Sustainable style: Youth against textile waste in North Macedonia

Published: Mar 3, 2026 Reading time: 4 minutes

Vesna, a teacher from North Macedonia, has dedicated her life to fashion. But instead of perusing boutiques and malls, she sits at a sewing machine turning textile waste and old clothing into sustainable, unique designs.  

Sustainable style: Youth against textile waste in North Macedonia
© Photo: People in Need

Vesna participated in our training on creating businesses within the circular economy and now she shares her newly acquired knowledge also with her students. She teaches them about sustainable fashion with great passion and energy.

The classroom where we met with Vesna resembles a creative workshop. Each desk is equipped with a sewing machine, on the table in the middle of the room are various fabrics and pictures with dresses adorn the walls. This is where Vesna has been teaching for more than 17 years.

“I teach various topics; not only practical lessons, such as sewing and design creation, but also theory regarding various materials and sustainable fashion. I cover the whole cycle, from raw material to final product,” explains Vesna.

Local schools and organisations bringing their own initiative

She has been interested in creating clothes for her whole life. 

“Since I was very young, I have been redesigning clothing and making unique pieces for myself. I sewed my first skirt in my fourth grade. Everyone was surprised when I mentioned that I created it myself,” she says.

As North Macedonia works to tackle waste management, we support local schools and organisations in their circular economy initiatives. 

“The problem of waste management in North Macedonia is one of the biggest issues that endangers citizens’ lives. Together with three local organisations, we are supporting the country’s transition towards circular economy,” says Sunchica Kostovska Petrovska, from People in Need.

Vesna attended a course that we ran. She learned valuable information regarding circular economy and every step in developing a business plan. She is eager to share this knowledge with her students.

Textile waste finds a new life

Vesna is trying to make her lessons practical, interesting, and interactive, by involving students in searching for various materials they can reuse and redesign. 

“We do not just collect waste materials, but we also actively cooperate with textile companies in the area which give us the pieces of fabric they would otherwise throw away,” says Vesna.

Students are encouraged to use their creativity and produce various accessories, clothes, and textile products. They can also sell their crafts on the local market and Vesna proudly shares that they won the award for the best market stand.

Vesna shares how the students perceive the topics of circular economy and sustainability: 

“We incorporate the topic of environmental awareness into our lessons. This year, we started a course in sustainable fashion, so that students can understand the consequence that fast fashion has on our environment. I am glad that students understand the importance of this topic and rather than buying new clothes they repair or redesign old ones.”

Teaching sustainable fashion to future fashion designers

The classes Vesna teaches include both boys and girls. Some of the students apply clear visions of becoming successful designers, others are just interested in the topic. 

“They are all different, but it is a pleasure to work with them,” says Vesna.

By teaching circular economy and sustainability in the clothing industry and reusing textile waste, Vesna is raising awareness and reducing waste in her country. And what is her advice to everyone, regarding being sustainable in fashion? 

“First, repair, don’t throw away. Second, redesign, don’t throw away. Third, donate, don’t throw away.”
The project "Civil Society and Youth for Inclusive and Sustainable Development through Circular Economy in North Macedonia" is funded by the European Union. The project is led by People in Need (PIN), within a consortium with ARNO, LEAD, and Ekovita. 
‘This publication was funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of People in Need and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.’  
Author: People in Need
Global Development EducationBusiness SupportCooperation with Local Organisations

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