Representatives of the Czech Government Express Satisfaction with the Continued Implementation of the Socio-Economic Inclusion Project
The Socio-Economic Inclusion Project in Brčko has successfully resumed this year, despite initial delays in its implementation. This was the key conclusion of the second partnership meeting held between the project implementers and partners and representatives of the Czech Government, acting as the donor.
The meeting brought together representatives of the Brčko District Development Guarantee Fund, SEI Center staff, CARE International BiH, CARE Czech Republic, and the Czech Development Agency. It was jointly emphasized that, despite the longer-than-expected approval process for the project’s continuation, significant progress has been achieved. Of the €500,000 planned for this year, approximately €300,000 has already been allocated or spent.
“This amount covers technical and operational costs related to the functioning of the SEI Center, contracts signed with companies employing interns, as well as support for selected start-ups,” stated Branislav Tanasijević, Project Manager at CARE International Balkans based in Sarajevo. He added that public calls for retraining programs have been prepared, along with an extension of the call related to the business incubator.
Participants highlighted the impressive pace of implementation, with all key activities completed within just twenty days.
“We needed less than 20 days to accomplish everything presented to the donor. The SEI Center staff deserve great credit for this field-level implementation. As soon as we began issuing direct project-related tasks, the four employees responded with full readiness and commitment,” Tanasijević emphasized.
Strengthened communication with Brčko local authorities was also recognized as a positive development that contributes to more efficient project implementation.
“This is a very important aspect that enables us to further accelerate planned activities, with the establishment of a social enterprise being the most important among them. We announced our intention to open such an enterprise, which was one of the key topics discussed with the donors. CARE has previously established social enterprises in BiH and the region, and we see the launch of one in Brčko as a serious and exciting challenge,” Tanasijević said.
He concluded that this initiative will be further discussed at the next meeting with Czech donors, which is scheduled for the second half of September.
