NIKOLA SMILKOV, PhD
President of AFIESA
Nikola Smilkov is a sculptor of notable distinction whose work bridges tradition, pedagogy, and contemporary form. Born in Štip, North Macedonia, he pursued his formal education in the arts at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, where he completed both his undergraduate and master’s degrees in sculpture under the guidance of Professor Dragan Poposki Dada. Building on this foundation, he earned a doctorate in art teaching methods from the Faculty of Pedagogy at Ss. Kliment Ohridski University in Bitola in 2012. Smilkov’s professional career has been deeply rooted in education. He has accumulated extensive experience teaching art-related subjects, beginning as a professor of art culture at the secondary school “Dimitar Miraschiev” and later as an art education teacher at the primary school “Goce Delčev” in Štip. Since 2004, he has been affiliated with the University “Goce Delčev” in Štip, where he currently serves as a full professor at the Faculty of Educational Sciences. In this role, he teaches courses on methods of art education, along with various elective subjects, shaping future educators and artists through a blend of theoretical insight and practical application. Beyond his teaching responsibilities, Smilkov has played a significant leadership role in the academic community. He was a founding member of the University Senate at “Goce Delčev” University, served as Vice-Dean for Education at the Faculty of Pedagogy, and has held the position of Dean of the Faculty of Educational Sciences since 2011. His active involvement extends to numerous university committees, where he contributes to organizational development and strategic initiatives. As an artist, Smilkov has created several monumental sculptures and has presented his work through numerous solo and group exhibitions both domestically and internationally. His sculptures often explore form, material, and conceptual depth, earning recognition in galleries and cultural spaces across Europe and beyond. Complementing his artistic output, he has authored a substantial body of scientific and professional publications, focusing on art education, sculpture, and related pedagogical methodologies. In addition to his academic and artistic endeavours, Smilkov is actively engaged with the AFIESA Association, where he oversees initiatives in art education. His responsibilities include planning and implementing diverse educational, sports, and artistic programs tailored to participants of all ages—from preschool children to seniors. He also drives research activities, promotes innovation in education, sports, and the arts, organises cultural events, and fosters creativity, healthy lifestyles, and capacity-building among stakeholders. Furthermore, he pursues partnerships with international governmental and non-governmental organizations, securing collaborations and resources to advance these fields. |
SNEZANA JOVANOVA MITKOVSKA, PhD
Member AFEISA, responsible for education, management, and dissemination
Dr. Snezana Jovanova-Mitkovska holds a PhD in Pedagogical Sciences. She is currently a full professor at the Faculty of Educational Sciences, Goce Delcev University in Štip, North Macedonia. She teaches courses across the first, second, and third cycles of studies, including: Methodology of Scientific Research, Action Research, Teaching Methods in Mathematics, Natural, and Social Sciences, Modern Learning and Teaching Strategies, Various elective courses. In addition, she is involved in teaching at the first and second cycles of studies at other faculties within the university. She has 24 years of professional experience as a professor at the Faculty of Educational Sciences. Her main research interests include: Research design, methodology, and statistics, New strategies and pedagogical models, Network cooperation and communication models, Lifelong education and professional development, Holistic learning and teaching · Management in education. She has extensive experience in organizing and delivering workshops, seminars, and training sessions on various educational topics for participants of different age groups. She has served as a co-mentor for master’s theses in the field of sports management and as an advisor for project preparation and academic papers in educational management. She is also an author and co-author of publications related to time management. Dr. Jovanova-Mitkovska has participated in several international and national projects, including those supported by: the Ministry of Education; OSCE (e.g., Strengthening Teacher Capacities for Work in Multiethnic Societies) · Erasmus+ (e.g., TOI TOI TOI – Tools for Innovation; Human Libraries); Erasmus+ Sport (e.g., HOPS OLS Brain Break Research Project – Implementation of Brain Breaks in Macedonian Schools, supported by the Global Community Health Foundation; BeValue Reload; Champions of Inclusion and Diversity using Meaningful Physical Education in Primary Schools; Gem Set Equality: Improving the Subjective Wellbeing of Young Women in the Balkans through Interventions in their Physical Activity. Within the framework of the AFIESTA association, in line with its objectives, she is actively involved in: researching current educational practices, applying research findings to prepare project applications on various topics, organizing and implementing trainings, seminars, and other activities related to education for diverse age groups, developing appropriate tools, manuals, workshops, and guides in specific areas of education. |
BILJANA POPESKA, PhD
Member AFEISA, responsible for education and development through physical education, physical activity and sport
Dr. Biljana Popeska has a PhD in Physical education. She is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Luxembourg for the Institute of Teaching and Learning at the Department of Education and Social Work (DESW), working on research and projects related to signature pedagogies in physical education, intercultural competencies of physical education teachers, competencies of pre-service teachers and educators for working with children in formal and informal settings, etc. Before starting her work at the University of Luxembourg, she has 17 years of working experience as a professor at the Faculty of Educational Sciences at Goce Delcev University in North Macedonia, teaching Didactics of physical education, child motor development, and sport pedagogy at study programs for preschool teachers, primary school teachers and pedagogy. Her research interest is in didactics of PE, PETE, PE curriculum, holistic learning through physical education, physical activity in leisure time, sports pedagogy, and interventional programs for promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. She is a participant in several projects supported by the Ministry of Education, Erazmus+ program, OSCE, NGO, related with the implementation of technology in physical education, quality physical education, competencies of PE teachers, motivation of students for physical activity using technology etc. She was the country coordinator for Erasmus + project “TeachIn Sport”, BeValueR, TC4DC, Meaningfulness in Youth, GemSet Equality Project, FitBAlkans, QualiTePE, PhysEdademy, PETIC project etc. She is national coordinator for European School Sport day in North Macedonia, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023. She is actively involved in different international research groups and PE associations. She is Executive Board member of EUPA Member of Future Leader Volunteer Program (FLV), Executive Board Member of EUPEA (European Physical Education Association), national delegate for FIEPS Europe (Fédération Internationale de l’Éducation Physique), National representative of Global Community Health Association (GCH), World Physical Education Alliance (WPEA), EPPEN (European Primary Physical Education Network), Board member of Federation of Sports Pedagogues of Macedonia etc. Within the AFIESA Association, Popeska is responsible for activities related to sports education, organization of workshops and seminars for different aspects related to physical activity, physical education, holistic learning through sport and PE, sport pedagogy, pedagogical approaches in sports, promotion of healthy and active lifestyle, physical activity as a tool for overall health and wellbeing. Her responsibilities are also related to the organization of different sports events and campaigns for a healthy and active lifestyle among all generations. |
KATERINA MITEVSKA PETRUSHEVA, PhD
Member AFEISA, responsible for education, management and event organization
Katerina Mitevska Petrusheva has a PhD in Education sciences. She is associate professor at the International Balkan University in Skopje. Her research interests include education policy, curriculum development, character education and well-being. She has more than 10 years of working experience as a professor at the Faculty of Education, teaching the courses Introduction to Pedagogy, Vocational Guidance and Counseling, Intercultural Education, Measurement and Evaluation and others. She has expertise in quality assurance practices, is institutional coordinator of the Erasmus+ project “Transforming Sustainability in Higher Education with a Data-Driven digital Assessment System” and has participated in several other projects. She has served as a Head of the Student Well-being Center, coordinating activities focused on advancing students’ well-being and mental health. Within the AFIESA Association, Katerina M. Petrusheva is responsible for research activities related to education, guidance and well-being, developing programs and activities for promoting personal development, resilience and well-being. Her responsibilities also include event planning and organizational coordination. |
ALEKSANDAR POPESKI
Member AFEISA, responsible for technical support
