UN Delegation Visits Ćuprija and the Family Empowerment Corner Project

The delegation, headed by Ms. Son, also included Michela Telatin, Director of the UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Serbia, and Matilde Mordt, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia. The delegation was welcomed in Ćuprija by the Municipality President, Jelena Djulinac, along with project partners and local collaborators.

The Family Empowerment Corner project is one of 20 initiatives selected through a public call aimed at supporting civil society organisations and local governments in providing socially integrated services. The project is implemented by the Red Cross of Ćuprija in partnership with the local Health Centre and the Centre for Social Work. So far, various activities have provided support to nearly 400 beneficiaries from over 70 families.

During the visit, UN representatives met with experts involved in the project, including psychologists, social workers, doctors, nutritionists, and educators specialising in working with children with disabilities, as well as people who directly benefitted from these services.

Interlocutors emphasised that this project is an excellent example of cooperation between local institutions and civil society organisations in delivering essential services to vulnerable populations. "This is an example of the social impact of a community-led project, and it is wonderful to see the results of this integrated approach by various social institutions focused on vulnerable groups," highlighted Michela Telatin, Director of the UNOPS Office.

Resident Coordinator Mordt pointed out the priorities of the United Nations in Serbia, which, in addition to economic progress and environmental protection, also include supporting the realisation of the rights of the most vulnerable social groups. “This is a centre that provides support to families facing different forms of vulnerability, such as families affected by domestic violence, those with ill members, or those with children involved in peer violence. The Family Empowerment Corner project in Ćuprija aligns perfectly with our principle—leaving no one behind.”

Municipality President Jelena Djulinac expressed gratitude for the visit and thanked UNOPS and the PRO programme for their support. "Our goal is to provide assistance to families who have faced challenges at some point and ensure their equal status in society. I thank UNOPS for recognising Ćuprija as a valuable partner in implementing projects that promote social inclusion for those in need, reaffirming that our society is inclusive and open to all," Djulinac stated.

In the coming period, the PRO programme will continue its activities, with additional workshops aimed at empowering families and enhancing social inclusion in Ćuprija and beyond. The Programme "PRO - Local Governance for People and Nature" is jointly implemented by the United Nations agencies in Serbia - UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNEP, in cooperation with the Government of Serbia, and with the financial support of the Government of Switzerland.