The European Union and the Government of Switzerland, through the European PROGRES development programme, will support 16 civil society organisation projects which should contribute to the improvement of the position of Roma communities in 34 programme municipalities in the South East and South West. The support amounting to EUR150,000 is allocated for the implementation of the measures from the Strategy for the Social Inclusion of Roma for the period 2016-2025 in the fields of education, employment, housing, social protection, healthcare, and security.
“The European Union and the Government of Switzerland have supported the Roma community to take active part in piloting and implementing the measures from the Strategy, as we believe that the full implementation of this important document is the best way to make visible progress and improve the socio-economic status of the Roma community at the local level“, said Graeme Tyndall, European PROGRES Programme Manager.
Twenty-five out of 39 organizations that submitted proposals, passed to the second phase of the Public Call, which included training for project proposals preparation and strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations to empower them for the implementation of specific activities relevant to the Roma community at the local level. During the Call, which was open from 18 May to 4 July 2016, European PROGRES organised six info-sessions with 63 participants.
“Approved projects will primarily contribute to the economic empowerment and employment of Roma, improving their health and security, particularly with regard to the protection from fires, which are common in Roma settlements. Thus, we are helping Roma organisations, particularly those working at the local level to implement the activities that will contribute to reducing the inequality and poverty of the Roma community, which is one of the most vulnerable groups in Serbia”, added Ana Nedeljković, Manager of the European PROGRES Good Governance and Social Inclusion Sector.
During project implementation, the Programme will provide monitoring and mentor support to ensure efficiency and proper implementation of activities. Project implementation will start in September and October 2016.
The list of approved projects is available on the European PROGRES website
http://www.europeanprogres.org/rezultati/sr/
The European Union and the Government of Switzerland will support the activities of the European PROGRESS programme, which contributes to the sustainable development of the South and South West Serbia, with a total of EUR24.46 million. Approved projects will be aimed at strengthening local administration, creating a favourable environment for the development of infrastructure and economy as well as improving the implementation of social inclusion and employment policy. The programme is implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
The municipalities included in the programme are as follows: Novi Pazar, Ivanjica, Nova Varos, Priboj, Prijepolje, Raska, Sjenica and Tutin in South West Serbia, as well as Prokuplje, Blace, Zitoradja, Kursumlija, Leskovac, Bojnik, Vlasotince, Lebane, Medvedja, Crna Trava, Vranje, Bosilegrad, Bujanovac, Vladicin Han, Presevo, Surdulica, Trgoviste, Brus, Aleksinac, Gadzin Han, Doljevac, Merosina, Svrljig, Babusnica, Bela Palanka and Knjazevac in South East Serbia.
