IRIS network in Serbia organized national meeting on 20th December 2024. in the premises of IDC.
During meeting, Regional benchmark study: Social progress and EU Accession process in the Western Balkan countries was presented with emphasis on situation in Serbia. This report provides a benchmark study of the social progress in six countries – Albania, Bosna and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, focusing on three key areas: education, economic environment and social protection, and healthcare, with additional attention to human rights, social services, employment, and social dialogue and will be published on our website.
National meeting gathered members from Serbia, as well as new members that had recently joined to the network. This was the opportunity to introduce and connect new members with others in order to involve them in activities and contribute to the future cooperation.
National meeting was part of the annual activities of the IRIS Network.
https://iris-see.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241224_125733.jpg13241200Sanja Vukelichttp://iris-see.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/logo.pngSanja Vukelic2024-12-24 12:06:332024-12-24 12:06:33National meeting of IRIS Network in Serbia
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 “IRIS Progress – Strengthening capacity providers community service and participation in publicpolicies” which is funded by the European Union, and implemented by Initiative for Development and Cooperation (IDC).
https://iris-see.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/470041220_17914213866028547_2978863483601870825_n.jpg10861440Sanja Vukelichttp://iris-see.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/logo.pngSanja Vukelic2024-12-16 14:38:442024-12-16 14:39:29Perspectives of Inclusion – Civic dialogue about work integration of persons with disabilities from the perspective of different local community stakeholders
Regional Social Academy this year, was held in Skopje, North Macedonia, from 24 – 28 November 2024 within the project Strengthening capacities and policy engagement of community service providers – IRIS PROGRESS.
The main topic of Academy was “Human Rights and Social Inclusion of children and youth at risk”. This year, 30 participants attended Academy from organisations that are members of IRIS network from six Western Balkans countries.
The main focus of Academy was to strengthen capacities of its members and engage them through learning and practical activities in integrating a Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) with children and youth-focused strategies, social service delivery, and instruments and mechanisms for protecting beneficiaries’ rights.
1 Day of Regional Social Academy
The first day of the Academy was focused on exploring issues of social exclusion and educational inequalities, with particular attention to children and youth from marginalized groups, such as Roma communities. Through workshop, special emphasis was placed on the role of education as a tool for inclusion. Regarding that, participants were divided into groups to develop strategies aimed at reducing educational disparities among marginalized children and youth.
The first day of the Academy provided a deeper understanding of the challenges and initiated discussions on solutions to address the needs of children and youth at risk.
2 Day of Regional Social Academy
Second day, the workshop started with discussion about barriers to mental health services and strategies to improve accessibility for children and youth in need. Through teamwork, participants addressed the needs and challenges and in order to prevent those issues, and as a result they designed a strategy for improving mental health services for youth at risk.
In the afternoon, study visits were organized where participants were divided into two groups to visit local civil society organizations (CSOs) working in the field of child and youth protection:
Group 1 visited the organization HERA, organization that is focusing on reproductive health and rights, as well as comprehensive support for vulnerable children and youth.
Group 2 went to the Day Care Center for Street Children in Shuto Orizari, which is specialized in providing essential services and support for street children.
Both groups were engaged in interactive discussions with practitioners, shared insights and exchanged knowledge on effective practices and challenges in the field. These discussions allowed participants to gain practical perspectives on the implementation of programs aimed at improving the well-being and rights of marginalized children and youth.
3 Day of Regional Social Academy
The third day of the Academy focused on understanding and addressing various forms of violence and abuse impacting children and youth, emphasizing the psychological, emotional, and societal consequences. Some of the topics that were covered by this sessions are: the prevalence and dynamics of violence, bullying (both in-person and online), and discrimination; the long-term consequences of such experiences, both at the individual and societal levels.
Moreover, day 3 emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach which involves all stakeholders – schools, law enforcement, community organizations, and policymakers—to address the challenges of violence, cybercrime, and marginalization effectively. Through case studies and interactive discussions, participants identified ways to strengthen the protective framework around children and youth, ensuring their safety and well-being in both physical and digital spaces.
4 Day of Regional Social Academy – Program Closure
The fourth day of the Academy, focused on understanding the root causes of risky behaviors among youth, with a specific emphasis on juvenile delinquency and prevention strategies. One of the topics that were discussed: root causes of risky behaviors among youth, including socio-economic and family-related factors, prevention strategies, highlighting the role of education, community engagement, and family support and case studies showcasing successful interventions and reintegration programs for youth offenders. Following the lecture, participants engaged in group discussions, exchanging ideas and proposing further actions to prevent juvenile delinquency in their communities.
Closing Ceremony:
The program is concluded with a certificate award ceremony for all participants. IRIS network thanks all participants for their dedication and efforts and emphasize the importance of applying the acquired knowledge to improve the situation of children and youth at risk.
Regional Social Academy is part of the regular IRIS program activities, organized annually.
https://iris-see.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/slika-akademija.jpg611814Sanja Vukelichttp://iris-see.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/logo.pngSanja Vukelic2024-12-05 09:29:542024-12-05 09:33:11The IRIS Network Regional Social Academy – “Human Rights and Social Inclusion of children and youth at risk”.
IRIS Network is announcing call for applicants for Regional Social Academy “Advancing Human Rights and Social Inclusion of Children and Youth at Risk in the Western Balkans” that will be held in Skopje from 24th to 28th November 2024.
Academy offers participants a unique opportunity to benefit from a diversified training package, integrating a Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) with children and youth-focused strategies, social service delivery, and instruments and mechanisms for protecting beneficiaries’ rights. Participants will attend 4 day tailor-made training consisted of different learning methodologies including lectures, workshops, discussions and field visit.
All information and application procedure you can find here.
The deadline for application is 01st November 2024 at 17.00.
All applicants will receive information on the acceptance to the Academy no latter than 5 days upon closing of the application deadline.
Successful participants will obtain certificates and enter Academy Alumni.
Regional Social Academy is part of the regular IRIS program activities, organized annually.
For additional questions contact iris@iris-see.eu.
https://iris-see.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Pink-Minimalist-Square-Portfolio-Mockup-Instagram-Post-10.jpg10801080Sanja Vukelichttp://iris-see.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/logo.pngSanja Vukelic2024-10-21 14:20:012024-10-21 14:20:40Call for Application – Regional Social Academy “Advancing Human Rights and Social Inclusion of Children and Youth at Risk in the Western Balkans”
Second Regional Social Academy “Social Enterprises – An Innovative Model for sustainable service delivery and integration of marginalized groups in the labour market and society” was held from 27 – 30 May 2019. in Tirana. Under the framework of IRIS Networking CSOs for protection sensitive migration management, project is funded by European Commission and implemented through joined forces of 6 NGOs from 5WB countries: IDC Serbia, ASB South East Europe, SOS Podgorica, LIR Civil Society from B&H, ARSIS Albania and La Strada North Macedonia
Summary of our 4 day journey you can see in video below
https://iris-see.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/DSC_1312.jpg49127360Sanja Vukelichttp://iris-see.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/logo.pngSanja Vukelic2019-08-16 11:59:402019-08-16 12:27:36Second Regional Social Academy of IRIS Network
The project IRIS NETWORKing – CSOs for protection sensitive migration management is announcing Call for Peer Reviewers who will participate in the Western Balkans Policy Analysis Laboratory (PAL) School organized by The Future of the Welfare State in the Western Balkans Network on welfare issues, which will take place in Montenegro (Budva, Bečići) from 21 to 25 October 2019. Center for Social Policy (Belgrade, Serbia), member of the Western Balkans Network, is in charge of organizing PAL School.
One of the project activities is Peer Review Instrument within which Peer Review Reports will be prepared. The aim of the instrument is to enhance regional know-how exchange between CSOs dealing with provision of social services to vulnerable groups, including migrants, and to support focused peer-to-peer exchange. The Peer Review Reports will lead to innovative recommendations on how to combine existing practices. The mechanism is to strengthen CSOs IRIS Network members in building monitoring capacities for social service provision.
The PAL School is aimed at mid-level career professionals working in the social sectors either as policy and decision makers, service providers (from the state, NGO and private sectors), administrators, activists, advocates, think tank analysts, researchers, lecturers or service users from across the Western Balkan countries. The official language of the Policy Analysis Laboratory is English.
The deadline for applications is 30 August 2019 at 17 p.m. Only selected
candidates will be contacted.
If you are interested to participate in the event
and are will to prepare the Peer Review Report, please send the following
documents/information in English, to email: iris@iris-see.eu
A short CV in Europass format
1 page cover / motivation letter clearly stating
your motivation and objectives/learning outcome from attending PAL and what you
expect to achieve through attending; in the cover letter the applicant should
indicate in which of the three topics covered within the PAL School he/she is
most interested in. Rank your first and second choices of PAL streams
(we cannot guarantee that everyone will be placed in their first-choice stream)
Recommendation Letter from your current employer – IRIS Network
member
The PAL School starts on October 21, 2019 in the afternoon, after the arrival of the participants and ends on October 25, 2019.
Based on criteria indicated in the Call and submitted applications, in total seven (7) participants will be selected.
More information about PAL School and application you can find HERE.
Agenda of the Policy Analysis Laboratory School you can find HERE.
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Second Regional Social Academy “Social Enterprises – An Innovative Model for sustainable service delivery and integration of marginalized groups in the labour market and society” was held from 27 – 30 May 2019. in Tirana. Under the framework of IRIS Networking CSOs for protection sensitive migration management, project is funded by European Commission and implemented through joined forces of 6 NGOs from 5WB countries: IDC Serbia, ASB South East Europe, SOS Podgorica, LIR Civil Society from B&H, ARSIS Albania and La Strada North Macedonia
Over 30 participants, IRIS network members, distinctive mid-career
public servants, scholars, activists and professionals from civil society
organizations from the region, who were selected to participate on Academy, had
a unique opportunity to benefit from a diversified training package,
introduction of legal framework and practical models of social enterprises in
the region, exploring innovative entrepreneurship activities for the
development of the region through higher inclusion of migrants, Roma, women,
youth and PwD and other marginalized groups into labour market, and social
services delivery.
Participants attended 4 day tailor-made training consisted of different learning methodologies including lectures, workshops, discussions and field visits.
At the beginning of this four-day journey, Jelena Adjelkovic, project Manager in IDC Serbia and Masa Mitrovic, Project Manager from ASB South East Europe, presented Iris Network activities to all members and introduced participants to Social Academy agenda.
What is Social Enterprise? Concepts and Schools of Thought Different models of Social Enterprises – From Service Delivery to Sustainable Social Enterprises
Leaded by Anto & Juliana, through presentations and tactical workshops, participants learned how to start with social business and how to place it on the market.
Marko provided to participants first-hand experience when it comes to how
social enterprises can recognize opportunities in the community and the market.
He also gave some inputs how to determinate customer and target groups, ways of
finding sources for funding social enterprises and how to measure the social
impact!
Start thinking big, if you think small, everything will be small and unreachable. Change always comes from inside, said Marko
Afternoon on second training day was reserved for business model canvas and how to use it for social enterprise design. Participant had hard mission this afternoon, to create business plan for developing their own social brand. Results were outstanding thanks to mentoring support of our trainer’s trio.
Iris Network
Peak of the Academy was third day who was reserved for filed visit and introducing with successful examples of social enterprising in Tirana.
First visit was to YAPS, Youth Albania Professional Services, which is the first social business in Tirana. The company works in the fields of parcel delivery, cleaning and fix-it services. It was founded in 2001 and currently employs 112 people. The employees are orphans, Roma, Egyptians or people coming from a difficult financial background. Before they start to work for the company, they receive training by YAPS.
After some start-up financing they are now a commercially run company.
The director, Arben Shamija, explained that with their surplus YAPS has
financed a kindergarten for the city and some other social projects. One of the
secrets of his success is making the employees as responsible for their own
work as possible.
Although this enterprise had great success in short time, they are all
still struggling with funding, legislation and bureaucracy, Even they fully
employ marginal groups and persons with disabilities, they have no benefits
what so ever, paying full taxes and have no such as support from the
Government.
Next stop on our field visit was Qendra Xhonatan / Jonathan Center, a nonprofit organization, with the purpose of helping children with Down’s syndrome, autism and children with similar special needs, and at the same time to increase the awareness of their families to achieve the best for their life. As they say, intention is to bring a change in the spiritual approach and the possibility that Albanian society can accept and create an environment where the children with special needs can be integrated and achieve the best in life.
Work therapy, music therapy, psycho-social workshops and many other
things, help these children not only to survive and have a life, jet to have
fun and happy life and integrate in society.
As a part of the center, in coffee shop Qendra, children with special needs are serving coffee, organizing events, karaoke, shows, theater…
Johnatan Centre is fully funded from the coffee shop profit and
donations.
Klotilda Kosta, from Partners Albania for Change and Development, closed the Second Regional Social Academy of Iris Network with workshop and presentations on policy recommendation on Social Enterprises development
All 30 participants successfully finished this adventure! On
closing ceremony, they obtained certificates, and entered Academy Alumni.
Also, participation and great results that participant
achieved on this Academy will be seen as an advantage when applying for EU based
traineeships organized by IRIS network.
Now, upon finishing this adventure, some of participants will have the opportunity to receive the scholarship for traineeship in the relevant organization social service provider located in EU.
Until next Iris Regional Social Academy…
https://iris-see.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/105-e1559647594916.jpg7321280Sanja Vukelichttp://iris-see.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/logo.pngSanja Vukelic2019-06-04 13:36:482019-06-04 13:36:52Social enterprising on Second Regional Social Academy
A few days left until Second Iris Network Regional Social Academy. Applications are collected and news is expanded that in the end of May in Tirana will be held one of the biggest regional event that brings together civil society organizations and experts in these areas. The cities have already been filled up, the plan has been made and the materials are ready. Intrusive lectures and field visits will enable students and academia to gain knowledge and experience both theoretically and practical experience. The Academy offers participants a unique opportunity to benefit from a diversified training package, Introduction of legal framework and practical models of social enterprises in the region, exploring innovative entrepreneurship activities for the development of the region through higher inclusion of migrants, Roma, women, youth and PwD and other marginalised groups into labour market, and social services delivery.
Outstanding results at the Academy will be seen as an advantage when applying for EU based traineeships organized by IRIS Network. After the Academy, participants will have the opportunity to receive the scholarship for traineeship in the relevant organization social service provider located in EU.
How it all looked like and how the first academy was important for our participants, you can see in the videos below.
Training on First Regional Social Academy of Iris Network, Belgrade 2018
Field visits, Elementary School “Branko Pesic” and Asylum Camp Krnjaca, First Regional Social Academy of Iris Network, Belgrade 2018
Second Regional Social Academy, which will be held in Tirana, Albania from 27th to 30th May 2019. organised by Arbeiter Samariter Bund South East Europe together with Iris Network national partner – The Initiative for Social Change ARSIS
Regional Social Academy is part of the regular IRIS programme activities, organized annually in each of the WB state.
Pictures and impressions from First Regional Social Academy you can see here.
See you soon, stay tuned!
For application and additional questions contact iris@iris-see.eu.
https://iris-see.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/dan-2-6.jpg333500Sanja Vukelichttp://iris-see.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/logo.pngSanja Vukelic2019-05-09 12:45:422019-05-17 11:25:15Regional Social Academy of Iris Network – socialize and learn
Yesterday’s Roundtable Debate “CSOs providing social services in the Western Balkans: Challenges & opportunities”, which took place in Brussels in organization of the IRIS Network in cooperation with SOLIDAR, brought together policy makers and social services’ providers from relevant CSOs from the Balkan region.
The Round Table was attended by Regional and Country Directors of ASB-SEE, Elmir Bojadzic and Gordan Velev (Country Office Serbia), Coordinator of the Project “Improving the provision of Social Service Delivery in South Eastern Europe through the empowerment of national and regional CSOs”, Masa Mitrovic and representatives of IRIS Network partner organizations in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia.
Within meaningful discussion, participants expressed their views toward existing social challenges in WB including the consequences of slowed EU Enlargement process and ongoing migrant crisis. They also had the opportunity to present innovative and sustainable solutions in the field of services provision for the most vulnerable groups, with a special focus on youth, Roma and PwD. Within this part of debate, three innovative national case studies, developed through the Project of IRIS Network, were presented.
The presentation of ARSIS, IRIS Network partner in Albania could be seen here.
The presentation of IRIS Network in B&H could be found here.
The presentation of Otaharin, IRIS partner in B&H is available here.
The presentation of SMILE, IRIS partner in Serbia could be seen here.
https://iris-see.eu/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/29628779834_d5c24c57da_o.jpg25923872Adminhttp://iris-see.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/logo.pngAdmin2016-10-12 13:56:032016-10-26 09:00:46Roundtable Debate in Brussels – Challenges & Opportunities for Social Services’ Providers in WB
IRIS Network in cooperation with SOLIDAR is organizing the Round Table “CSOs PROVIDING SOCIAL SERVICES IN THE WESTERN BALKANS: CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES”, dedicated to challenges and opportunities for CSOs providing social services in the Western Balkans, which are related to overcoming current refugee crisis and the latest political and economic pressures inside the European Union that provoked a slowdown of the Enlargement process.
Civil society organizations (CSOs) need to find ways to revamp the Enlargement process and its social dimension in order to enhance economic, social and territorial cohesion. In particular the innovative capacities of CSOs providing social services needs to be strengthened and they need to be supported to strengthen their capacity and directly engage local and regional beneficiaries in decisions around the ‘EU Social Acquis’. These are the main objectives of the EU funded project “Improving the provision of Social Service Delivery in South Eastern Europe through the empowerment of national and regional CSOs” led by ASB-SEE that will be presented at this round table.
The Round Table will bring together policy makers and members of the civil society the possibility to discuss main challenges and opportunities for CSOs providing social services in the Western Balkans as well as the best solutions to make sure that Enlargement process is a catalyzer for social progress and enhancement of socio-economic rights.
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3 Day of Regional Social Academy
