Aiming to improve access of our vulnerable target groups to the labour market and exchange innovative solutions to address long-term unemployment, we attended a meeting of the Access to Employment Network, organized by the Lithuanian Lutheran Diaconate, held in Kaunas, Lithuania. The meeting brought together network members from different European countries who, over three days, from 15 to 17 October, exchanged experiences, presented examples of good practice and discussed opportunities for strengthening cooperation.

During the meeting, members of EHO (Serbia), Vsi Gabrielius (Lithuania) and Diakonie Württemberg (Germany) presented their ongoing initiatives that contribute to employment, skills development and social inclusion of vulnerable groups. A representative of the Ecumenical Humanitarian Organization presented the results of the project “Empowering Refugees in Serbia”, which was supported by UMCOR. The presentation focused on training and retraining programs for refugees and other vulnerable groups, with the aim of enabling them easier access to the labor market and long-term socio-economic integration and employability.

The meeting was also attended by Dovile Bedouet, coordinator of the Social Innovation+ Initiative, who held an online lecture on innovative projects across Europe aimed at solving the problem of long-term unemployment. The participants also had the opportunity to visit the Crisis Center in Jubarkas and see first-hand the ways in which this organization provides support to individuals and families in crisis situations.

EHO's participation in this meeting further strengthened ties with partners from Europe and opened up opportunities for new partnerships in the areas of employment, education and social inclusion. Through projects such as "Empowering Refugees in Serbia", EHO continues to contribute to creating a society of equal opportunities and support for all who want to build a safer and more dignified future.