Promoting Social Cohesion: Empowering Migrants through Community Activities in Serbia

With a focus on enhancing the quality of time spent in the centers, these activities have proven to be instrumental in fostering social cohesion, improving everyday life, and promoting a sense of community among migrants living in these centers. Currently active in four locations, they have engaged more than 2565 beneficiaries from diverse backgrounds.

Among many useful hobbies for creative expression and skill-building , migrants are engaged in tailoring clothing items such as t-shirts, tracksuits, underwear, and winter hats. This not only provides a practical skill but also offers a means of empowerment . Repairing personal clothing, making towels, and other essential hygienic items used in an eveyday life, also contributes to a sense of self-sufficiency and resourcefulness.

However, these activities go beyond individual skill development. As part of a broader strategy to enrich community-based services and facilitate the integration of migrants into local communities, the initiative includes partnerships with nine civil society organizations. These partnerships were established through Call for Proposals of the International Organization for Migration's (IOM)in cooperation with the Comissariat for Refugees and Migration and the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs. The selected projects and programs enable:

1. Specialized Protection Services forulnerable migrants, particularly unaccompanied and separated children, victims of gender-based violence, human trafficking survivors, and other individuals in need, ensuring that care, support and protection is provided for those who are most at risk and need.
2. Intercultural Interchange and Social Cohesion activities, aiming to promote intercultural exchange,understanding and opportunities for inclusion in the communities. The projects provide spaces for direct and meaningful interaction between migrants and local population, especially youth. By organizing numerous joint events, workshops, and activities these initiatives work to foster mutual aceptance, and contribute to a migration narrative based on first-hand insight into migrants’s lives and stories..

This broader approach aims to not only benefit migrants but also create positive ripples within local communities. With active involvement from five Reception and Asylum Centers and 10 local communities, the projects are contributing to the development of harmonious relationships and shared experiences between migrants and locals.

In summary, the proactive efforts to enhance the lives of migrants in Serbia are creating a positive impact on both individuals and communitiesby providing opportunities for skill-building, creative expression, and intercultural interaction, these initiatives are not only supporting the well-being of migrants but also promoting social cohesion and inclusivity within local communities. As the projects continue to unfold, they stand as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, empathy, and community-driven action.