The Ecumenical Humanitarian Organization organized a three-day accredited training program for geriatric nurses from 14 to 16 October in Bečej, in which 15 participants of the project "Empowerment through vocational and professional training" Preventing Migration by Empowering Individuals Through Vocational and Professional Trainings), financed by the Diakonie Württemberg from Germany, with the aim of improving their professional skills and increasing employability in the local community.

The training was conducted by experienced trainers and experts from the Center for Support and Inclusion HelpNet from Belgrade, Vladimir Jovanović and Marija Milivojević Šuljagić. In question is the accredited "Geriatric nurse training program for the provision of Home Help services for the elderly and disabled" for which HelpNet is the copyright holder.

The training enabled the participants to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to provide this important service. During the training, the participants had the opportunity to become familiar with the wider context of the service, the types of work and activities performed by geriatric nurses, including establishing communication with users, keeping an activity diary, and reporting on completed visits and activities. The program used case studies and practical situations that geriatric nurses may find in the field, which enabled participants to face the real challenges of this job. The training included a final knowledge test to check the understanding of the content and the readiness of the participants to work in this field.

Some of the participants of the training will gain practical experience through work in the institution "Our housekeeeper", licensed by the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs, which provides services of assistance in the home for the elderly, a personal companion of a child, a home for the elderly and shelters for adults.

This pilot project is intended for socially disadvantaged persons aged 17 to 45 from the territory of Bečej Municipality with the aim of improving their employment opportunities, increasing the level of education and encouraging sustainable life in the local community through comprehensive professional training, retraining, professional practice, mentoring and opportunities for employment.