Successfully implemented project IRIS PROGRES – Strengthening the capacity of service providers in the community and participation in public policies
The IRIS PROGRES project was completed, bringing significant results in strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations and improving social services in the countries of the Western Balkans.
Through the project, the IRIS network was additionally strengthened, a regional network that today gathers around 270 civil society organizations that provide support to the most vulnerable citizens and develop social services in their communities.
Support for local initiatives
Through the grant scheme of the IRIS network, organizations that develop social services and support programs for vulnerable groups in their communities are supported.
Results:
- 13 grants awarded within the IRIS PROGRESS project
- A total of 170 grants have been awarded since 2012
Supported initiatives included early intervention programs for children with developmental disabilities, support for women in rural areas, operation of the SOS telephone for women victims of violence, development of local strategic documents, integration of persons with disabilities into the labor market, and others.
Strengthening the capacity of organizations
The quality of social services depends on the capacity of the organizations that provide them. That is why, through the IRIS network mentoring program, individual support was provided to civil society organizations for improving the quality standards of social services.
Result:
- 28 organizations received mentoring support in the process of licensing services and developing internal procedures for the protection of user data and quality standards.
Knowledge exchange and development of experts
Also within this project, Regional Social Academies were realized, which brought together representatives of civil society organizations from the region.
Results:
- 3 Regional social academies
- 102 participants from civil society organizations
- The themes of the academies included a human rights-based approach to social services, inclusion of youth at risk and gender equality.
Youth in the social sector
The project provided an opportunity for young people to gain practical experience in civil society organizations that provide social services.
Results:
- 12 students participated in the three-month internship program
Dialogue for the development of public policies
The project contributed to strengthening cooperation between civil society organizations, institutions and local communities through a series of civil dialogue events.
Results:
- 18 civil dialogue events in the region
- 600+ participants from the civil sector, institutions and local governments
During these meetings, the development of social services, social entrepreneurship and employment of persons with disabilities were discussed.
Balkan caravan – human rights in the community
One of the most visible activities of the project was the Balkan Caravan, a regional initiative that connected organizations, citizens and decision makers through public events.
Results:
- events in 6 cities of the region
- more than 1,200 participants
- human rights festivals, workshops and exhibitions
This initiative contributed to greater visibility of the topics of human rights and social inclusion in local communities.
Together for a more inclusive society
The results of the IRIS PROGRESS project show that strong civil society organizations, regional cooperation and continuous investment in knowledge are the key to the development of quality and accessible social services in the Western Balkans region.
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The project was implemented by IDC in partnership with ASB SEE (Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund), Center for Labor Rights (CLR) from Albania, LIR CD from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Community Development Institute from North Macedonia, Alfa Center from Montenegro and Center for Independent Living from Kosovo*.
The project is financed by the European Union.