Across Serbia, significant initiatives have been launched to aid vulnerable populations including the unemployed, youth, and those with disabilities, culminating in new support measures aimed at improving employment opportunities. Recently, officials have unveiled twelve public calls geared toward providing direct financial assistance to both employers and the unemployed. This initiative is projected to aid over 15,000 citizens and involves funding amounting to 6.25 billion dinars for the year, as announced by the National Employment Service (NSZ).
Highlighting the urgency and intent of this initiative, the NSZ emphasized its focus on the most difficult-to-employ groups. Among these are individuals without basic education or completed high school, young people under the age of 30 lacking work experience, women—especially those from less developed areas—persons with disabilities, and long-term unemployed individuals seeking jobs for over 12 months. The funding is also directed at single parents as well as couples where both partners are unemployed.
Most of the public calls remain open until November 28, with the deadline for applications related to measures intended for persons with disabilities extending to December 31. Notably, there is also a public call for self-employment subsidies accessible until April 14, and support for employer training measures being available until October 31. Applications can be submitted to relevant organizational units of the NSZ based on the workplace of the individual or the employer’s seat, either directly, by mail, or electronically. Detailed information is readily available on their official website.
Meanwhile, the collection of funds for children’s medical treatment exemplifies community support and engagement through voluntary actions. A remarkable achievement came when volunteers from the 'Bids for Prijedor' group raised over 105,000 convertible marks within four years, funding life-saving treatments through various humanitarian activities. The group has organized numerous bazaars and auctions with the participation of the local community, resulting in substantial contributions to various medical needs ranging from cancer treatments to rare diseases.
Branka Stjepanović, a member of the group, shared insights on their fundraising efforts, highlighting how not only children but adults too have benefited from this initiative. "The most common issues we address include serious ailments such as malignant diseases and cerebral palsy. We've also seen requests for funding related to rarer conditions like spinal muscular atrophy and Angelman syndrome," she stated, emphasizing gratitude toward the community for their generosity.
On the other side of the spectrum, the welfare of 31 children discovered living under unfortunate conditions has prompted immediate action from authorities. Following their rescue from inadequate living conditions, these children, aged from newborns to 12 years old, have been relocated to secure accommodations within a local hotel. Mayor Siniša Milić confirmed the children’s current safety, stating, "They are adequately cared for daily, receiving comprehensive support including psychological and medical assistance. They are being taken to health care facilities wherever necessary.” This swift response has underscored the obligations of local institutions to provide for such vulnerable populations.
Milić also held discussions with members from the local prosecutor's office and police, evaluating the effectiveness of current actions and planning additional support strategies for the children. Together, they concluded their collaborative efforts align with standards outlined for such cases, ensuring children’s immediate and long-term welfare.
Aside from these initiatives, training programs aimed at enhancing the support for the elderly population have made headway, particularly through the accredited training of home care aides. Over the course of one week, twelve women received formal training to provide necessary assistance to older adults across four villages within the Beočin territory. This initiative not only promises immediate help for around 40 senior citizens but also aims to expand the reach of these services as project funding allows.
Funded by the European Union under the IPA 2020 scheme, the program titled “For Peaceful Old Age” has focused on equipping participants with pertinent knowledge about aging, health care, and basic nutrition to improve the qualities of service they provide. Protective measures surrounding elderly citizens are fast becoming priorities within local governance due to significant advocacy for aging populations.
Finally, on the governmental front, significant enhancements are being made to bolster border security and operational control over migration. Deputy Prime Minister Ivica Dačić announced the receipt of mobile units through collaborations with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He emphasized how these mobile units would facilitate timely responses to border challenges and reinforce regional stability, reasserting Serbia's commitment to managing migration effectively and humanely.
Dačić reiterated Serbia's stance on maintaining the rights of migrants and refugees, affirming the Ministry of Interior's dedication to combating illegal activities efficiently. Daler Kardel, Denmark's Ambassador to Serbia, expressed optimism about the potential impacts of this 'Schengen bus', highlighting its role as part of broader efforts to promote safe and orderly migration.
The collective actions across various fronts display Serbian society's dedication to improving living standards and support for its most vulnerable populations, reflecting hopeful aspirations for continued progress and community resilience amid numerous challenges.