The three-day Empowered project-writing training was successfully held in Travnik, co-organized by LIR CD and the Municipality of Travnik. The training was led by Prof. Dr. Adis Arapović and brought together activists and representatives of associations from the region.
The importance of empowering local associations Empowering associations at the local level means strengthening their ability to identify community needs independently, design sustainable solutions, and secure funding for their implementation.
When local organizations gain project-writing skills, they:
- respond more responsibly and quickly to concrete beneficiaries needs;
- establish sustainable services tailored to local needs (e.g., day centres, supported housing, employment programmes);
- build partnerships with local institutions and employers, increasing funding opportunities and project sustainability;
- multiply knowledge within the network of organisations, creating local capacities that remain after individual projects end.
Regional reach of the programme
Empowered trainings are conducted in all 15 municipalities of the Western Balkans included in the project, building a wider network of over 60 organisations. This approach enables the exchange of good practices, interregional cooperation, and joint pilot projects that go beyond local borders — all aimed at greater inclusion of persons with disabilities and sustainable service development across the region.
The results of the Travnik training — three project concepts developed in under 10 hours — confirm that targeted trainings quickly raise capacities. We continue with the same intensity in other municipalities to ensure that local organisations have the knowledge, tools, and partnerships needed for lasting change.