Anđela Vasiljević, a resident of Nikšić, recently secured employment thanks to the skills she acquired through the Regional Programme for Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 2 (ReLOaD2) financed by the European union and implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). program. She was an active participant in the ‘Let’s be Competitive’ project, implemented by the NGO Social justice over the past year. This project aimed to empower ten individuals receiving social welfare support, helping them become more professionally viable in the job market.
Participants had the opportunity to improve their English language skills, enhance computer literacy, and attend driving lessons. By acquiring these essential skills, they are now in a much stronger position to meet the key requirements that employers often emphasize in job postings. They were selected based on their long-term status as recipients of social assistance and their willingness to enhance their skills. The project’s goal was to enable these individuals to actively seek employment, thus moving out of a state of social need and becoming better prepared for the labour market. According to the Municipal report 2022, a significant number of families comprising 2,567 members, are in a state of social need, with 71% being able to work. However, financial constraints have prevented many from pursuing skill development, leaving them less competitive in the current job market.
Recognizing this challenge, the NGO Social justice took on the challenge by submitting this idea to the ReLOaD Public call for CSOs. Marija Mijušković Kastratović, the director of NGO expressed her satisfaction with the project, noting the transformative impact it had on participants.
“I enjoyed witnessing the transformation of both the younger participants and middle-aged parents. They were all eager to improve their skills and advance towards employment, thereby lifting themselves out of social need,” she said. “I see they are glowing up now,” she proudly added.
The success of the project is evident: three young participants secured seasonal employment immediately after completing their training, applying their newly acquired skills in real work environments. Additionally, three women found employment (two with permanent contracts and one with a temporary contract), significantly strengthening their families.
“It is noteworthy that the most dedicated attendees were women with young children. They were highly motivated and managed their childcare responsibilities alongside the training with ease. Anđela, Danica, and Milica were particularly determined to succeed, and their hard work paid off,” explains the director of the NGO.
The success of this project serves as a model of good practice for local governments, institutions, employers, and the broader public. It highlights how skill development can transform individuals from passive recipients of aid into active contributors to society.
By empowering recipients of social assistance through such programs, their skills and competitiveness in the job market are enhanced, leading to potential employment. This, in turn, reduces the burden on state institutions such as the Employment service and the Center for social work, proving that the local community has also benefited from this project.
The Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans is being implemented in partnership with fourteen municipalities in Montenegro, grouped into five clusters, including the “Together Nikšić and Plužine” cluster. In the ReLOaD2 program, NGOs from these municipalities successfully carried out eighteen programs, with a total value of approximately 215,000 EUR.
