We are delighted to present the second edition of the Empowered newsletter, summarizing the first, exceptionally successful year of our project!
The project “Empowered – Inclusion of persons with disabilities, regional cooperation and development in the Western Balkans” celebrates its first anniversary, following a period of intensive work and significant achievements. This initiative is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and led by ASB in partnership with the organizations LIR Civil Society, IDC, PREDA Plus, Alfa Centar, CDI, and ADRF. Our clear goal is to create a society of equal opportunities for persons with disabilities (PwDs).
During the first year, our efforts have spanned across 15 municipalities in the Western Balkans, establishing strong partnerships with local self-governments and civil society. We have launched the first inclusive projects, psychosocial support, and career counseling, and strengthened mechanisms for inclusiveness. All these steps contribute to creating a strong Empowered community dedicated to improving the position of PwDs across the region.
By the end of the project, significant and lasting impact is expected:
- 21,500 PwDs will access improved community services and infrastructure.
- 600 PwDs will receive psychosocial support and career counseling, while 300 PwDs will gain vocational training and job placement opportunities.
- 15 municipalities will adopt inclusive policies and action plans.
- Over 1 million citizens will be reached through advocacy campaigns, increasing public awareness and challenging stereotypes about PwDs.
This newsletter provides a detailed overview of each partner organization’s progress, highlighting their crucial role in local inclusion and regional advocacy. From Albania to Montenegro, our partners are actively working to strengthen communities and translate plans into concrete actions. They are the core of the Empowered initiative, and their efforts are invaluable for achieving our shared goals.
Read the full edition to learn more about the impressive activities and achievements of our partners in the first year of the project.
Direct links to partner reports: