Concrete steps forward for inclusion – PREDA PLUS
Inclusion is becoming a reality through strong local partnerships and active community engagement within the Empowered project. Strengthening local cooperation in Istog In the Municipality of Istog, a significant step forward has been made through the official signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Municipality and the PREDA Plus Foundation. The agreement was signed by Mayor Ilir Ferati and the National Coordinator of PREDA Plus in Kosovo, Petrit Bllaca. This partnership lays the foundation for the implementation of jointly co-funded local initiatives aimed at improving the position of persons with disabilities. Planned activities will focus on enhancing the quality and efficiency of physiotherapy services, improving access to specialized educational tools for children with disabilities, and supporting the development of more accessible infrastructure. Defining priorities in Mitrovica At the same time, in Mitrovica, a Focus Group organized by project partner PREDA Plus gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including professionals from the social, psychological, and educational sectors, as well as representatives of persons with disabilities. The discussion resulted in the identification of key priorities for improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities. These include the improvement of school conditions through the functionalization of resource classrooms, the provision of technical and medical equipment, the installation of audio signaling at traffic lights, and the placement of tactile paving. Additional priorities were also identified and will be further discussed during a public consultation planned for April. A shared commitment to inclusion These activities demonstrate a strong and shared commitment of local institutions and civil society to advance accessibility and inclusion. Continued cooperation and active participation of all stakeholders remain essential to ensuring that identified priorities are translated into concrete and sustainable improvements for persons with disabilities.
Strengthening Inclusion in Albania — Empowered WB activities in Tirana and Shkodër
Empowered WB activities in Albania are progressing rapidly. In partnership with the Albanian Disability Rights Foundation (ADRF), a series of project actions has been carried out to support the development of more inclusive communities in Tirana and Shkodër. Through consultations, focus groups, and targeted trainings, we are strengthening local actors — municipal representatives, civil society organizations, and service providers. At the same time, we work with families of persons with disabilities to increase their capacities, awareness, and opportunities for active participation in local policies and services. Local projects are being developed to produce concrete changes on the ground and improve service accessibility. Next steps include delivering psychosocial workshops for families and beneficiaries, and implementing local inclusive projects that will enhance the everyday lives of persons with disabilities. These activities foster collaboration among all relevant stakeholders and contribute to building sustainable, inclusive solutions. We thank ADRF for their dedication and partnership — we look forward to continued cooperation and visible results for the communities in Tirana and Shkodër.
Tender ref.no.: BOS2404_CDI/SER T 03/RE-TENDER
PROVISION OF COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FOR EXPERT CONSULTANCY AND DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS, CAPACITY-BUILDING OF LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS, AND EDUCATIVE SUPPORT TO THE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (PwDs) We are informing you that on 13.03.2026 the organization Community Development Institute is opening the procurement for provision of comprehensive services for expert consultacy and development of local strategic documents, capacity-building of local stakeholders, and educative support to the people with disabilities (PwDs), reference number BOS2404_CDI/SER T 03/RE-TENDER, 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 the company’s memo to request the tender documentation to the e-mail info@cdi.mk. The deadline for submitting offers is April 2nd, 2026, at 12:00 hours.
EMPOWERED activities in North Macedonia — meetings in Valandovo and Demir Kapija
CDI Macedonia — ИРЗ Македонија held productive meetings in the municipalities of Valandovo and Demir Kapija as part of preparations for the EMPOWERED programme. In Valandovo, meetings were held with Mayor Gjoko Kamčev and Anita Trajkova to discuss local priorities, coordination and support mechanisms. In Demir Kapija, a meeting was held with Blagoj Jovanovski, coordinator of the working group, to align on timelines, stakeholder engagement and practical steps for project implementation. These consultations bring us closer to rolling out EMPOWERED activities in North Macedonia. Participants agreed on preparations for upcoming study visits, defined the working group’s responsibilities, and outlined next steps for developing and implementing local projects that will strengthen services and community support. We thank the municipal authorities for their support and constructive cooperation and look forward to continuing our joint work to deliver tangible results for local communities.
Tender Reference No.: BOS2404-PP-S05
T Invitation to Tender: Support with equipment and tools for speech therapists, physiotherapy and IT for the Source Class at Primary Lower Secondary School “Bajram Curri”, HandiKos and Association of Blind- Istog PREDA Plus hereby announces the launch of the tender for a “Support with equipment and tools for speech therapists, physiotherapy and IT for the Source Class at Primary Lower Secondary School “Bajram Curri”, HandiKos and Association of Blind- Istog”, under reference number BOS2404-PP-S05. This tender is issued as part of the project “EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Regional Cooperation, and Development in the Western Balkans”, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany (BMZ). Interested bidders are invited to submit their requests for tender documentation on official company letterhead between 13 – 26 March, 2026, by sending an email to: info-kosovo@predaplus.eu The deadline for submission of bids is April 14, 2026, at 15:00.
Cancellation Notice ref.no. BOS2404_IDC/WORKS T 01
We inform you that on 11.03.2026. the organization Initiative for Development and Cooperation canceled the tender procedure for the construction and installation of prefabricated house for persons with disabilities in city of Dimitrovgrad, ref.no. BOS2404_IDC/WORKS 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), , due to the fact that no offer was received in accordance with the financial resources available for this procurement.
Tender Reference No.: BOS2404-PP-S04
Tender Reference No.: BOS2404-PP-S04 Invitation to Tender: Service Contract for the Provision of Financial Audit Services PREDA Plus hereby announces the launch of the tender for a “Service Contract for the Provision of Financial Audit Services”, under reference number BOS2404-PP-S04. This tender is issued as part of the project “EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Regional Cooperation, and Development in the Western Balkans”, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany (BMZ). Interested bidders are invited to submit their requests for tender documentation on official company letterhead between 10 – 23 March, 2026, by sending an email to: info-kosovo@predaplus.eu The deadline for submission of bids is April 10, 2026, at 15:00.
New elevator in Bosanska Krupa — A concrete step toward inclusive municipal spaces
In Bosanska Krupa a contract has been signed for the installation of an elevator for persons with disabilities, as part of the EMPOWERED project activities implemented across all 15 participating municipalities. The agreement was concluded between the LIR CD organization and Elmedina Kavazović, Secretary of the Administrative Body of municipality Bosanska Krupa. The elevator will be fitted into an existing shaft in the municipal building and is scheduled for completion by mid‑April. Once installed, it will substantially improve accessibility of public spaces, facilitate access to municipal services, and ease daily life for residents who use wheelchairs or have reduced mobility. This intervention is one of several local inclusive projects being implemented within the EMPOWERED regional initiative. By delivering tangible infrastructure improvements alongside psychosocial support, career counselling and capacity‑building activities, the project pursues a holistic approach to inclusion. Key goals include strengthening local institutional capacities, enhancing access to services and public buildings, promoting equal participation in public and economic life, and creating sustainable local solutions that can be replicated across the Western Balkans. Practical accessibility measures such as this elevator are important because they remove everyday barriers, increase independence, and signal a broader commitment to dignity and rights. Infrastructure upgrades work together with training, policy work and community engagement to change attitudes, open opportunities for education and employment, and build more inclusive municipalities for all residents. We thank our partners and local stakeholders for their cooperation. This concrete step toward better accessibility reflects the project’s aim to combine direct local improvements with regional exchange of good practice to ensure lasting impact across all 15 municipalities.
Empowered result – Local action plan for inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Bosanska Krupa
The City of Bosanska Krupa has adopted and published its Local Action Plan for the inclusion and advancement of the rights of persons with disabilities for 2026–2028. The plan was developed in cooperation with LIR Civilno društvo (LIR CD) as part of the regional EMPOWERED project. Overview The plan sets a clear vision of Bosanska Krupa as a community of equal opportunities and defines strategic goals and time‑bound measures to remove physical, communication and institutional barriers that limit full participation of persons with disabilities. Key goals Planned measures The plan includes concrete interventions such as building adaptations and accessibility upgrades, accessible web and digital mapping tools, professional trainings for teachers and public servants, vocational and career counselling programmes, establishment of a day centre, pilot supported housing, and a local grant scheme to support newly formed organizations of persons with disabilities. Monitoring will be carried out through quarterly oversight meetings and annual evaluations. Regional scope These activities are being implemented across all 15 municipalities participating in the EMPOWERED project, ensuring coordinated local action and exchange of best practices throughout the Western Balkans. Project lead and donor The EMPOWERED project is led by Arbeiter‑Samariter‑Bund Deutschland e.V. (ASB) and implemented locally by partners including LIR CD. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). For more information and to access the full Local Action Plan, visit: [link]
Tender ref.no.: BOS2404_CDI/SER T 03
PROVISION OF COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FOR EXPERT CONSULTANCY AND DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS, CAPACITY-BUILDING OF LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS, AND EDUCATIVE SUPPORT TO THE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (PwDs) We inform you about cancellation of the tender procedure for provision of comprehensive services for expert consultancy and development of local strategic documents, capacity-building of local stakeholders, and educative support to the people with disabilities (PwDs)/ (three lots), within the project “EMPOWERED – INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDS), REGIONAL COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE WESTERN BALKANS”, Ref.No. BOS2404_CDI/SER T 03, due to technical irregularities in the tender evaluation.