A facility for winter preserve manufacturing was opened in Lebane today, becoming the first social entrepreneurship in the Jablanica district.
The facility was part of the “Social entrepreneurship for a socially responsible society” project, carried out jointly by the Association of Women “Ruža“ and Lebane municipality, with the financial support of the European Union and the Governments of Switzerland and Serbia through the European PROGRES Programme. Production facilities were completely renovated and equipped through the assistance in the amount of 19, 450 Euros. The newly-established enterprise provides permanent employment for five, and part-time engagement for three women, members of most vulnerable social groups from Lebane. Additionally, a portion of the earned profits will be directed towards the improvement of social services in Lebane.
“This enterprise is our opportunity to provide women with permanent employment, instead of temporary and occasional jobs. However, the enterprise we are opening today is not solely for us or for the currently employed, it could be a basis for future projects and programmes.” Slobodanka Pavlović, member of the Association of Women “Ruža”’ Steering Committee stated.
“Social entrepreneurship for a socially responsible society” is one of 20 projects supported through the European PROGRES’s Citizens Involvement Fund. This activity encourages cooperation between local governments and civil society organisations. In 2015, this activity provided funding for projects in the amount of 400,000 Euros.
“All projects we supported through the Citizens Involvement Fund are implemented by civil society organisations in partnership with local self-governments. We want to demonstrate that civil society can be a powerful partner in solving communities’ problems, especially when most vulnerable groups are involved.” Biljana Kerić who coordinated these projects states.
The European Union and the Government of Switzerland will support the activities of the European PROGRES, a programme contributing to sustainable development of South and South West Serbia, with almost 24.46 million EUR. The approved projects will aim to strengthen the local administration, create enabling environment for development of infrastructure and economy as well as improved implementation of social inclusion and employment policy. The activities are implemented on site by the United Nations Office for Project Services UNOPS.
