SOLIS project of ASB and IDC presented in Pirot: New support for families and stronger social services in Serbia
Improving social protection systems and creating stronger support for persons with disabilities and their families remains one of the key priorities of sustainable community development. The SOLIS project – “Sustainable Social Protection: Support to Social Services in Local Communities in Serbia” – was officially presented in Pirot as a new initiative aimed at strengthening social services and improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities and their families in several municipalities across Serbia. The project is implemented by ASB South East Europe and IDC – Initiative for Development and Cooperation, with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Over the next 35 months, SOLIS will focus on improving local social protection mechanisms, developing sustainable community-based services, and strengthening cooperation between institutions, local governments, and civil society organizations. One of the most significant activities within the project will be the establishment of a “Respite Care” facility in Temska, near Pirot. This service will provide temporary accommodation and professional support for children with developmental disabilities and their families, offering parents and caregivers much-needed assistance and relief in everyday life. The facility will represent an important new form of support within the local social protection system and will contribute to improving the wellbeing of both children and their families. In addition to developing new services, the SOLIS project will also work on strengthening local capacities and improving cooperation among relevant stakeholders in order to ensure long-term, sustainable support for vulnerable groups. Through joint efforts and coordinated action, the project aims to create more inclusive communities where persons with disabilities and their families have better access to rights, services, and opportunities. The presentation in Pirot gathered representatives of institutions, organizations, and local authorities, highlighting the importance of partnership and shared responsibility in building stronger and more accessible social services. SOLIS represents another important example of how cooperation between local communities, civil society organizations, and international partners can lead to concrete and meaningful changes for people who need support the most. The launch of the SOLIS project marks an important step toward creating services that directly respond to the everyday challenges faced by persons with disabilities and their families. By investing in community-based support, professional care, and stronger local cooperation, the project aims to provide practical and long-term solutions that will improve quality of life and strengthen social inclusion in local communities across Serbia.
Tender ref.no.: BOS2404_IDC/SUPP T 03
TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FOR SUPPORT TO LOCAL COMMUNITY WITHIN LOCAL INCLUSION PROJECTS FOR PwDs/ CITY OF LESKOVAC We are informing you that on 21.04.2026. the organization Initiative for Development and Cooperation is opening the procurement for the supply of medical equipment for support to local community within local inclusion projects for PwDs/ city of Leskovac, reference number BOS2404_IDC/SUPP T 03, 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 May 21st, 2026. at 12:00 hours.
Visit to Association “Srce” – A good practice in community-based services development
As part of the EMPOWERED study visit in Croatia, one of the key activities was a visit to Association “Srce” in Sveti Ivan Zelina – an organization that has long been recognized as a strong example of developing support services for persons with disabilities within the local community. Association “Srce” was founded in 2005 on the initiative of parents of children with developmental difficulties, with the aim of providing more accessible and higher-quality support. Today, the organization delivers a wide range of services that contribute to strengthening independence, social inclusion, and the overall quality of life of its beneficiaries. A particular focus is placed on the development of community-based services, including individual and group support, as well as various therapeutic and educational programs. Through these activities, beneficiaries are enabled to actively participate in society, develop skills, and gain access to education and employment opportunities. One of the most important segments of the Association’s work is supported living, which enables persons with disabilities to live in the community with appropriate support, while developing independence and improving their quality of life. In addition, significant attention is given to work integration through cooperation with local employers. Persons with disabilities are involved in work activities in real working environments, with continuous support from mentors and professional staff, further enhancing their employability and social inclusion. What particularly distinguishes this model is strong cooperation with the local community, institutions, and the private sector, as well as continuous investment in the development of new services and the improvement of existing support models. The visit to Association “Srce” provided participants with valuable insights into practical support models that can be adapted and implemented in other contexts, including the Western Balkans.
Employment without barriers in Leskovac – open dialogue and concrete steps forward
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.
IDC – Open call for participation in the vocational training and labour inclusion programme for persons with disabilities
Within the project EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans, project partner Initiative for developmenat and cooperation (IDC) has launched public calls for the selection of beneficiaries in three cities in Serbia: Leskovac, Novi Pazar, and Dimitrovgrad. The call is intended for persons with disabilities who wish to improve their skills, acquire new knowledge, and increase their opportunities for employment through a vocational training and labour inclusion programme. The programme includes: A total of 60 beneficiaries will be selected (20 per city). 📅 Application deadline: 1 April – 30 April 2026 📍 Application process: 📄 The application form and detailed information about the call are available through the channels listed above. We invite all interested applicants to apply and take an important step towards greater independence, employment, and active participation in society. Please download the application documentation for the public call:
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.
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.