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Balkan caravan – Journey through the Western Balkan region

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).