The “SIJMA” project aims to create employment opportunities and economic development in mining areas in transition, such as Konche and Radovis, i.e. in mines that have already been closed, activities are being carried out aimed at creating new opportunities for young people. The focus is on encouraging social innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity, in order for young people to acquire skills through retraining that will enable them to be employed in various activities and develop sustainable local economies. With the project’s activities, these areas will be revitalized, while at the same time sustainable jobs and new opportunities for economic progress will be created.
The main focus of the project is organizing workshops, trainings and exchange of good practices that will create conditions for retraining and improving the skills of young people, as well as unemployed people. These activities will enable participants to acquire new competencies, which will increase their competitiveness on the labor market and encourage them to develop their own business ideas.
Key objectives of SIJMA:
- Strengthening social innovation as a driver of employment and entrepreneurship
- Improving regional policies for sustainable development and social economy
- Supporting experimental platforms for local solutions
- Encouraging cooperation between the public and private sectors
- Exchange of good practices between regions
- Mentoring programs and capacity building for young and social entrepreneurs
- Involving communities in decision-making processes
The role of the Center for Development of the Southeast Planning Region in the project:
- Initiatives for integrating social innovation into regional development policies
- Organization of thematic workshops and study visits
- Developing new policies for social entrepreneurship and citizen participation
- Dissemination of results to stakeholders, the business sector and decision-makers
