Foča: Community voices for an inclusive futur
Within the #Empowered project, three focus groups were organized in Foča by LIR CD, gathering professionals working with persons with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, and persons with disabilities themselves. The aim of these discussions was to better understand everyday challenges, needs, and priorities related to inclusion and access to rights and services. Through open and honest conversations, participants shared their personal experiences — from difficulties in accessing health and social protection services to the lack of adapted infrastructure and limited employment opportunities. Parents highlighted the need for better institutional cooperation, early intervention, and more inclusive educational environments for their children, while professionals emphasized the importance of continuous training and intersectoral collaboration. ➡️ These exchanges created space for mutual understanding and collective reflection on how local policies can be improved to make inclusion not just a concept, but a lived reality in Foča. Participants also expressed their belief that the upcoming Local Inclusion Plan, developed within the Empowered project, will serve as a concrete step toward strengthening local mechanisms of support and ensuring that no one is left behind. The discussions were deeply emotional and inspiring — many shared their hopes that their voices will be heard, that the process will lead to visible and sustainable change, and that Foča will continue to build a community based on solidarity, equality, and mutual respect.
Invitation to tender – Tender Reference No.: BOS2404-ALFA-SER-T01
Tender Reference No.: BOS2404-ALFA-SER-T01On 10.10. 2025, organization ALFA Center hereby announces the launch of a tender for the provision oflogistic support to capacity building of local implementing partners on the project (training organization),reference number BOS2404-ALFA-SER-T01 within the project “EMPOWERED – Inclusion of persons withdisabilities (PWDs), regional cooperation and development in the Western Balkans”, funded by the FederalMinistry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany (BMZ). All interested bidders are invited to submit their request for tender documentation on company’s letterhead,to the e-mail addresses: alfacentar@t-com.me The deadline for submitting offers in accordance with the tender documentation is 10.11.2025, by 12:00.
IDC working group meeting in Leskovac – joint steps toward stronger local support systems
The EMPOWERED project continued its impactful work recently with a crucial Working Group meeting held in Leskovac. IDC, partner for Serbia in the #EMPOWERED project, organized this second gathering, bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders. Valuable perspectives were shared by representatives from local institutions, civil society organizations, and, critically, beneficiaries of social protection services. Through an open and constructive dialogue, participants engaged in detailed discussions on several important topics, aiming to strengthen local support systems: Thanks to the constructive suggestions and shared experiences, all involved parties agreed on tangible steps to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation and advance more inclusive local policies. This collaborative approach underscores the EMPOWERED project’s commitment to empowering local communities to build sustainable and equitable social systems. The EMPOWERED team extends its sincere gratitude to all participants for their constructive dialogue and active engagement. Together, we are building an environment where every voice matters and social protection systems become more accessible and fair for all.
Tender ref.no.: BOS2404_CDI/SER T 01
Tender ref.no.: BOS2404_CDI/SER T 01 PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR LOGISTIC SUPPORT TO CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL PROJECT IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS (ORGANISATION OF THE TRAINING) We are informing you that on 06.10.2025 the organization Community Development Institute is opening the procurement for Provision of services for logistic support to capacity development of local project implementing partners (organisation of the training), reference number BOS2404_CDI/SER T 01, within the project “EMPOWERED – INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDS), REGIONAL COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE WESTERN BALKANS”, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development, Germany (BMZ). All interested bidders may send a request on company’s memo to request the tender documentation to the e-mail info@cdi.mk. The deadline for submitting offers is November 5th 2025. at 12:00 hours.