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.
Tender ref.no.: BOS2404_CDI/SER T 02
PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR THE LOGISTIC ORGANIZATION OF THE TRILATERAL WORKING CONFERENCE CDI We are informing you that on 17.11.2025 the organization Community Development Institute is opening the procurement for provision of services for the logistic organization of the Trilateral Working Conference CDI, reference number BOS2404_CDI/SER T 02, 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 December 17th 2025, at 12:00 hours.
🆕️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.
Training and career counseling in Novi Pazar – A step towards greater inclusion
In Novi Pazar, a three-day educational activity has begun, focusing on empowering persons with disabilities and promoting their inclusion in the labor market and society as a whole. Taking place from October 28 to 30 at Kompas, these activities represent an important step towards building an inclusive society and better opportunities for all. 🆕️ Project proposal writing training and career counseling sessions offer a unique opportunity for participants to develop professional skills, acquire new knowledge, and foster personal growth. The training covers topics such as project cycle management, budgeting, result monitoring, and preparing for funding competitions. The goal is to equip participants with practical skills they can use in future projects and professional endeavors. 🤝 Parallel to the training, individual counseling is being provided to support persons with disabilities in their personal and professional development. These sessions are tailored to each individual and focus on recognizing their potential, career planning, and active engagement in the labor market. Through this support, participants gain the necessary tools and guidance to achieve their professional goals and personal development. 📍 These activities are implemented by IDC and Forum mladih sa invaliditetom Srbije This initiative is part of the broader #EMPOWERED program, aimed at promoting rights, inclusion, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities across the region! The goal of these activities is not only to empower individuals but also to foster social change through education, mentorship, and collaboration among key stakeholders.
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.
Second working group meeting in Dimitrovgrad fosters collaborative social protection
The EMPOWERED project continues its dedicated efforts to enhance social inclusion across the Western Balkans. Recently, a pivotal event took place in Dimitrovgrad, hosting the second Empowered Working Group meeting, meticulously facilitated by IDC – Initiative for Development and Cooperation. This gathering convened a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from the local self-government, the Center for Social Work, various local associations, and other key community figures. The primary objective of this productive session was to engage participants in a comprehensive discussion on the intricacies of how institutions, organizations, and beneficiaries navigate the existing social protection system. Attendees shared valuable experiences, openly identified persistent challenges, and collaboratively proposed innovative strategies to enhance cooperation and streamline access to essential social services. The dialogue focused on fostering a more responsive and efficient system that genuinely serves the needs of all community members, particularly persons with disabilities. Through this open and constructive dialogue, participants exchanged valuable perspectives and insights. These contributions are instrumental in refining local policies and practices, ultimately strengthening the framework for social inclusion and bolstering community support within Dimitrovgrad. The EMPOWERED project firmly believes that such collaborative forums are vital for building consensus and developing sustainable solutions that reflect the unique needs of each community. The successful organization and outcome of this working group meeting underscore the commitment of all involved parties to collectively advance the project’s goals. The EMPOWERED team, alongside IDC Serbia and its partners, remains dedicated to fostering an environment where every individual has equal access to opportunities and support.
Empowered working group meeting – Dimitrovgrad with IDC Serbia
The second Empowered Working Group meeting was held in Dimitrovgrad, bringing together representatives of the local self-government, Center for Social Work, associations, and other key stakeholders. 🤝 Together, participants discussed how institutions, organizations, and beneficiaries navigate the social protection system — sharing experiences, identifying challenges, and proposing practical ways to improve cooperation and access to services. Through open and constructive dialogue, participants exchanged valuable perspectives that will contribute to strengthening inclusion, community support, and the overall effectiveness of social protection mechanisms.