PROJECT PARTNERS
The Empowered project brings together a strong network of partners across the Western Balkans, each with extensive experience in social inclusion, advocacy, economic development, and capacity-building. These organizations play a critical role in ensuring that the project achieves sustainable impact through policy engagement, community-based initiatives, and direct support for persons with disabilities (PwDs). Each partner contributes unique expertise and local knowledge, ensuring that project activities are effectively tailored to the specific needs, policies, and institutional frameworks of their respective countries.
Connection
Partners from six Western Balkan countries form a strong regional network. Through cooperation between public, civil, and private sectors, we connect local communities, institutions, and persons with disabilities in a shared effort toward inclusion.
Action
Together, we develop concrete solutions – from local inclusion plans and awareness campaigns to trainings and employment support. Each partner brings expertise and experience, creating change where it matters most.
Impact
Our work brings real and sustainable change for more than 20,000 persons with disabilities. We strengthen capacities, remove barriers, and build a region where rights and equality are accessible to all.
Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund South East Europe (ASB SEE) – Regional (Lead Partner)
ASB SEE is the regional office of Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund Deutschland e.V., a German humanitarian and development organization with over 30 years of active engagement in the Western Balkans. ASB SEE operates across all six Western Balkan countries, implementing projects focused on social inclusion, employment, humanitarian assistance, and civil protection. Through its partnerships with national institutions, civil society, and local governments, ASB SEE plays a central role in promoting systemic and sustainable development tailored to the needs of vulnerable populations.
Role in Empowered:
• Leading and coordinating all project activities at the regional level across WB6 countries.
• Managing financial and administrative processes, including donor reporting and compliance.
• Facilitating regional cooperation and political dialogue among ministries, civil society, and private sector actors.
• Designing and implementing regional conferences, advocacy campaigns, and the Regional Working Group.
• Providing capacity building to project partners and stakeholders on project cycle management, labor market inclusion, and PwD rights.
Impact and Experience:
As the lead agency, ASB SEE brings extensive expertise in managing large-scale, multi-country development initiatives. With a longstanding presence in the region and strong operational capacities, ASB SEE ensures strategic coordination, institutional engagement, and visibility for the Empowered project. Its proven track record in supporting inclusive policies, developing cross-sector partnerships, and empowering marginalized groups makes ASB SEE uniquely positioned to drive systemic change. In close cooperation with local partners, ASB SEE promotes a unified regional approach to the inclusion of persons with disabilities, building bridges between policy, practice, and people.
ADRF
Albanian Disability Rights Foundation (ADRF) – Albania
About ADRF: The Albanian Disability Rights Foundation (ADRF) is a leading organization in Albania dedicated to promoting the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities. Since its establishment in 1994, ADRF has played a pivotal role in shaping national disability policies, building the capacity of local organizations, and advocating for the full implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The organization works closely with institutions, civil society, and communities to ensure equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and public life for persons with disabilities.
Role in Empowered:
• Supporting national and local institutions in developing inclusive policies and services.
• Providing legal aid and advocacy for the protection of disability rights.
• Organizing awareness campaigns to combat stigma and discrimination.
• Building the capacities of organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) for stronger advocacy.
• Facilitating cross-border collaboration and sharing best practices in inclusion.
Impact and Experience:
ADRF’s long-standing leadership in disability rights in Albania has significantly influenced policy reform and improved public awareness. Their extensive experience in advocacy, legal support, and community mobilization ensures that the Empowered project in Albania addresses both systemic barriers and individual needs. ADRF’s involvement strengthens regional cooperation and contributes to the creation of inclusive environments across the Western Balkans.
PREDA PLUS
PREDA Plus – Kosovo*
PREDA Plus is an organization dedicated to economic development, entrepreneurship, and cross-border cooperation. Their projects focus on job creation, business development, and social integration for vulnerable populations.
Role in Empowered:
- Providing employment services and job coaching for PwDs.
- Working with employers to develop PwD-friendly workplaces.
- Organizing capacity-building workshops for government officials and civil society organizations.
- Supporting self-employment initiatives and business incubation programs for PwDs.
- Facilitating regional knowledge-sharing events to promote best practices.
Impact and Experience: PREDA Plus has extensive experience in supporting vulnerable workers and promoting employment opportunities. Their expertise in entrepreneurship and business development will play a key role in ensuring that PwDs in Kosovo* have greater access to economic opportunities.
LIR CD
LIR Civil Society (LIR CD) – Bosnia and Herzegovina
LIR Civil Society (LIR CD) is a Bosnia and Herzegovina-based organization specializing in social innovation, economic inclusion, and capacity-building for local NGOs. LIR works on strengthening civil society engagement in decision-making processes, particularly in areas related to social protection, employment policies, and human rights.
Role in Empowered:
- Supporting local authorities in implementing PwD-friendly policies.
- Providing business training and mentorship programs for PwDs.
- Strengthening community-based support networks for PwDs and their families.
- Leading research and data collection on the status of PwDs in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Advocating for stronger enforcement of disability rights legislation.
Impact and Experience: LIR CD has played a crucial role in improving the capacity of local institutions to support marginalized groups. Their experience in social innovation will help create new models for inclusion, ensuring that policies translate into real opportunities for PwDs.
IDC
Initiative for Development and Cooperation (IDC) – Serbia
IDC Serbia is a key actor in social entrepreneurship, economic development, and humanitarian assistance. The organization has a long history of supporting vulnerable populations, including PwDs, returnees, and low-income families, with a strong focus on job creation and economic sustainability.
Role in Empowered:
- Implementing vocational training and work-integration programs for PwDs.
- Developing entrepreneurship initiatives to support PwD-led businesses.
- Engaging with the private sector to promote inclusive hiring practices.
- Strengthening civil society networks to advocate for PwD rights.
- Providing technical expertise on social entrepreneurship and cooperative development.
Impact and Experience: IDC Serbia has successfully supported the establishment of social enterprises, helping vulnerable groups, including PwDs, secure stable employment. Their expertise in economic empowerment and job creation will be crucial for ensuring that PwDs in Serbia gain sustainable access to the labor market
CDI
Community Development Institute (CDI) – North Macedonia
The Community Development Institute (CDI) is one of North Macedonia’s leading civil society organizations, focusing on democracy, human rights, and economic empowerment. Established in 1996, CDI has implemented numerous projects aimed at strengthening local communities, supporting marginalized groups, and developing inclusive policies at the national and regional levels.
Role in Empowered:
- Organizing and facilitating regional policy dialogues and working groups.
- Developing and coordinating national-level inclusion strategies for PwDs.
- Conducting advocacy campaigns to promote disability rights in North Macedonia.
- Leading cross-border knowledge exchange initiatives with partners in the region.
- Working with local institutions to improve employment and social service access for PwDs.
Impact and Experience: CDI has worked extensively with national and municipal authorities, businesses, and civil society organizations to implement projects that promote economic participation, vocational education, and social inclusion. Their extensive network in North Macedonia will ensure that the Empowered project achieves strong institutional buy-in and policy impact.
ALFA Centar
Alfa Center – Montenegro
Alfa Center is a youth and civil society organization focused on volunteering, social inclusion, and policy engagement. The organization has been active in promoting disability rights, engaging with policymakers, and organizing awareness-raising activities.
Role in Empowered:
- Conducting advocacy campaigns and public awareness initiatives on PwD rights.
- Working with local governments to improve public services for PwDs.
- Organizing volunteer programs to support PwD integration in the community.
- Providing training sessions for teachers, employers, and policymakers on PwD inclusion.
- Leading outreach efforts to engage youth in disability advocacy.
Impact and Experience: Alfa Center’s work in policy engagement and youth participation ensures that PwD issues remain on the public agenda. Their strong advocacy network will increase visibility and public support for the goals of the Empowered project.
Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund
(ASB)
ASB SEE is the regional office of Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund Deutschland e.V., a German humanitarian and development organization with over 30 years of active engagement in the Western Balkans. ASB SEE operates across all six Western Balkan countries, implementing projects focused on social inclusion, employment, humanitarian assistance, and civil protection. Through its partnerships with national institutions, civil society, and local governments, ASB SEE plays a central role in promoting systemic and sustainable development tailored to the needs of vulnerable populations.
Role in Empowered:
• Leading and coordinating all project activities at the regional level across WB6 countries.
• Managing financial and administrative processes, including donor reporting and compliance.
• Facilitating regional cooperation and political dialogue among ministries, civil society, and private sector actors.
• Designing and implementing regional conferences, advocacy campaigns, and the Regional Working Group.
• Providing capacity building to project partners and stakeholders on project cycle management, labor market inclusion, and PwD rights.
Impact and Experience:
As the lead agency, ASB SEE brings extensive expertise in managing large-scale, multi-country development initiatives. With a longstanding presence in the region and strong operational capacities, ASB SEE ensures strategic coordination, institutional engagement, and visibility for the Empowered project. Its proven track record in supporting inclusive policies, developing cross-sector partnerships, and empowering marginalized groups makes ASB SEE uniquely positioned to drive systemic change. In close cooperation with local partners, ASB SEE promotes a unified regional approach to the inclusion of persons with disabilities, building bridges between policy, practice, and people.
SHDPAK
Albanian Disability Rights Foundation (ADRF) – Albania
About ADRF: The Albanian Disability Rights Foundation (ADRF) is a leading organization in Albania dedicated to promoting the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities. Since its establishment in 1994, ADRF has played a pivotal role in shaping national disability policies, building the capacity of local organizations, and advocating for the full implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The organization works closely with institutions, civil society, and communities to ensure equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and public life for persons with disabilities.
Role in Empowered:
• Supporting national and local institutions in developing inclusive policies and services.
• Providing legal aid and advocacy for the protection of disability rights.
• Organizing awareness campaigns to combat stigma and discrimination.
• Building the capacities of organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) for stronger advocacy.
• Facilitating cross-border collaboration and sharing best practices in inclusion.
Impact and Experience:
ADRF’s long-standing leadership in disability rights in Albania has significantly influenced policy reform and improved public awareness. Their extensive experience in advocacy, legal support, and community mobilization ensures that the Empowered project in Albania addresses both systemic barriers and individual needs. ADRF’s involvement strengthens regional cooperation and contributes to the creation of inclusive environments across the Western Balkans.
PREDA
PREDA Plus – Kosovo*
PREDA Plus is an organization dedicated to economic development, entrepreneurship, and cross-border cooperation. Their projects focus on job creation, business development, and social integration for vulnerable populations.
Role in Empowered:
- Providing employment services and job coaching for PwDs.
- Working with employers to develop PwD-friendly workplaces.
- Organizing capacity-building workshops for government officials and civil society organizations.
- Supporting self-employment initiatives and business incubation programs for PwDs.
- Facilitating regional knowledge-sharing events to promote best practices.
Impact and Experience: PREDA Plus has extensive experience in supporting vulnerable workers and promoting employment opportunities. Their expertise in entrepreneurship and business development will play a key role in ensuring that PwDs in Kosovo* have greater access to economic opportunities.
LIRCD
LIR Civil Society (LIR CD) – Bosnia and Herzegovina
LIR Civil Society (LIR CD) is a Bosnia and Herzegovina-based organization specializing in social innovation, economic inclusion, and capacity-building for local NGOs. LIR works on strengthening civil society engagement in decision-making processes, particularly in areas related to social protection, employment policies, and human rights.
Role in Empowered:
- Supporting local authorities in implementing PwD-friendly policies.
- Providing business training and mentorship programs for PwDs.
- Strengthening community-based support networks for PwDs and their families.
- Leading research and data collection on the status of PwDs in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Advocating for stronger enforcement of disability rights legislation.
Impact and Experience: LIR CD has played a crucial role in improving the capacity of local institutions to support marginalized groups. Their experience in social innovation will help create new models for inclusion, ensuring that policies translate into real opportunities for PwDs.
IDC
Initiative for Development and Cooperation (IDC) – Serbia
IDC Serbia is a key actor in social entrepreneurship, economic development, and humanitarian assistance. The organization has a long history of supporting vulnerable populations, including PwDs, returnees, and low-income families, with a strong focus on job creation and economic sustainability.
Role in Empowered:
- Implementing vocational training and work-integration programs for PwDs.
- Developing entrepreneurship initiatives to support PwD-led businesses.
- Engaging with the private sector to promote inclusive hiring practices.
- Strengthening civil society networks to advocate for PwD rights.
- Providing technical expertise on social entrepreneurship and cooperative development.
Impact and Experience: IDC Serbia has successfully supported the establishment of social enterprises, helping vulnerable groups, including PwDs, secure stable employment. Their expertise in economic empowerment and job creation will be crucial for ensuring that PwDs in Serbia gain sustainable access to the labor market
CDI
Community Development Institute (CDI) – North Macedonia
The Community Development Institute (CDI) is one of North Macedonia’s leading civil society organizations, focusing on democracy, human rights, and economic empowerment. Established in 1996, CDI has implemented numerous projects aimed at strengthening local communities, supporting marginalized groups, and developing inclusive policies at the national and regional levels.
Role in Empowered:
- Organizing and facilitating regional policy dialogues and working groups.
- Developing and coordinating national-level inclusion strategies for PwDs.
- Conducting advocacy campaigns to promote disability rights in North Macedonia.
- Leading cross-border knowledge exchange initiatives with partners in the region.
- Working with local institutions to improve employment and social service access for PwDs.
Impact and Experience: CDI has worked extensively with national and municipal authorities, businesses, and civil society organizations to implement projects that promote economic participation, vocational education, and social inclusion. Their extensive network in North Macedonia will ensure that the Empowered project achieves strong institutional buy-in and policy impact.
ALFA CENTAR
Alfa Center – Montenegro
Alfa Center is a youth and civil society organization focused on volunteering, social inclusion, and policy engagement. The organization has been active in promoting disability rights, engaging with policymakers, and organizing awareness-raising activities.
Role in Empowered:
- Conducting advocacy campaigns and public awareness initiatives on PwD rights.
- Working with local governments to improve public services for PwDs.
- Organizing volunteer programs to support PwD integration in the community.
- Providing training sessions for teachers, employers, and policymakers on PwD inclusion.
- Leading outreach efforts to engage youth in disability advocacy.
Impact and Experience: Alfa Center’s work in policy engagement and youth participation ensures that PwD issues remain on the public agenda. Their strong advocacy network will increase visibility and public support for the goals of the Empowered project.
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EMPOWERED WESTERN BALKANS