Help’s strategy in the Western Balkans extends beyond emergency aid, incorporating the transformative power of regional collaboration in addressing humanitarian, social and economic challenges towards achieving sustainable development.
The Western Balkan region faces significant humanitarian, social and economic challenges. How can regional connections contribute to addressing these issues effectively?
― At the core of our mission is the principle of providing aid in a way that empowers individuals and communities to build self-determined lives in dignity and security. We operate based on the belief that aid should be provided in a manner that fosters self-reliance and the ability to overcome challenges. In the Western Balkans, we have consistently applied this principle of strengthening the resilience of vulnerable population groups, thus bridging the gap between humanitarian and development-oriented measures at the local level, in collaboration with local partners.
Our understanding of collaboration and regional connections has deepened and proved to be the most efficient model for addressing these challenges and creating a positive impact.
The “Socio-Economic Empowerment of the Western Balkans” programme operates in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia. What significant impacts and outcomes has the programme so far achieved?
― Our empowerment in the Western Balkans goes beyond providing emergency assistance during disasters. It focuses on economic liberation and provides skills and knowledge for the unemployed to lead self-determined lives. Our activities emphasise regional cooperation and innovative and environmentally friendly activities.
Our empowerment in the Western Balkans extends beyond providing emergency assistance during disasters. It focuses on economic liberation and the provision of skills and knowledge for the unemployed to lead self-determined lives
Within the scope of this programme, since 2017, we have established nearly 2,500 businesses and provided skills to over 4,500 people, easing their access to the labour market. We collaborate with 20 prisons and have supported 100 local initiatives benefiting tens of thousands of citizens. We cooperate with Red Cross Serbia and support the Down Syndrome Association of Kosovo or Roma-Egyptian people and mediators in Montenegro. Overall, we mobilise local CSOs and communities in line with our vision and principles.
Help has taken steps to include green ideas in the Western Balkan region and support sustainable development. Could you explain your strategy in the region and how these initiatives align with your mission and goals?
― We recognise the necessity of a green economy in the Western Balkans and promote environmental and climate-friendly entrepreneurship. Our strategy focuses on connecting education and enthusiasm for green practices, in-kind grants, creating networks, and aligning with legislation.
Our strategy is the product of a comprehensive participatory process that involves experts who have excellent knowledge of the regions and countries in which Help is active. This strategy was adopted in 2020 and focuses on providing needs-based, environmentally friendly assistance, increasing the resilience of people while recognising the equality of all people in their diversity and circumstances.
In Southeast and Eastern Europe, Help facilitates close coordination of humanitarian assistance and development cooperation, working towards the region’s long-term strategic goals of EU integration and the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. By addressing the region’s unique challenges, such as political instability and high unemployment rates, we have been able to support the community’s journey towards self-reliance.
