In Kragujevac, within the scope of the project conducted on behalf of the Group 484, training exercises directed at refugees, displaced persons and the local citizenry of Kragujevac have commenced by means of which the skills and know-how necessary for the establishment of sole proprietorships might be imparted to those in question and thereby their chances for finding employment improved. Those initially enrolled of whom there are 15 women and 5 men, began courses on aesthetic care and thermal insulation which commenced with a theoretical overview of the subjects mentioned. Lessons in these fields are being conducted in the Second Technical School within the Centre for the continued education of adults.  Following their familiarization with the theoretical aspects of their courses of study, they will begin with the application of their knowledge in a practical sense within cosmetic salons and on construction sites. According sentiments expressed by the initial candidates, they are hopeful that by participating in these training exercises their chances of either finding employment or else establishing sole proprietorships will improve.

The Second Technical School is set to begin courses concerning forklift handling, greenhouse agriculture, window and floor installation as well as courses designed for expanding the skills sets of elderly housewives. By means of these training exercises, essential know-how is being imparted, along with the skills necessary for the successfully completion of specific jobs.  Those enrolled in the aforementioned training exercises, upon completion of the preset curriculum, are compelled to take examinations administered by a Commission and upon the completion of these will be presented with a certificate related to their field of study.  Alongside these training exercises, the Business Start-Up Centre in Kragujevac is soon to begin holding basic, computer skills and, “Successful business management,” courses.

 The aim of the project is to provide the opportunities for some 180 refugee and internally displaced persons, as well as for 20 persons from the local citizenry to complete the aforementioned training exercises. Following the successful completion of these training exercises, the graduates will be given the possibility to apply for grants designed to support their personal, business initiatives. 

The planned activities are being implemented within the scope of the project, “Support for Refugee and Displaced Persons in Serbia,” which is being financed by the European Union through the Delegation of the European Union in the Republic of Serbia, out of the IPA 2008 funds, while the Commissariat for Refugees is the beneficiary institution. The aim of the project is to contribute to the efforts exerted by the government of the Republic of Serbia and the Commissariat for Refugees of the Republic of Serbia towards the improvement of living conditions and the resolution of the socio-economic problems faced by this category of citizens, in adherence to the already established National Strategy.