Preventing violence against children and young people with disabilities
Children and young people with disabilities face a disproportionately high risk of various forms of violence, neglect, and exploitation. Data indicate that they are almost three times more likely to experience violence than their peers without disabilities. However, expertise in this field requires us to look beyond the statistics and understand the mechanisms that create and perpetuate this vulnerability. Reconstructing “Vulnerability”: Why are the risks higher? The vulnerability of children with disabilities is not inherent to their impairment. Rather, it is created by a range of social, systemic, and physical barriers. Key factors contributing to their increased exposure to violence include: Forms of violence: recognizing what often remains invisible An expert approach requires recognition of the wide range of forms that violence can take, many of which remain hidden: A Strategy for Transformation: From Awareness to Systemic Prevention Creating a safe environment requires action at multiple levels: Our mission is systemic change. The safety of children and young people with disabilities is not a matter of charity; it is a matter of fundamental human rights and legal responsibility. Learn more about our expert approach and available resources at: empowered-wb.org
Ref. No.: BOS2404-ALFA-SER-T05
We hereby inform you that on 09th September 2026, ALFA Center is launching a tender for the COMPREHENSIVE EXPERT SERVICES FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (VET) AND WORK INTEGRATION PROGRAM (WIP) FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PwDs) BOS2404-ALFA-SER-T05, within the framework of the project “EMPOWERED – Inclusion of People with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans”, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany (BMZ). All interested bidders are invited to submit a request to obtain the tender documentation on the company’s official letterhead to the following e-mail address: alfacentar@t-com.me. The deadline for submission of bids, in accordance with the tender documentation, is 09th October 2026 at 12:00 (noon).
Tender Reference No.: BOS2404-LIRCD-SUP-T01
On 4th of September 2026, organization LIR Civil Society hereby announces the launch of a tender for therental of one passenger car, reference number BOS2404-LIRCD-SUP-T01 within the project “EMPOWERED –Inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs), regional cooperation and development in the WesternBalkans”, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany (BMZ).All interested bidders are invited to submit their request for tender documentation to the e-mail addresses:zoran.basic@lircd.org; maja.katic@lircd.orgThe deadline for submitting offers in accordance with the tender documentation is 05. 10. 2026, by 12:00.
Empowered project supports greater inclusion in Demir Kapija
Through the EMPOWERED project, the Municipality of Demir Kapija is taking important steps towards creating a more inclusive and accessible local community for persons with disabilities. Two local initiatives are being developed as part of the project: The works are expected to be completed by the end of January or the beginning of February 2027. Additional project activities include psychosocial support and career counselling for persons with disabilities. These services are scheduled to begin in September 2026 and continue until the end of the year. The Municipality of Demir Kapija is also participating in regional consultation processes and working groups contributing to the development of the Regional Declaration on the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. This participation enables local experiences and community needs to inform broader efforts to promote disability inclusion across the Western Balkans. The EMPOWERED – Inclusion of persons with disabilities, regional cooperation and development in the Western Balkans project aims to strengthen local capacities, improve access to community-based services and support the equal participation of persons with disabilities in society. The project is led by ASB South East Europe (ASB SEE) and implemented in North Macedonia by CDI – Community Development Institute Macedonia, in partnership with the Municipality of Demir Kapija. It is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The total value of the project in Demir Kapija is approximately EUR 103,400, including EUR 37,000 contributed by the municipality.
Tender ref.no.: BOS2404_CDI/WORKS T 01
WORKS FOR IMPROVEMENT OF ACCESSIBILITY AND SUPPORT TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES WITHIN LOCAL INCLUSION PROJECTS FOR PwDs / Municipality of Demir Kapija We are informing you that on 27.08.2026, the organization Community Development Institute is opening the procurement: WORKS FOR IMPROVEMENT OF ACCESSIBILITY AND SUPPORT TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES WITHIN LOCAL INCLUSION PROJECTS FOR PwDs / Municipality of Demir Kapija, reference number BOS2404_CDI/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 Cooperation 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 September 28th, 2026, at 12:00 hours.
Adapted medical cabinet supports children at the “11 October” School in Leskovac
The “11 October” School for Primary and Secondary Education in Leskovac has been equipped with an adapted medical cabinet to help children with disabilities become more familiar with medical examinations and healthcare environments through a safe, supportive, and child-friendly approach. Through adapted activities, appropriate equipment, educational materials, and the support of professional staff, children can gradually learn about healthcare procedures and medical examinations. This helps reduce fear and anxiety, strengthens their sense of security, and makes visits to the doctor easier and more comfortable. The equipment was delivered within the framework of the EMPOWERED project – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans. As part of the project, new equipment was provided to institutions and organisations supporting persons with disabilities in Leskovac, with the aim of improving accessibility and the quality of local services. The delivery was carried out by the civil society organisation Initiative for Development and Cooperation (IDC), with the support of Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) and the City Administration of Leskovac, in cooperation with regional partners. The total value of the project implemented in Leskovac is approximately €110,000, while the City of Leskovac is contributing €37,000, further demonstrating its commitment to strengthening local inclusion policies and support for persons with disabilities. In addition to the medical cabinet at the “11 October” School: The aim of this activity is to strengthen the capacities of local institutions and organisations so that they can improve their work with users and provide higher-quality services. In this way, the activity directly contributes to greater inclusion and an improved position for persons with disabilities in Leskovac and the surrounding area. The delivery of equipment is part of a broader process of improving the position of persons with disabilities in Leskovac through the EMPOWERED project. During the implementation of the project, a local working group was established. With the support of professional consultants, the group developed local inclusion plans and projects focused on persons with disabilities. Activities are currently under way to implement two local inclusion plans aimed at improving the position of persons with disabilities and developing community-based support services. As part of the project, interviews, focus groups, and public consultations were conducted with representatives of institutions, civil society organisations, and persons with disabilities. These activities helped identify key needs and priorities for improving local policies and services. From December 2025 to May 2026, career counselling was provided for persons with disabilities. During 2026, psychosocial workshops were also organised to support their empowerment and encourage their more active participation in social life. When the environment is adapted to a child’s needs, every step towards better health becomes safer, more accessible, and more empowering. #Empowered #Inclusion #DisabilityInclusion #Leskovac #Accessibility
Tender Reference No.: BOS2404-PP-S06
Invitation to Tender: Provision of comprehensive services for Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Work Integration Program (WIP) for persons with disabilities (PwDs) PREDA Plus hereby announces the launch of the tender for a “Provision of comprehensive services for Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Work Integration Program (WIP) for persons with disabilities (PwDs)” under reference number BOS2404-PP-S06. 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 19 August – 04 September, 2026, by sending an email to: info-kosovo@predaplus.eu The deadline for submission of bids is September 18, 2026, at 15:00.
Tender Reference No.: BOS2404-PP-S07
Invitation to Tender: Istog without Barriers – Installing Tactile Paving Tiles for People with Visual Impairments PREDA Plus hereby announces the launch of the tender for a “Istog Without Barriers – Installing Tactile Paving Tiles for People with Visual Impairments”, under reference number BOS2404-PP-S07. 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 19 August – 07 September, 2026, by sending an email to: info-kosovo@predaplus.eu. The deadline for submission of bids is September 21, 2026, at 15:00.
Tender ref.no.: BOS2404_IDC/SER T 08
TENDER FOR PROVISION OF MID-TERM PROJECT RESULTS EVALUATION SERVICES We are informing you that on August 17, 2026 the organization Initiative for Development and Cooperation is opening the procurement for provision of Mid-Term Project Results Evaluation services, reference number BOS2404_IDC/SER T 08, 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 September 16, 2026. at 12:00 hours.
Tender Reference No.: BOS2404-LIRCD-WOR-T03
On the 13th of August, organization LIR Civil Society hereby announces the launch of a tender for theReconstruction of the premises of the association for children and persons with disabilities “Sreća za sve” –Travnik, reference number BOS2404-LIRCD-WOR-T03 within the project “EMPOWERED – Inclusion ofpersons with disabilities (PWDs), regional cooperation and development in the Western Balkans”, fundedby the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany (BMZ).All interested bidders are invited to submit their request for tender documentation on company’s letterhead,to the e-mail addresses: zoran.basic@lircd.org; maja.katic@lircd.org and ivana.bojinovic@lircd.orgThe deadline for submitting offers in accordance with the tender documentation is 14. 09. 2026, by 12:00.