In order to improve socio-economic situation of marginalized groups in Vojvodina, a three-year project (2019-2022) was launched, consisting of two components: economic empowerment and education.

The educational component is implemented in cooperation with primary schools in the following places in Vojvodina: Novi Sad, Subotica, Kikinda, Zrenjanin, Novi Bečej, Srpska Crnja and Feketić.

The beneficiaries of the educational component are primary school pupils grades 1 through 8 with a special focus on pupils in grades 7 and 8. Aiming to successfully integrate children into the education system with the best possible achievements, organized are individual mentoring support, workshops and support in school supplies.
Within the framework of economic empowerment, the following activities are implemented:

(a) awarding start-up grants to business beginners for purchasing new machinery and equipment to start or expand their own business in the field of manufacture or service activities,
(b) organizing trainings on writing a business plan where participants shall:
- become familiar with features and elements of business plans
- develop basic planning skills for their business and master some planning methods
- fill in an individual business plan application for the award of grants
(c) awarding start-up grants to business beginners for purchasing new machinery and equipment, with the registration of small enterprises and commencement or expansion of their own business in the field of manufacture and/or service activities.

During the project, 590 members of marginalized groups (Roma, IDPs, returnees, social assistance recipients, families living below the poverty line) in Vojvodina are planned to be supported through these two components.

Implementation period: July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2022

Partner: Brot für die Welt, Diakonie Württemberg / Hoffnung für Osteuropa

Coordinator: Tanja Stojković > tanjas@ehons.org