Reading | 5 min 
Welcome to the series #EVERYDAYHEROES in which we introduce exceptional members of our network. Through pop culture, we discovered that heroes fly, have superpowers, come from another planet, and wear capes and costumes, but there are other, real heroes. Heroes we are surrounded by every day, who raise their voices in times of injustice and fight for the rights of all of us. Who look the same as us, who express their superpower by fighting every day for a better and democratic society. Everyday heroes, that we have to talk about. Follow us on our Instagram to catch the next interview among the first ones.
Another Everyday Hero is Gjorgi Tasev from North Macedonia.
Can you introduce yourself?
I’m Gjorgi Tasev, from the Republic of North Macedonia and I’m currently working as Advisor for youth and youth policies to the Prime Minister, a position I have had for almost 5 years and I have been passionate about since day one. I have a Master’s degree in Law. I chose to study Law because it offers the opportunity to develop a range of skills and explore many aspects of human life. And yes, maybe one day I will work as a lawyer, who knows ^_^.
Besides my master’s studies, I was a scholar participating in the Rising Public Leaders Programme at Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University, an opportunity supported by EDYN, where I had the chance to strengthen the skills that public leaders need to build cultures of excellence, effectiveness, and integrity throughout the institutions they lead and across the public sector more widely. Within my work engagement, I’ve been active through the NGO sector as a program and project coordinator in various organizations, and now from the position of a decision maker, I continue to work on the affirmation of youth policies, encouraging youth activism and increasing the participation of young people in social and political processes. In addition to this, I work as an expert and consultant in strategic planning, youth participation, and youth policies, political and development programs.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, because when I’m reading, I feel completely relaxed and I find myself in another world. Besides that, I produce electronic music under my alter ego Ted Dettman, I play video games, and enjoy traveling and exploring new places.
What do you consider your biggest success?
One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day. I am especially pleased that I managed with my colleagues and collaborators to bring the topic and agenda of youth and youth policies closer to the youth and youth organizations themselves, that we created a culture of criticism and critical thinking, and that we constantly invest to increase the trust of young people towards institutions and the EU integration process. What especially motivates me is that young people and youth organizations recognize me as a real partner and their biggest supporter and that with my knowledge, skills, and availability I am always here to help them to make a change in society. Also, what I’m really proud of is the fact that I was selected within a truly competitive process by EDYN to be part of one of the most prestigious Universities and programs, the Rising Public Leaders Programme at Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University and this really is something that I enjoyed and this kind of successes motivates me to never give up, chase my dreams and continue to motivate people around me to be the best version of themselves.
What does the word DEMOCRACY mean to you?
Democracy means that citizens every day can express their opinion, organize themselves, initiate changes, and influence the decisions that are made on their behalf. Democracy is a voice. The voice of each individual, the voice of every group in our society. A voice heard, understood, and respected. Democracy for me means freedom, a system in that I can express myself and shape my own present and future.
Who do you consider your Everyday Hero and why?
My Everyday Hero is someone that has always been there for me in my time of need to help me through tough times. To me, a hero is someone that you can model yourself after. A person you look up to and strive to be like. To be able to ask yourself what that person would have done in a situation you do not know how to solve. A hero is someone who sets a good example for you and someone with a set of good morals and values.
For me, my family members are my everyday heroes. My wife, my mother, and my father. They are the heroes and they support me in every way possible, they are great role models, they teach me important life lessons, and I know they will always be with me.
What does the concept of Everyday Hero mean to you?
Everyday Hero for me means a person who does something that is neither expected nor required of them — something that no one would think less of them for not doing, because they believe that doing it will, in some way, make the world a better place. Someone who keeps their word helps others without expecting something in return, does something worthy but never mentions it, and treats all people with respect. Everyday hero for me is anyone who sets an example for others and is not afraid to lead others to become better persons and change the community.
Why did you become a member of EDYN?
I choose to become a member because EDYN gives me opportunities to grow personally and professionally, meet other like-minded professionals from all over the world, and bring positive changes that our community needs. All these years, EDYN teaches me how to engage with diverse groups of people and offers me a whole new perspective, unlike any other network. I appreciate that my goals and values align with EDYN’s mission and see many long-term opportunities I can pursue while working here with other changemakers. Whether it is advocating for common causes, creating business and political connections, or getting involved in other organizations, EDYN is an excellent source for building those long-term relationships and advancing your career.
