The open dialogue “Employment Without Barriers” was held in Leskovac within the EMPOWERED project, bringing together representatives of institutions, civil society organisations, and the private sector with a shared goal – improving the position of persons with disabilities in the labour market.
Through an open and constructive discussion, participants exchanged experiences and identified key challenges, as well as concrete opportunities for improving employment and strengthening cooperation between stakeholders at both local and national levels.
💬 Activities within the project are already ongoing in Leskovac, including:
✔ implementation of local inclusive plans
✔ career counselling
✔ psychosocial support
✔ strengthening capacities of local organisations
🎯 During the event, a public call for the vocational training and labour integration programme for persons with disabilities was also presented.
The programme includes:
✔ qualification and requalification trainings
✔ on-the-job practice
✔ support for labour market inclusion
👥 A total of 60 beneficiaries will be supported (Leskovac, Novi Pazar, Dimitrovgrad).
📅 The public call is open until 30 April 2026, and applications are submitted at the City Administration of Leskovac.
🌐 More information: https://empowered-wb.org/2026/04/01/idc-open-call-for-participation-in-the-vocational-training-and-labour-inclusion-programme-for-persons-with-disabilities/
The event was organised by Initiative for development and cooperation (IDC) and Forum of Youth with Disabilities FMI, with the support of Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund and the City of Leskovac, within a project funded by German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development BMZ.