Project

More about the project

Overall objective:
To contribute to the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities and their families, while strengthening sustainable and comprehensive social protection systems at the local level in Serbia. The project promotes innovative models of social service provision based on inter-municipal cooperation and social entrepreneurship.

Project objective:
Persons with disabilities and their families in Southeast and Southwest Serbia use new and improved local and inter-municipal social services and strengthen their skills, participation, emotional well-being, and inclusion in their communities.

Expected results

1. Strengthened local social policies and inter-municipal cooperation
   • Two Inter-Municipal Working Groups established;
   • Two Memorandums on Inter-Municipal Cooperation signed;
   • Ten municipalities supported in developing social protection policies and local social initiatives for persons with disabilities.
2. Established and strengthened social services
   • A regional Respite Care Centre established and equipped in Southeast Serbia;
   • Ten professional staff engaged and trained for service provision;
   • Five local social service providers supported through Local Social Initiatives;
   • New and improved inclusive services available to persons with disabilities and their families.
3. Increased participation and empowerment of persons with disabilities
   • At least 500 persons with disabilities and 200 other young people participate in inclusive workshops and community programs;
   • Persons with disabilities and their families actively participate in planning, monitoring, and evaluating social services.
4. Promotion of innovative social protection models
   • At least 20 CSOs strengthen their capacities in social entrepreneurship and sustainable social service provision;
   • Best practices documented and promoted through a practical guide, advocacy activities, conferences, and public campaigns;
   • More than 10,000 citizens reached through awareness-raising and advocacy activities.

Target groups

Direct beneficiaries

• 700 families, primarily families of persons with disabilities;
• Children, youth, and adults with disabilities;
• Parents, caregivers, and family members.

Institutional beneficiaries

• 10 municipalities from Southeast and Southwest Serbia;
• 100 representatives of local governments, Centres for Social Work, and civil society organizations;
• Local service providers and organizations of persons with disabilities.

Indirect beneficiaries

• More than 10,000 citizens reached through awareness-raising activities;
• National institutions, schools, health institutions, youth offices, tourism organizations, and other community stakeholders.

Geographic coverage

Southeast Serbia:
Pirot, Dimitrovgrad, Babušnica, Bela Palanka, Knjaževac and Svrljig

Southwest Serbia:
Novi Pazar, Raška, Tutin and Ivanjica