As part of the regional EMPOWERED Western Balkans project, the Youth with Disabilities Forum (YDF) conducted two three‑day trainings on project proposal writing in November and December 2025. The trainings were designed for persons with disabilities and local stakeholders working to improve the position of persons with disabilities, and were held in Dimitrovgrad (18–20 November) and Leskovac (9–11 December).
As the organization responsible for expert implementation, YDF provided participants with a systematic and practical introduction to developing project ideas and preparing project documentation. Both trainings covered key topics such as the project cycle, definition of goals and expected results, activity planning, basic budgeting principles, risk identification and management, monitoring and evaluation, as well as the logical structure of a high‑quality project proposal.
Through a combination of theoretical sessions and hands‑on exercises, participants had the opportunity to develop concrete project ideas and acquire the skills necessary for their further elaboration and implementation.
The trainings brought together representatives of the City Administration, the Center for Social Work, civil society organizations, and organizations providing direct support to persons with disabilities, including associations of people with multiple sclerosis, associations of persons with paraplegia and muscular dystrophy, organizations of blind and visually impaired persons, as well as actors involved in independent living support. Participants were introduced to a set of tools and approaches that can respond to specific local needs and contribute to the development of inclusive initiatives.
Both trainings are part of the educational component of the EMPOWERED Western Balkans project, aimed at strengthening the capacities of local stakeholders to plan and implement initiatives that improve the position of persons with disabilities and enhance regional cooperation across the Western Balkans. YDF will continue to provide expert support and develop programs that empower persons with disabilities and local institutions, contributing to the creation of sustainable, inclusive, and accessible communities.
