Economic empowerment as the foundation of sustainable return
Providing support to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees in the City of Leskovac
Why did we launch this project?
Prolonged displacement is not only a matter of housing and return. It directly affects people’s ability to find employment, start their own businesses, secure a stable income and make decisions about their future with greater security and dignity.
A significant number of internally displaced persons and returnees living in Leskovac and the surrounding areas continue to face poverty, long-term unemployment and limited access to professional and economic development opportunities. Young people, women and members of the Roma community are particularly vulnerable. A lack of work experience, limited access to training, fewer opportunities to start a business and a mismatch between existing skills and labour market demands further hinder their economic independence and sustainable integration.
That is why we launched the project “Providing support to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees in the City of Leskovac“ The project combines information provision, skills development, business support, vocational training and connections with employers. Its aim is not only to provide one-off assistance, but to create the conditions for people to acquire new knowledge, find employment, start or improve their own businesses and become more economically independent in the long term.
Through the project:
- 90 internally displaced persons will receive business training and mentoring support;
- 30 beneficiaries will receive equipment to start or develop their own businesses;
- 30 young people will improve their digital and ICT skills;
- 10 participants will have the opportunity to complete professional placements in ICT companies;
- the wider public and local stakeholders will be informed about opportunities for economic empowerment and sustainable return.
Economic empowerment is an important step towards sustainable return and a more stable life. When people have access to knowledge, employment, income and support, they are better able to plan their future independently. At the same time, their dependence on social assistance is reduced, while local communities become more resilient and inclusive.
ASB SEE bases its programmes on linking humanitarian assistance, social support and long-term development. As part of the international Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund network, ASB SEE combines broad international experience with an understanding of the needs of local communities. Our work includes supporting vulnerable groups, developing local capacities, promoting social and economic inclusion, improving access to rights and services, and responding to crisis situations.
In South-East Europe, ASB SEE works in partnership with local institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and the beneficiaries themselves. This approach ensures that our activities are not limited to the provision of assistance, but also contribute to creating concrete and sustainable opportunities for education, employment, entrepreneurship and active participation in the community.
Our experience, both in the region and through the wider ASB international network, shows that the best results are achieved when support is adapted to people’s real needs and when beneficiaries actively participate in the process. Through this project, we therefore aim to connect skills development, access to the labour market and support for entrepreneurship with local resources and opportunities.
Sustainable return begins with creating the conditions for a dignified life, economic security and equal participation in the community.
The project is implemented by ASB SEE and the City of Leskovac, with the financial support of the European Union. Through this partnership, the project brings together the expertise of an experienced international organisation and the knowledge and capacities of local institutions, ensuring that support is tailored to the needs of the community and contributes to sustainable, long-term results.
