EU SUPPORTS THE FIRST SOCIAL ENTERPRISE IN JABLANICA DISTRICT

4. November 2015.

Lebane – A plant for the production of food preserved and stored for winter was recently put into operation in Lebane, whereby the first social enterprise in the Jablanica region officially began operating.

The plant was opened as part of the project "Social Entrepreneurship for the Socially Responsible Society," which was implemented by the “Rose” association of women and the municipality of Lebane, with the financial support of the European Union, the Swiss Government and the Government of the Republic of Serbia, through the European Progress program. The financial support of 19, 450 euros was spent on renovating and fully equipping the premises for the production of the local food preserved and stored for winter. The newly opened company provided steady jobs for five, as well as temporary jobs for three women belonging to the most vulnerable social groups in the municipality of Lebane, while a share of the profits will be invested in improving social services in the municipality of Lebane.

“This company is our chance to provide full-rime employment to women, instead of temporary one. The company that we opened isn’t only for us and the current employees, since it can also be a place for developing a number of new projects and programs, "said Slobodanka Pavlovic, a member of the association of women "Rose".

The “Social Entrepreneurship for Socially Responsible Society "project is one of the 20 projects supported by the Fund for the Involvement of Citizens of the European Progress development program. The activity promotes the joint work of local self-governments and civil society organizations, while projects valued at 400,000 euros were supported in 2015 in this way.

“All the projects supported through the Fund for the Involvement of Citizens are implemented by civil society organizations and local self-governments. We want to show that civil society can be a strong partner in solving problems in the community, especially when it comes to supporting the most vulnerable groups, "said Biljana Keric, the coordinator of the projects.

The European Union and the Government of Switzerland support the activities of the European Progress, the program contributing to the sustainable development of the southern and southwestern Serbia, with a total of 24, 46 million euros. The approved projects are aimed at strengthening the local administration, creating a favorable environment for the development of infrastructure and economy, as well as at improving the implementation of social inclusion and employment policy. Field activities are conducted by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

Source: Jugmedia and Coordination Body