of Umin Dol—local heroines who, with heart, courage, and persistence, are fighting to save a century-old building, a powerful symbol of history, identity, and community.

Today, the team at Kajak.mk is not sharing just another story.
This is a call.
A call to everyone who loves Macedonia.

The building in question holds significant historical value. It was designed by Russian émigré Vladimir Antonov, who worked in the Municipality of Kumanovo after the First World War. One hundred years later, the house is deteriorating—not because it lacks importance, but because it urgently needs help.

The roof is leaking.
Every rainfall causes new damage.
If action is not taken now, this historic building could be lost forever.

“We want this place to come back to life,” say members of the association Uma Sto.
“Our vision is to turn it into a center for cultural and educational activities—workshops, children’s excursions, nature trips, and events that will bring people, energy, and hope back to the village. But without a new roof, none of this is possible.”

For the past three years, a group of young enthusiasts from the association Uma Sto have been working tirelessly to revive and promote the villages of Umin Dol and Novo Selo. Through fairs, seasonal events, and community gatherings, they have managed to bring smiles back to local residents.

Since this spring, their dedication has also attracted international visitors—tourists from the Netherlands who regularly come to experience the authentic beauty of rural Macedonia.

The village is breathing again.
But for that life to continue, we are all needed.

The fundraising campaign is currently ongoing.
Every donation—no matter how small—brings us one step closer to saving this building and securing a future for the village.

Donate here:
https://whydonate.com/fundraising/we-need-your-support-for-a-new-roof

If you are unable to donate money, you can still help by contributing building materials or by sharing this story.

Sometimes, the smallest gestures make the biggest difference.

This is not just about a roof.
This is a fight for history, for villages, for Macedonia.
Let us show that we still know how to stand together.