Promoting civil society participation in decision-making processes on social inclusion in Belarus

About of project:

Description

The provision of assistance and support to people, vulnerable categories in particular, is one of the most essential functions in the activities of local authorities. The local community involvement in the process helps resolve arising issues and respond to people’s requirements as promptly and efficiently as possible.

Goals and objectives: The main goal is to develop cooperation between nongovernmental organisations and local authorities by means of joint training, experience exchange and humanitarian diplomacy for addressing the most pressing issues of vulnerable categories. It will help create a favourable environment for civil society involvement in the decision-making process.

The project objectives include improving the vulnerable categories’ access to social services and raising public awareness about their needs.

Interim outcomes: The project has provided for the establishment of one national, two district and 16 regional coordinating boards. They include representatives of local authorities and nongovernmental organisations, project partners and volunteers. Several volunteer councils have also been set up.

A number of manuals including psychosocial support, humanitarian guides and volunteer guides have been developed.

41 local volunteer initiatives have been developed in the target districts of Hrodna and Minsk Regions. The implementation of 18 more volunteer initiatives began in April of 2020.

50 experience exchange visits have been held on regional and district levels. Besides, more than 500 training events (needs and capacity assessment, leadership, initiative compilation and resource mobilization training courses; volunteer introduction courses; volunteer management training courses, etc.) have been held.

21representatives of local authorities and nongovernmental organisations have taken part in three study tours to the EU countries (Lithuania and Poland).

Three youth forums for 130 volunteers and two summer camps for vulnerable social groups (attended by 41 families, or 105 persons), as well as The Best Volunteer, The Best Social Partner and The Best Media Coverage have been organised under the project.

#ЯВолонтер ("I am a volunteer") Festival took place on 4 November 2019 in the lead-up to the International Volunteer Day; it was attended by more than 200 persons including representatives of the project partners, nongovernmental organisations and authorities.

The following printed products have been developed and produced: Psychosocial Support Guide, Volunteer Guide, Game Catalogue, Humanitarian Diplomacy Guide, Booklet about the Project.

Contacts: Aliesia Patapchyk, Project Manager, +375 29 525 10 34, +375 17 327 14 17, e-mail: patapchyk@redcross.by

Web links:
www.redcross.by 
https://redcross.by/volontery-so-vsej-strany-sobralis-vmeste-na-natsionalnoj-shkole-molodezhnogo-lid...