Philanthropy supports women and older people through a new project

Philanthropy, with the support of the LDS, has launched a new project, “Elderly Home Care Training for Unemployed Women in Serbia,” implemented from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. The project focuses on empowering unemployed women by providing them with new knowledge and practical skills, while also supporting older people who are most in need of assistance.

One of the key activities of the project is a certified training programme for gerontological caregivers, designed for 40 unemployed women from the cities of Kraljevo, Kragujevac, Belgrade, and Ruma. Through the training, participants have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and practical skills that can support their professional development and facilitate their entry into the workforce.

There is strong interest among unemployed women in the training programme, and the available places are filling quickly. The high level of participation demonstrates the importance of opportunities that enable women to improve their knowledge, develop new competencies, and take the next step in their professional development.

To date, gerontological caregiver training sessions have been conducted in the cities of Ruma and Kraljevo, while activities are continuing in accordance with the project plan. Through the training, participants receive support to apply their newly acquired knowledge in practice and further develop skills relevant to working with older people.

An important component of the project is the provision of uniforms and work equipment for trained women. In addition to their practical purpose, uniforms are an important part of preparing participants for professional service delivery and contribute to their professional presentation and safety while working. In this way, support does not end with the training itself but continues by creating the conditions for participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills in practice.

Supporting women who are currently unemployed is an important element of the project. Through certified training, participants have the opportunity to strengthen their competencies, gain new experience, and develop skills that can contribute to their future professional pathways. Empowerment through education, practical skills, and support for participation in the workforce can contribute to greater independence and more active participation in the community.

At the same time, the project addresses the needs of older people living in rural communities. The project includes the provision of home care services to 10 beneficiaries, providing additional support to older people in their everyday lives.

In addition, the project includes the distribution of food and hygiene packages to 100 of Philanthropy’s most vulnerable beneficiaries in rural communities. This activity provides an additional form of support to people in need and contributes to addressing their basic needs.

By connecting women’s empowerment with support for older people, the project responds to the needs of different members of the community. It provides unemployed women with opportunities to acquire new knowledge and skills, while offering older and vulnerable beneficiaries practical support in their everyday lives.

Throughout the project implementation period, Philanthropy will continue carrying out the planned activities, with the aim of contributing to women’s empowerment and strengthening support for older people in rural communities through training, practical assistance, and community-based activities.