Working group aadvances local inclusion plan in Bosanska Krupa under EMPOWERED project
As part of the ongoing EMPOWERED project, a significant working group meeting was recently convened in Bosanska Krupa. This crucial activity was facilitated and led by our esteemed partner, LIR Civil Society (LIR CD). The gathering marked a vital step in the development of the Local Inclusion Plan (LIP) for the municipality, aiming to enhance the social inclusion of persons with disabilities within the community. During this productive session, key findings and recommendations stemming from earlier focus group workshops were thoroughly reviewed and presented. These valuable insights, gathered directly from community members, are instrumental in ensuring that the Local Inclusion Plan truly reflects the diverse needs and priorities of the residents, particularly those with disabilities. The presentation of these findings brought the community one step closer to establishing a comprehensive and effective framework for enhanced inclusion. Advocacy plays a crucial role in the EMPOWERED project’s efforts to foster an inclusive environment. Working group meetings like this provide a vital platform for various local stakeholders to collaborate, discuss specific challenges, and collectively shape policies that support greater inclusion. By bringing together local actors and experts, the project facilitates a participatory approach to developing sustainable and locally-tailored solutions. The EMPOWERED team extends its sincere gratitude to the Municipality of Bosanska Krupa for their steadfast cooperation and unwavering commitment throughout this important process. Their active engagement and dedication are fundamental to the successful creation and implementation of a Local Inclusion Plan that will lead to tangible improvements in community inclusion for all its citizens.
CDI Macedonia leads capacity strengthening for EMPOWERED project implementation
The EMPOWERED project continues its vital work across the Western Balkans, recently initiating a crucial training session in North Macedonia. The CDI Macedonia – ИРЗ Македонија team successfully organized this event, bringing together representatives from local associations, social work centers, and the municipalities of Valandovo and Demir Kapija. The primary objective of this collaborative gathering was to collectively strengthen the capacity required for effective implementation of the #Empowered project within these communities. This collaborative effort is not merely a cornerstone for the successful realization of the project’s goals, but also plays a pivotal role in shaping local policies related to social inclusion and the rights of persons with disabilities. By actively engaging diverse stakeholders, the project aims to foster an environment where local governance is responsive to the needs of all citizens. The participation of local associations, municipal authorities, parents’ representatives, and other relevant stakeholders is considered paramount for creating a truly inclusive environment. It is only by joining forces that we can ensure the voices of those in need of assistance are not only heard, but also translated into concrete action and policy. During the workshops, participants engaged in detailed discussions on effective advocacy strategies designed to enable direct community involvement in local decision-making processes. Through the comprehensive activities of the EMPOWERED project, we are dedicated to strengthening the legal framework and improving the living conditions for persons with disabilities and their families. Our joint mission is to shape policies that are directly rooted in the needs and aspirations of the local community. Therefore, it is essential for all actors – from local government to civil society and community members – to be active participants in this ongoing endeavor. We firmly believe that such collaborative meetings will significantly contribute to strengthening cooperation among all relevant parties. This enhanced synergy will help us collectively create a more socially just and inclusive society for everyone. We extend our sincere thanks to all participants for their unwavering commitment and dedication to the positive changes we are achieving together.
ASB South East Europe leading the way in social inclusion in the Western Balkans
The EMPOWERED project represents an innovative initiative dedicated to advancing social inclusion and empowering marginalized groups across the Western Balkans. In a region where the need for inclusive development is significant, EMPOWERED strives to create lasting change and improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable members of society. Leading the implementation of this pivotal project is ASB South East Europe (Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund), an organization recognized for its committed work in humanitarian aid and social justice. With a long history of operations, ASB has become synonymous with expertise and dedication in addressing complex societal challenges. ASB holds a leading position in the field of social inclusion in the Western Balkans, with a profound commitment to creating equal opportunities for all. Their mission encompasses providing support to the most vulnerable segments of society through a wide range of programs and initiatives. These programs are designed to ensure improved access to education, employment, and social services, which are fundamental pillars of any inclusive society. What further distinguishes ASB in their work is their ability to integrate innovative approaches and methods. This includes close collaboration with local communities, state institutions, and other civil society organizations. Through such partnerships, ASB ensures that solutions are relevant, sustainable, and tailored to the specific needs of the region. Through the EMPOWERED project, ASB aims to achieve long-term changes and significantly improve the quality of life for individuals and groups who are often marginalized and excluded from social processes. By striving to address the root causes of inequality, the EMPOWERED project, under the leadership of ASB South East Europe, sets new standards in the field of social inclusion in the Western Balkans.
Focus Group workshop advances local inclusion plan in Travnik under EMPOWERED project
As part of the ongoing EMPOWERED project’s commitment to fostering inclusive societies across the Western Balkans, a crucial focus group workshop was recently conducted in Travnik. This session represents a significant step forward in the collaborative development of the Local Inclusion Plan (LIP) for the municipality. The workshop provided a vital platform for community members and various local stakeholders to actively participate in shaping the future of inclusion in Travnik. Through engaging discussions and feedback, valuable insights and practical recommendations were gathered. These contributions are instrumental in ensuring that the Local Inclusion Plan is truly reflective of the community’s diverse needs and priorities, particularly concerning persons with disabilities. The integration of these local perspectives brings Travnik one step closer to establishing a robust and comprehensive framework for enhanced social inclusion. The EMPOWERED project emphasizes the importance of grassroots participation and collaborative efforts in driving sustainable change. By engaging directly with local communities, we ensure that strategies and policies are relevant, impactful, and tailored to specific local contexts. Such workshops are essential for building consensus and fostering a shared vision for a more inclusive environment. The EMPOWERED team extends its sincere gratitude to the Municipality of Travnik for their excellent cooperation and dedicated commitment to this vital process. Their active involvement and support are fundamental to the successful development and future implementation of the Local Inclusion Plan, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society for all its citizens.
Empowering vision to reality: IDC and project proposal writing training drive EMPOWERED project goals in Dimitrovgrad
The EMPOWERED project, a beacon for advancing the inclusion of persons with disabilities and fostering regional cooperation across the Western Balkans, recently marked a significant milestone with a successful “Project Proposal Writing” training. This intensive three-day training, held at the 📌Caribrod Education Center in Dimitrovgrad📌, was meticulously organized by IDC (Initiative for Development and Cooperation), a key EMPOWERED partner for Serbia. The delivery of the training was expertly handled by the Youth Forum of Persons with Disabilities (Forum mladih sa invaliditetom – Youth with Disabilities Forum), bringing valuable practical experience to the sessions. Participants were guided through a comprehensive curriculum designed to transform nascent project visions into tangible, impactful results. The training provided a deep dive into the critical stages of project development and proposal preparation, exploring key phases such as: Through interactive sessions, practical exercises, and expert guidance, attendees acquired the essential skills needed to prepare robust and comprehensive project documentation. This knowledge is vital for ensuring successful implementation and maximizing the positive impact of future initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities. This training is an integral component of the #Empowered Western Balkans project, reinforcing our belief that empowering local actors with proposal writing expertise is fundamental to creating and implementing significant projects that champion the inclusion of persons with disabilities. We extend our sincere gratitude to all participants for their active engagement and invaluable contributions. We eagerly anticipate the future initiatives and projects that will undoubtedly stem from this newly acquired knowledge, further solidifying our collective mission for a more inclusive and developed Western Balkans.
🆕️Focus Group Meeting on the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities – Municipality of Istog 🆕️
The second focus group meeting dedicated to promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities took place in the Municipality of Istog. The event brought together a diverse range of participants, including institutional representatives from the social, health, and economic sectors, officials from the Mayor’s Office, and members of relevant NGOs working in the field of disability inclusion. This meeting was organized within the framework of the #Empowered project, implemented by PREDA Plus Foundation. The discussions centered around identifying infrastructural priorities, enhancing current service conditions, and developing concrete ideas to be integrated into the municipality’s future strategic plans. A significant part of the conversation addressed one of the key challenges faced by the community — the lack of official statistical data needed to support the development of an effective Local Inclusion Plan. Recognizing this, the participants emphasized the importance of collecting accurate data to inform decision-making and ensure targeted interventions. As part of the project’s ongoing support, the Municipality of Istog will assist in drafting the Local Inclusion Plan, transforming it into tangible local initiatives that promote inclusion and accessibility. Additionally, participants were informed about upcoming stakeholder interviews designed to gather valuable qualitative insights to further strengthen and refine local strategies. This collaborative effort aims to foster an inclusive environment where persons with disabilities have equal opportunities and access to services, ultimately contributing to a more equitable community.
Trilateral EMPOWERED conference in Sarajevo: Inclusion without borders
The Trilateral EMPOWERED Conference was held in Sarajevo, bringing together representatives of ministries, local governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and other Western Balkan countries. The event was part of the regional project EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans, implemented by Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) and partner organizations from across the region. The conference opened an important dialogue on employment policies, inclusion, and local solutions that foster greater participation of persons with disabilities in both social and economic life. Through open discussion and exchange of experiences, participants explored ways to strengthen cooperation, improve institutional frameworks, and develop inclusive practices that ensure equal opportunities for all. Three panel discussions highlighted key regional perspectives: 🔹 Regional cooperation and systemic change – exploring how institutions and organizations can jointly advocate for sustainable inclusion models across the Western Balkans.🔹 Employment policies and support for employability – addressing challenges in the labor market and presenting innovative approaches to professional development and workplace adaptation.🔹 The role of local authorities in creating accessible and empowering communities – showcasing successful practices of municipalities that implement inclusive local policies and create accessible environments for all citizens. 💬 The shared goal of all participants was clear – to build inclusive, supportive, and accessible communities where the voices of persons with disabilities are heard, respected, and actively shape decision-making processes. The conference reaffirmed the importance of regional solidarity, cross-sector collaboration, and mutual learning in achieving long-term social change. Our heartfelt thanks to all participants for their valuable contributions, inspiring discussions, and continued belief in our common goal – inclusion without borders. #EMPOWERED #InclusionWithoutBorders #ASBSEE #BMZ #RegionalCooperation #DisabilityInclusion #WesternBalkans #Empowerment
Training and career counseling in Novi Pazar: A strategic step toward greater inclusion
In a concerted effort to foster enhanced social inclusion and empower persons with disabilities, the EMPOWERED project has launched a comprehensive program in Novi Pazar. This initiative encompasses both a three-day training on project proposal writing and parallel career guidance and counseling sessions, all designed to significantly strengthen professional skills, improve employment opportunities, and support personal development. The project proposal writing training, which commenced at Kompas on October 28th and concludes on October 30th, brings together dedicated representatives from various institutions, organizations, and associations. Participants are engaged in practical learning modules covering the entire project cycle, from initial conceptualization and problem identification to meticulous budget preparation and effective monitoring of results. This intensive training equips attendees with the crucial skills needed to develop robust project proposals that can attract funding and drive impactful change within their communities. Running concurrently, the career guidance and counseling sessions offer vital support to persons with disabilities. Through an individualized approach, participants receive tailored advice and resources to assist them in their professional development, enhance their employment prospects, and define clear pathways toward achieving their personal career goals. These sessions aim to help individuals recognize their inherent potential, overcome barriers, and confidently integrate into the labor market. These impactful activities on the ground are diligently implemented by IDC – Initiative for Development and Cooperation, a key partner within the EMPOWERED project, in close collaboration with the Youth Forum of Persons with Disabilities (Forum mladih sa invaliditetom). Their combined expertise and dedication are instrumental in ensuring that the project’s goals of inclusion, regional cooperation, and development are met across the Western Balkans. By investing in professional skill-building and personalized career support, the EMPOWERED project, through its partners, is actively working to create a more equitable and accessible society where persons with disabilities can thrive and fully contribute.
Upcoming Trilateral Conference “EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans”
The trilateral conference “EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans” will be held in Sarajevo on October 22, 2025, at the Hotel Hills. The event will bring together representatives of relevant ministries, local governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and other Western Balkan countries. Organized within the regional project EMPOWERED, implemented by Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) in partnership with IDC, CDI, LIR CD, Alfa Centar, PREDA Plus, and ADRF, with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the conference will focus on strengthening regional cooperation and exchanging experiences in advancing the rights and employment of persons with disabilities. Three panel discussions will address key topics: The conference will feature speakers from ministries, local governments, and organizations from across the region, who will share experiences, examples of good practice, and innovative approaches to creating inclusive and supportive communities. Through dialogue and exchange, the conference aims to promote solidarity, cooperation, and the development of inclusive systems that ensure equal rights, access to services, and participation for all citizens across the Western Balkans.
TENDER FOR PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR PREPARATION OF THE REGIONAL DECLARATION ON INCLUSION OF PwDs
We are informing you that on 21.10.2025 the organization Initiative for Development and Cooperation is opening the procurement for provision of services for preparation of the Regional Declaration on inclusion of PwDs, reference number BOS2404_IDC/SER T 05, 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 procurement@idcserbia.org. The deadline for submitting offers is November 20th, 2025. at 12:00 hours.