A total of 2,580 citizens were supported through improved access to various public healthcare and social protection services, while approximately 230 people from vulnerable social groups were economically empowered through skills training, resulting in employment and increased income for 145 of these persons.
“Cooperation with local self-government units is crucial for the improvement of citizens’ lives, the exercise of their rights, public service access and equality among all citizens of Serbia. The role of civil society organisations is also paramount in this process, as evidenced by the results of these projects. It is particularly encouraging that full sustainability of the innovative services initiated through these projects has been achieved,” said Mirjana Ćojbašić, assistant to the Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs at the event held on 10 June 2021 in Ćuprija, thanking the Swiss Government and UNOPS for their long-standing support.
Certificates for the successful implementation of the projects in Vlasotince, Ivanjica, Smederevo, Raška, Ćuprija, Novi Pazar, Negotin and Zaječar were awarded during the event. The projects were implemented within the public call under the title ‘New Ideas for Local Communities’ the total value of which exceeded 110,000 Euro.
“The results of these projects indicate that if we join forces and have complementary action from various sectors, positive change can be effected. The projects were able to identify the needs of vulnerable groups and assist the most vulnerable members of the community in the proper manner. The Swiss Government is prepared to continue supporting initiatives focusing on the improvement of social inclusion in Serbia” said Richard Kohli, Head of Cooperation of the Swiss Development and Cooperation Office with the Swiss Embassy.
More information on the results of socially innovative projects by local governments in partnership with the civil sector can be seen on the Swiss PRO Programme website.
Head of Cooperation of the Swiss Development and Cooperation Office with the Swiss Embassy Richard Kohli also visited the sensory room in Svilajnac. The room is part of a project implemented by the municipality in partnership with the Svilajnac Centre for Family Care and supported by the Swiss Government through Swiss PRO.
The project has enhanced the advisory and therapeutic work done at the Centre for Family Care by installing assistive devices in a sensory room for children with developmental disabilities. The project will help the children improve their motor and metal skills, their self-control, and their ability to learn and communicate, thereby improving their quality of life. In addition to the therapeutic services provided, the project also includes psychological support for parents.
These activities are part of the Programme "Enhancing Good Governance and Social Inclusion for Municipal Development – Swiss PRO", supported by the Government of Switzerland in cooperation with the Government of Serbia and implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in partnership with the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM).
