Empowering Family Assistants of Informal Waste Collectors

The training, titled “Skills that enable me to be a better family assistant and attitudes and knowledge that help me better understand others”, was held in Sabac from 25 to 27 November for 11 family assistants. Family assistants provide support aimed at the economic empowerment and social inclusion of families in the context of the solid waste modernisation program.

Participants had the opportunity to gain knowledge on culturally competent practices through lectures and interactive activities, practice active listening and assertive communication, learn about approaches to motivation and overcoming resistance among beneficiaries , and reflect on their attitudes and beliefs regarding diversity and discrimination. All these topics were discussed in the context of fieldwork and providing quality support to informal waste collectors.

On the second day of training, family assistants were joined by youth workers who will, in the upcoming period, provide employment support to young family members. During the joint session, next steps were defined, and a coordinated approach was agreed upon to support youth.

The training also facilitated the exchange of previous experiences and challenges in working with specific families, while family assistants received practical guidelines for further work.

The training was conducted as part of the “PRO - Local Governance for People and Nature” program, jointly implemented by UN agencies in Serbia – UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA, and UNEP, in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Serbia and with financial support from the Government of Switzerland.