Humanitarian Aid for Informal Waste Pickers’ Families in Loznica

A humanitarian aid distribution event was held at the Lagator Sports Centre in Loznica for families of informal waste pickers. Families received food packages, essential household supplies, hygiene products, and other necessities, while the youngest members were given small gift packages.

This initiative is an additional form of support provided by the “PRO - Local Governance for People and Nature” programme to improve the economic position of informal waste pickers. The programme specifically focuses on 61 families in 12 local self-governments that have been directly affected by the modernization of the waste management system.

Željko Vidanović from the Centre for Digital Inclusion in Niš presented the initiative, explaining that it was carried out in synergy with the "Get Involved!" project, also implemented by the Centre for Digital Inclusion and funded through the PRO programme. In addition to strengthening the capacities of vulnerable groups through various educational programmes, this project also introduced the "I Have-I Need" application, establishing a sustainable mechanism for humanitarian donations from citizens and organisations in the form of food, clothing, or furniture for those in need.

"We are grateful to the PRO programme and the Government of Switzerland for enabling us to provide this direct support to families of secondary raw material collectors. We hope to engage more local partners and donors in the future so that we can continue providing this type of tangible assistance to the most vulnerable," said Željko Vidanović.

Tanja Glišić Matić, Head of the Department for Social Affairs, also expressed gratitude to the PRO programme: "The city landfill will soon be closed, and these people will lose their jobs. We are extremely grateful to the donor for helping us address this major issue and for enabling these individuals to achieve economic empowerment."

Although the PRO Programme primarily focuses on strengthening sustainable and systemic mechanisms for the economic empowerment of informal waste pickers, humanitarian aid plays a crucial role in supporting them during their transition towards new sources of income.

The “PRO - Local Governance for People and Nature” programme is jointly implemented by United Nations 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. The programme contributes to improving the quality of life of citizens by enhancing local governance, social inclusion, and environmental protection across 110 cities and municipalities in Serbia.