Perspectives of Inclusion – Civic dialogue about work integration of persons with disabilities from the perspective of different local community stakeholders

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IRIS Network organized on 10th December 2024 in Pančevo, on the human rights day, the social dialogue titled​ ” Perspectives of inclusion ” – Civic dialogue about work integration of persons with disabilities from the perspective of different local community stakeholders, with special focus on work integration of this target group, opportunities and challenges which they are facing.​

The dialogue brought together representatives of organizations members of Iris Network, civic society organizations that provide social services to persons with disabilities, as well as representatives of institutions. At the event were present representatives of the National Employment Service and Erste ​Bank, from sector​ for social banking, members of the Pančevo City Council and Administration, Association Volja za zivotom from Velika Plana, Associations Evo ruka from Belgrade, Na pola puta from​​ Pančevo and Zelena Plantaza Iva from Surduk.

Main topics for discussion covered programs of the National Employment Service ​for persons with disabilities, their position and needs, obstacles and challenges with which they encounter in everyday life, legal restrictions and other obstacles which makes their active engagement difficult, opportunities for overcoming them, obligations of institutions and support, as well as their integration and work engagement in social enterprises, as one of the models of working integration. In conclusion, through exchange of good practices, participants jointly developed recommendations which could help in the future to improve the position of persons with disabilities. In addition, all present participants express their interest to form an informal network and cooperate in order to improve position of persons with disabilities on the labor market.

The civic dialogue was organized within project Strengthening capacities and policy engagement of community service providers – IRIS Progress which is funded by the European Union, and implemented by Initiative for Development and Cooperation (IDC).

 

Balkan caravan – Journey through the Western Balkan region

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The IRIS network organized the Balkan Caravan from 8- 13 July, 2024 in six countries of the region – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo*, North Macedonia and Serbia.

The purpose of the Balkan Caravan is the promotion and exchange of good practices in the field of human rights and social inclusion in the Western Balkans. In each of the countries, a Mini Festival of Human Rights is organized by the host organizations and partners of the IRIS network.

The Balkan Caravan traveled through six countries of the region, hosted by our members:

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina – Center for psihological support SENSUS and LIR CD
  • Montenegro – SOS Nikšić and Alfa Centar
  • Albania – Useful to the community and CLR
  • North Macedonia – Center for youth activism KRIK and CDI
  • Kosova* – Down Syndrome Kosova and Center for independent life
  • Serbia – Association of Psychologists Novi Pazar and ASB

The Balkan Caravan consisted of the following organizations: Association Altruist Mostar, Volunteers of Montenegro, Association Halfway there, Defending the rights of people with disabilities – Medpak, Real act of kindness and Jesuit Refugee Service Serbia.

 

  1. Day of Balkan Caravan in Mostar: A Day of Creativity and Education

The first day of the Balkan Caravan was spent in the city of Mostar, hosted by “Psychotherapy Sensus”. Event was warmly opened by our grantee, “Ray of Hope” who conducted a brooch-making workshop, bringing creativity to the participants. Following this, hosts guided participants through their photo exhibition and conducted a workshop on Human Rights and Mental Health.

 

In addition to these activities, there were held presentations from our guests from the association “Halfway There” and “Volunteers of Montenegro”, who showcased their projects and contributions. The first day of the Balkan Caravan was filled with creativity, education, and collaboration.

 

 

 

  1. Day of Balkan Caravan in Nikšić: Empowering Women and Raising Awareness

On the second day, Balkan Caravan arrived in Nikšić where it were welcomed by partners from Alfa Center Nikšić and grantees from Montenegro, SOS Nikšić and SOS Podgorica.

SOS Podgorica showcased their project “Together for better services for women and children”  through presentation, while SOS Nikšić organized an event in the main city square. At this event, they promoted their online service for victims of stalking, directly informing the women of Nikšić on how to recognize stalking and how to seek help.

Following these activities, participants had an opportunity to visit mural – “OsnaŽENE – vidljive”, featuring Frida Kahlo and Judith Heumann. These women are portrayed not only as symbols of feminism but also as women with disabilities, emphasizing their empowerment and resilience.

 

 

 

 

  1. Day of Balkan Caravan in Elbasan: Raising Awareness and Empowering Rural Women

Balkan caravan spent the third day in Elbasan, Albania with hosts CLR and grantees – Psycho social center Vatra and Useful to the Community. There was organized raising awareness campaign in the main square where grantees informed citizens about their work and presented the handmade products of their beneficiaries.

Moreover, Balkan caravan visited center from organization Useful to the community, where were organized dialogue between local decision-makers and members of this organization about issues and challenges that rural women faces in their daily lives.

Final activity of this day was meeting in the Municipality of Elbasan with local organizations and representatives from the Department of Social Services of the Municipality of Vlora and the Directorate of Social Services of the Municipality of Elbasan. Participants discussed and exchanged their practices and challenges which lead to common conclusions in improving the services offered to citizens.

 

 

  1. Day of Balkan Caravan in Skoplje: Art, Music, and Inclusion

Balkan caravan arrived to Skopje at the Center for Youth Activism KRIK. We were joined by our grantee HERA and our partner from Macedonia, CDI Macedonia.

Participants had the opportunity to explore their facilities, admire artistic paintings and products made by beneficiaries, and enjoy in talk with colleagues from other countries. There were organized a dialogue between local institutions, local organizations and participants where they discussed situations in each country and shared the possible solutions for similar problems that they are facing. Additionally, participants gained a gift which are T-shirts that beneficiaries printed. They learned a printing process from workshops that were held through IRIS grants.

 

 

 

  1. Day of Balkan Caravan in Pristina: Advocating for Disability Rights

The fifth day Balkan Caravan spent in Prishtina with host, Down Syndrome Kosova. With representatives from public institutions, civil society, and members of Down Syndrome, participants had the opportunity to discuss issues related to the rights of individuals, with a special focus on disabilities and exchanging ideas and good practices.

Participants were particularly delighted by a musical performance by one of their talented beneficiaries. Additionally, there were presented artworks from the beneficiaries, including beautifully crafted greeting cards. Hosts showed participants their space and presented their work in order to transmit their good practices to others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Day of Balkan Caravan in Novi Pazar

The last day of Balkan caravan was spent in main park and hosted by the Association of Psychologists in Novi Pazar. The day featured open-space events with presentations from 20 organizations, offering a variety of workshops, exhibitions, and showcases of their work.

In addition to the outdoor stands, there were presentations of projects and initiatives by Iris grantees, including the Altruist Association from Bosnia and Herzegovina, NVO Medpak from Albania, the Jesuit Refugee Service from Serbia and the Evo Ruka Association from Serbia. The association “Halfway There” also held a quiz for youth on internet safety, engaging and educating participants on this important topic.

 


This activity, Balkan Caravan is held in the framework of the EU-funded project “Strengthening capacities and policy engagement of community service providers – IRIS PROGRESS”, funded by the EU. Project partners on the project are ASB (Germany), Center for Labour Rights (Albania), CDI (North Macedonia), Alfa Center (Montenegro), Center for Independent Life (Kosovo*) and LIR CD (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

TENDER FOR PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR LOGISTIC SUPPORT OF BALKAN CARAVAN – HR/SOCIAL INCLUSION PRACTICES PROMOTION – Tender ref.no.: IDC-IRIS 2022/ SER T6

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We are informing you that on June 17, 2024. the organization Initiative for Development and Cooperation is opening the procurement for provision of services for logistic support of Balkan Caravan – HR/Social Inclusion Practices Promotion, reference number IDC – IRIS 2022 SER T6, within the project “Strengthening capacities and policy engagement of community service providers – IRIS PROGRES” funded by the European Union, represented by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia.

All interested bidders may send a request for the tender documentation to the e-mail procurement@idcserbia.org .

The deadline for submitting offers is June 25, 2024. at 12:00 hours.

We remain at your disposal for any additional information.

Balkan Caravan – Call for participants

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In the framework of the EU-funded project “Strengthening capacities and policy engagement of
community service providers – IRIS PROGRESS”, IRIS Network is organizing Balkan Caravan and is opening a call for participants.

 

ABOUT BALKAN CARAVAN

Balkan Caravan is an eight-day event which purpose is to promote and exchange best human rights and social inclusion practices in Western Balkan countries. Balkan Caravan will visit each of the Western Balkan countries participating in Iris Progress project (Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo*, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina). In each of the countries a Mini Human Rights Festival will be organized by host organization and partners of Iris network.

The duration of the whole Balkan Caravan will be 6 days (plus 2 days for travel to the Balkan caravan
and return) – 1 day in each city / country. It will take place from 8 – 13 July 2024. The 6 selected
participants for the Balkan Caravan will be divided into 2 groups. Group 1 will travel through BiH,
Montenegro and Albania in the duration of 3 days and Group 2 will travel through North Macedonia,
Kosovo* and Serbia in the duration of 3 days.

The Balkan Caravan route is as follows: Mostar (BiH), Niksic (Montenegro), Elbasan (Albania), Skopje
(North Macedonia), Pristina (Kosovo*) and Novi Pazar (Serbia)

ABOUT CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS

Through this Call for Balkan Caravan participants from 6 Iris Network member
organizations will be selected. The selected participants will travel with the Balkan Caravan through
Western Balkan countries mentioned above and participate in the Mini Human Rights Festival,
organized in each country, by presenting a best practice from their organization in form of a 10 minute
video to the festival participants.

 

What do we expect from you?

· To prepare a 10 minute video about your organization’s best practice(s) in the provision of
social services and protection of human rights of vulnerable groups. The selected participants
will present their video at the Mini human rights festivals as part of Balkan Caravan. The video
should be in your native language.
· Willingness to learn about and exchange best practices with Iris Network members and other
CSOs in WB countries
· Recognize the need to increase professional capacity in provision of social services to
vulnerable groups, protection of human rights and transfer know how to your organization
· Willingness to travel as part of the Balkan Caravan through WB countries (Albania, North
Macedonia, Kosovo*, Montenegro, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina)

 

How to apply

If you are interested in participating in the Balkan Caravan please send:
· 10 minute video about the best practice(s) of your organization
· your CV (1 page)
· 1 page cover letter that clearly states your motivation and your objectives/learning outcomes
from the Balkan Caravan
· Recommendation Letter from your current employer – IRIS Network member
to iris@iris-see.eu by 21 June 2024

 

Assessment of applications

The assessment will be based on the application submitted by the candidate. Please clearly indicate
in the motivation letter of your application:
· How the participation in the Balkan Caravan will impact your professional and your
organization’s capacities

Terms and conditions

The following costs will be covered:
· Travel costs to the city where the meeting point of the Balkan Caravan participants will be,
travel during the Balkan Caravan and return travel costs to your city
· Accommodation costs
· Meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner during the Balkan Caravan

 

Please note that this Call is open only to staff members and/or volunteers of IRIS Network member
organizations.