The organisation “Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe” is implementing a 3,35 million euros, German-supported programme “Socio-economic empowerment of the Western Balkans” to enhance the socio-economic stability of the region in 2021 until the end of December 2022.
The programme’ objective is to create mechanisms and networks for the empowerment of marginalised groups including COVID-19 recovery measures and thus facilitate their inclusion and social prosperity.
The focus of the activities, in all Western Balkans countries, is on the job-creation through the establishment of new businesses and provision of support to the existing ones affected by the COVID-19. The assistance will be provided to socially vulnerable groups women, youth, people with disabilities, prisoners and local communities, through in-kind grants, and personal and professional skills building.
“Following the principle of “help towards self-reliance”, Help supports the efforts of low-income families, women, youth, prisoners and former prisoners, people with disabilities to improve their living conditions through their own means and for the long-term to strengthen the resilience of individuals and communities,” said Mr Timo Stegelmann, the Deputy Managing Director of Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe.
By the end of the project, it is expected that in the Western Balkans, Help will have supported at least 470 small scale businesses. At least 900 people will have increased their personal and professional skills. The penitentiary support to 18 prisons and at least 15 local initiatives completed, and a social platform fully operation on the regional level.
Albania
At least 45 beneficiaries will be supported with in-kind grants including the business and vocational training, as well as the 20 micro-farmers through equipment and capacity building. At least 30 unemployed young people will have gained their professional skills and competencies to facilitate their labour market access through on-the-job training. For the improvement of the local communities, one kindergarten will be renovated enabling safe conditions for at least 90 children.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
The project in Bosnia will cover eight municipalities with at least 150 small businesses and 100 people having their professional performances improved, including the measures for alleviation of COVID-19 impact to local economies. There is expected eight local communities strengthened, two prisons supported and at least 20 former prisoners empowered towards self-reliance.
Kosovo
In Kosovo, there will be at least 160 empowered small businesses with in-kind grants and at least 190 attendees to business and professional training to increase the competencies and facilitate the labour market access. Three prisons will be supported within the resocialisation component. As for the local communities’ improvement, at least four kindergartens will be supported to create a stimulating environment. In addition, previously established local structures will be utilised in synergetic action for a common good to produce and set up outdoor trash bins installed in the capital of Kosovo, Prishtina.
Montenegro
In Montenegro, the project will facilitate access to the labour market for vulnerable, young people and women, with on-the-job training in private companies and firms to help them gain knowledge, qualifications and skills attractive at the labour market. It is expected to have at least 40 unemployed, to perform a six-month on-the-job training. The employers will be supported with the provision of necessary equipment for the expansion of their businesses. The prison support to the facility in Spuz through equipment and training will also be provided.
Serbia
In Serbia, it is expected to have at least 80 small businesses generating sufficient income, in addition to 25 vulnerable people (women and people with disabilities), and at least 10 former prisoners. The penitentiary treatment programmes improved in 12 prisons through equipment and tailor-made training sessions. As for capacity building at least 400 people will have attended advanced business, professional and specialised training sessions. Social platform placed as a collaborative network of relevant stakeholders and socially vulnerable groups making the most effective use of existing resources and potentials towards sustainable development.
