Author Archives: cosv

Introduction of the social economy and rehabilitation of the cooperative system in support of the agricultural development in Montenegro

Since 2007, together with Cooperatives Europe, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Agricultural Cooperatives Union in Montenegro, we have launched a program for the introduction of the Social Economy and cooperative entrepreneurship in Montenegro.

“Introduction of the social economy and rehabilitation of the cooperative system in support of the agricultural development in Montenegro” is part of this process and represents an important step towards the strengthening of the cooperative model.

The project meets all requirements of the demands and needs expressed by the various agencies and institutions to support the Montenegrin legislative process of harmonization of existing or in preparation laws. In this context, promoting the growth and competitiveness of cooperatives determines a double positive effect: it contributes to the economic development of Montenegro and gives the country a new opportunity to actively participate in the European economy, more and more oriented toward the cooperative model.

Among the project activities, we collaborated to the preparation of the general and  sectorial draft law on cooperatives, to be presented for parliamentary approval, and worked to strengthen the capacity of key institutions on operational and strategic management of cooperative entrepreneurship. In addition, information on the new legal framework and its potential for the development of co-operative has been promoted in several fields, such as organic production, fishing, beekeeping, dairy production, social enterprise and services.

Supporting Roma Women accessing the labour market in Macedonia

Roma people poverty conditions in Macedonia are partly related to the low level of education and the limited access to the labour market, but also due to a number of factors connected to cultural issues. In general, Roma are mostly employed in low quality jobs and in the informal sector, while Roma women report the highest unemployment rates in the region (84.1%).

Roma women are often captured within “traditions”, the patriarchal principles of family and community. Uneducated and economically dependent, they do not have the conditions to survive outside of the community; large portion of them looking for work still do not have the necessary level of education. The existing traditional forms and shapes of measures in the area of employment cannot effectively meet the needs of ethnic minorities’ women in the labour market.

The public employment service of Macedonia can hardly reach this disadvantaged group, as it is predominately focused on more active unemployed people with higher education. Consequently, Roma women can only be efficiently reached through alternative employment services and training programmes, aligned with their individual needs and circumstance.

The project supports the entry into the labour market for Roma women in the region of Pelagonia, directly involving 70 unemployed women aged over 40, long term unemployed (more than 1 year), single mothers, with at least basic education. To increase their key skills, specific training services will be developed, personal  development processes implemented and workshops on self-confidence and motivation activated.

Furthermore, the proposal will support tailor made employment services working towards anti-discrimination and awareness raising campaign activities.

Roma Mediation Offices located in Prilep, Bitola and Resen will be supported to become an effective help for social inclusion of Roma women in the labour market. Through the presence of a skilled consultant, the offices will increase their capacity in terms of organization, mutual cooperation, and quality of services and effectiveness of their activities in order to be able to increase employment potential of Roma women in Pelagonia region.

 

Public announcement for International Experts – 27/03/2013

Terms of reference for engagement of International Experts/ Consultants

For children, adolescents and young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The project was designed to increase the participation of young people in the socio-economic life of the country , promoting their role of agents of change and reconstruction. Activities were carried out both with local authorities and operators, and with young people.

Together with local institutions, we have worked in the promotion and implementation of policies and concrete actions in favor of minors and young people , with particular attention to groups ” at risk.” Educators active in the sector have also had the opportunity to develop a greater sensitivity and attention to matters concerning children and youth.

Concerning the activity with young people, we have supported and enhanced the role of youth and its capacity of dialogue with institutions and enhanced the development of youth entrepreneurship experiences in line with Bosnian market characteristics and prospects. Access to credit has been also improved.